Guiding and Directing the Church: Knowledge, Wisdom, and Leadership: Gifts in Ministry VII
According to the Apostle Paul, knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. In fact, in the Body of Christ, the church, they are separate and distinct gifts: “There are different kinds of gifts…Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit…” (and he goes on to list other gifts of faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues—1 Corinthians 12). One way to contrast these two gifts is to say that those with the gift of Knowledge bring Biblical truth and God-given insight to the church, while those with the gift of Wisdom use that information by applying it to specific situations, providing guidance in the church. Both are necessary. Each needs the other to provide a complete picture of God’s direction for His people.
Many in in the church share God’s grace with us through their Knowledge and Wisdom gifts. A.H. describes his gift of Knowledge this way: “I think of this gift in terms of being able to see all facets of an issue or subject, including important aspects that aren't immediately apparent.” A.H. also recognizes the need for others in the body of Christ to complement his gifts: “I have to remember that Knowledge is different than Wisdom, and so the information I can bring to a situation needs others in the body who can decide how to use it wisely."
K.M. was surprised to discover, through the God. Gifts. You. assessment, that she has the gift of Wisdom. On further reflection, she recalls, “I’ve experienced several exciting occasions when a single comment, by me or another member of a group, has moved a discussion in an unexpected, very productive direction or crystallized the group's thinking into clarity and solution. The circumstances I'm thinking of had nothing to do with the force of the speaker's personality and everything to do with what listeners recognized as truth and rightness in their words.”
Another gift mentioned in scripture (Romans 12:6-8) is Leadership. Those with this gift might be described as visionary, good motivators, and effective directors—helping lead and inspire others to achieve God’s purposes. One church elder talks about his spiritual gift of Leadership this way: "I have learned that leadership in spiritual organizations differs from that in secular organizations in at least one significant way. During my term on the Session and the personnel and stewardship committees, I felt that God was teaching me to always seek His will in the decision-making process. I have found this to be through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and studying His Word by all involved in the group. I am learning on the Short-Term missions committee and in starting up a Compassion support team that leadership involves serving the needs of the group as we seek the will of God in decisions and activities!" R.D., a university leader, offers this description of his gift: “Leadership involves a vision of what goals you want the group to achieve, organization and planning to achieve those goals, and inspiration and equipping of the members of the group to participate in the planning and execution phases. I have been fortunate to have had leadership positions in both my job at the university and in volunteer work with my church, and what I have learned about leadership in each setting has helped in the other settings.”
These three gifts along with twenty others are part of how God has equipped the church to function. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have spiritual gifts. Are you using your gifts in ministry, following God’s leading?
If you would like more information about gifts, get the God. Gifts. You. workbook (includes access to six online videos) and review additional resources at GodGiftsYou.com. Shirley Giles Davis is also happy to consult with your church on implementing an effective discovery process that aids in people-engagement. Contact Shirley.
Photo (c) Shirley Giles Davis.