I wonder, if sometimes evidence of the spiritual gift is not a person's actions or what they say/do, but the Holy Spirit manifesting in the context that they are in and around?--Spiritual Gifts FAQs

Question:

I wonder, if sometimes evidence of the spiritual gift is not a person's actions or what they say/do, but the Holy Spirit manifesting in the context that they are in and around. So, for example, is it possible that someone has the gift of leadership (in a group setting), but doesn't end up the person being publicly recognized as "leading"?

Response:

Absolutely. Although much of trying to decipher your gifts does involve what we can see and experience, the real root and definition of any/all of the spiritual gifts is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the context where you are.

For example, I’ve known people with the gift of Evangelism who have seen remarkable “results” in people coming to faith in Jesus after a teaching or even a short conversation. When I’ve had the chance to be present or go back to dig deeper into those same lessons or conversations, I’ve found that the words themselves are often not that impressive. The message is not always riveting. A skilled or gifted Teacher might “do better” in terms of eloquence and/or content. However, Evangelism as manifested as a Gift of the Spirit causes the hearers to hear the Gospel invitation clearly and draws their hearts to the Lord. The “evangelist” does not do that. So, in a sense, although it appears that we are “doing” these gifts, we are truly just a vessel used by the Spirit to accomplish the Lord’s purposes at any given time.

As for Leadership—that gift can be manifested in a huge variety of settings. While each (and all) of us has a sphere of influence, those with the gift of Leadership do have some things in common with one another: being vision-receivers and vision-casters—in such a way that people (again, through the activity of the Spirit) are motivated and inspired to follow that vision, recognizing that their leadership is one of direction and guidance more than control and management. These are big-picture people who are able to make the difficult decisions necessary to helm a movement or a group or an organization—any size. They also have some idea of what next steps would be important to take to achieve the vision and are able to communicate those in ways that overcome dissatisfaction with the status quo. Their commitment is to equip their team/s to pursue the overall direction together.

Scriptures talk about Freedom-Fighter Moses, Worship-Leader Miriam, the Prophet Samuel, the Judge Deborah, Wall-Builder Nehemiah, POW Daniel, female and male disciples and early church leaders. Some of what these people did was public-facing leadership (in your words “publicly recognized as the one leading”); some of what they did was behind-the-scenes leadership, including bringing others along. Interestingly, when Moses gets overwhelmed since he is apparently doing all the leading of the Israelites (or thinks he’s the only answer to that question), his father-in-law, Jethro, exhorts Moses to create a sustainable structure that would involve some people leading thousands, some hundreds, some fifties, and some tens of people:

Exodus 18:17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

            24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.

Based on this story, it is certainly probable that Moses was known to all as the leader and perhaps leaders of thousands were also more publicly visible. However, it is clear that those leading “tens” and “fifties”—small groups—were no less important to the system. And, every single one chosen needed to have the same qualifications to lead: be God-fearing and trustworthy.

Over all of this, leaders are reminded (or reprimanded) that they are to lead with loving care and humility, submitted to the Lord and His teachings. In Jesus’ language, He reminds leaders that “the great will serve”… “the first shall be last”—as He is leading an upside down kingdom with eternal values. We are reminded in the book of Hebrews that the role of leaders is as confidence-instillers and as watchkeepers of people. Leaders are cautioned that they will be held accountable for their leadership (“those who must give an account”).

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis. 

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