Shared with permission from West Virginia Annual Conference
It is our belief, and truly a reason to celebrate, that everyone is gifted by God, that each person is uniquely and beautifully equipped for ministry and, with encouragement, empowered to be in mission to our community and our world!
Giftedness is not about privilege or special skills and talents. It is about listening more deeply to, and following more fully, the deepest desires of our hearts and God's leading in our lives.
As we seek to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, we need encouragement, tips and tools to assist us along the way. In this series you will find examples of others living their faith every day, helps for your devotional times, and practical advice on how to love and serve your family, neighbors, friends and strangers out of the gifts that God has given to you.
The first step to better understanding ourselves, and our potential, as a disciple of Jesus is to take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment. There are many ways to learn about spiritual gifts, including the resources found at www.wvumc.org/spiritual-gifts/.
UMC Discipleship Ministries has a Spiritual Gifts inventory you may take on-line. (Be sure to email your results to yourself so that you may speak with your pastor or other spiritual friends about the results so that you make take the next steps in exploring your spiritual gifts!)
WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
Administration • Apostleship • Compassion
Discernment • Evangelism • Exhortation
Faith • Giving • Healing • Helping
Interpretation of Tongues • Knowledge
Leadership • Miracles • Prophecy
Servanthood • Shepherding • Teaching
Tongues • Wisdom
WHY THESE TWENTY GIFTS?
The twenty gifts covered by the Spiritual Gifts On-line Assessment are those listed within the Pauline epistles to Rome, Ephesus, and Corinth, and recognized by the first-century church. While all of life is a gift from God, these twenty gifts are lifted up within Scripture as the gifts of the Spirit, given specifically for the upbuilding of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4; I Corinthians 12 & 13; Romans 12).
Follow this link for Frequently Asked Questions about Spiritual Gifts.
As you read this series of articles, consider these questions: What is God’s Spirit saying to you as you read this article? Who are you feeling called to have a conversation with based on that nudge? What is your next step on your calling journey? Who do you need to partner with concerning that step?
