Not Just Simple Obedience…Hospitality and Intercession: Gifts in Ministry VI

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Hospitality and Intercession are commonly accepted as spiritual gifts within the body of Christ—both because they fit the Biblical definition of a spiritual gift, and because they are evident in the lives of individual believers in such a way as to distinguish them from simple obedience or spiritual disciplines.  A spiritual gift is defined by Scripture (see Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14;  1 Peter 4;  Ephesians 4) as a unique, supernatural, beyond-talents ability given by God through His Holy Spirit to believers—for the purpose of worshiping and bringing glory to Him and strengthening His church.  In addition, spiritual gifts are seen, recognized, and affirmed by the Body of Christ.

Hospitality is not simply cooking for others.  It is the divine ability to make people feel welcome and accepted.  That can happen anywhere at any time.  V.H. found this definition of hospitality freeing and affirming:  “Cooking is not my gift so I was a bit confused as to why I had the gift of ‘hospitality.’  But the Your Unique Design Class put in all in perspective.  God was looking at my heart and not my cooking skills (or lack of).  I may not love to cook but I love hanging out with people, and working with the Student and Family Ministries at the church has been a blessing and a complete fulfillment of that gift!”

We know we are to be hospitable, to “entertain strangers,” to welcome others in Jesus’ name.  But, there are those in our midst who have an extra-special ability to do that in the form of the gift of Hospitality.  They enjoy connecting people with each other.  Their graciousness and warmth make others feel cared for.  M.D. puts it this way, “I see it as a privilege to be gifted in hospitality, with the ability and desire to create relationships and the environments which foster them. Coordinating the New Members class was a great experience in using this spiritual gift, and I felt it.  The work was some of the most enjoyable I've done, because I was serving within God's plan for me. Whether it was setting tables, calling volunteers, or planning menus, it felt right, fun, and worthwhile.”

Intercession—interceding, pleading, approaching God on someone else’s behalf—is something we are all to do.  Paul says to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).  Jesus encourages us “to pray always and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1).  However, there are those among us who feel compelled by God to pray on a daily basis for others.  They are completely convinced of the awesome power and necessity of prayer.  These are the folks you call first about a concern you have, because you know they will pray.  They have an extra measure of God’s grace in the form of the spiritual gift of Intercession (just as God might have bestowed his grace on you in the form of the gift of Giving or of Exhortation).

My Equipping Ministries Prayer Team—who pray for visitors, new members, Your Unique Design Class participants, and others in our congregation to find places of meaningful connection and growth—is made up of 52 individuals, most of whom have the spiritual gift of Intercession.  I know I can count on them to pray for the concerns that are sent their way each week.  Our church’s Prayer Chain has nearly 150 faithful prayer-warriors on its rolls.  Again, many have the gift of Intercession, and this praying is their ministry to the church—the Body of Christ. Ditto our Healing Prayer Team and the many who have gone through that training and practice.

One of our quietly faithful intercessors says, “The gift of intercession means that the one who receives this gift will be praying.”  Her guidelines for prayer:  “Pray to Pray.  Ask the Lord to help you to pray.  Tell Him your difficulties.  He knows what time would be best for you to meet with Him each day.  Pray to Receive.  Ask the Lord, by His Spirit, to help you identify the gift or gifts He has for you.  He knows where you are and desires for you to use your God-given gifts there.   Pray for Others.  Ask the Lord, by His Spirit, to help your brothers and sisters in Christ as they use His gifts to them.  You might pray through a list of the spiritual gifts, asking God to bless each one of the members of His body that have that particular gift.  Then, give thanks that the Lord always hears the prayers of His people.”

These gifts along with over twenty others are part of how God has equipped the church to function.  Do you have the gifts of Hospitality? Intercession?  Are you using your gifts in ministry, following God’s leading?  Using your God-given gifts makes a far greater impact than simply using your own talents and abilities.   Each gift is a necessary part of the body of Christ!

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. All rights reserved.