How do you grow gifts where there isn’t as much opportunity to use them or there aren’t as many people to learn from?--Spiritual Gifts FAQs
Several thoughts come to mind with this particular question:
--Churches can and have been averse to the development and practice of certain gifts, so you might feel as if your gift is “less welcome” than perhaps others in your context. Although not a healthy nor Biblical approach, this is common—especially with Prophecy, Discernment, Tongues, Miraculous Powers, Healing, and sometimes Knowledge, Evangelism, and Apostleship. Is there a way that you can have this conversation with leadership in your context to help move the needle?
--Could it be that the Lord is calling you to use your gift/s outside of the church walls—in an employment setting or a place where you give your time in an unpaid capacity? Most churches cannot have a specific ministry for every need in a community or the world—so, working with a local, regional, national, or international nonprofit organization might be just the right place for you to exercise these gifts.
--Ask around. There may be those in your sphere who have these gifts and from whom you can learn, but those gifts have been mostly underground or unpublic. If these people are spiritually mature, consider asking them to mentor you in this season as you explore how to use your gifts in ways that bring glory to God, are done in love, and build others for the sake of God’s kingdom.
In addition, all of the gifts can be used in myriad ways. Every conversation and team can benefit from Discernment and Wisdom and Knowledge. Every church can learn and grow from Prophecy, Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, and Administration. Every ministry profits from those with Mercy, Hospitality, Helps, and Intercession. Perhaps your calling is less formal and more in your day-to-day relationships and interactions. Perhaps your sphere in this season is smaller than you had imagined—but has great impact on one or two people because of a deeper shepherding, coaching, or mentoring commitment. Let the Lord be the One Who multiplies the effects of your gifts and your faithfulness.
[See also: What if my gifts sort of don’t avail me to a specific “job”? It seems to me more like just being a decent person and friend…--Gifts FAQ posted on AUGUST 19, 2024]
[See also: SPIRITUAL GIFTS FAQS #9, posted on APRIL 26, 2021, Q: How do I use my spiritual gifts of Discernment and Prophecy appropriately, especially in the church? It feels like there is less appreciation for or welcoming of these gifts.]
Important resources:
· Take this free spiritual gifts assessment or this free Spanish language spiritual gifts assessment.
· Purchase the six-week workbook in English or Spanish:
· God. Gifts. You.: Your Unique Calling and Design
· DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition)
Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
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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