Week 1 - Gifted for the Journey: Discovering Your God-Given Purpose

Evangelism is the act of proclaiming the Gospel, whether to large crowds or individuals in personal conversations, with the goal of leading others to Christ. Evangelists are often outgoing, eager to engage with strangers, and passionate about sharing their faith, but they must be careful not to be overbearing or judgmental. They find great joy in witnessing conversions and encouraging others to evangelize, though they must guard against pride and seeing people as mere numbers rather than souls in need. Whether new or experienced, evangelists should seek mentorship, continue growing spiritually, and live in a way that upholds the integrity of their message.


Prophecy is not necessarily about foretelling the future but about boldly proclaiming God's truth, calling people to repentance, and exposing sin with the hope of spiritual transformation. Prophets are highly discerning, deeply burdened by the sinful state of the world, and passionate about speaking out against wrongdoing, often preferring public proclamation over one-on-one interactions. While their strong sense of duty and direct approach can make them seem harsh or demanding, they must strive to balance truth with love, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict rather than relying on their own efforts.

 

Teaching is the gift of clearly communicating and accurately relaying God’s Word, often in a more in-depth and structured way than the average Sunday school teacher. Teachers love to study, research, and organize information, preferring group instruction over one-on-one interactions and valuing accuracy to the point of sometimes overemphasizing details. While their commitment to truth is essential, they must be careful not to become overly critical of differing viewpoints or measure others’ spirituality by their level of biblical knowledge. Teachers who lack shepherding skills may struggle in pastoral roles, but they thrive as professors, authors, or researchers, equipping others with the knowledge to fulfill their callings.


Exhortation is the gift of encouraging and motivating others to take action and apply God’s Word in their lives, often making Scripture practical and accessible. Exhorters are enthusiastic, talkative, and effective in both group and one-on-one settings, seeking to unify people through practical wisdom rather than deep doctrinal debates. While their passion makes them engaging communicators, they must be mindful not to interrupt others, rely too much on logic over emotion, or prioritize programs over people. 


Shepherding is the gift of overseeing, guiding, and caring for a group of Christians, with a strong focus on relationships and spiritual growth. Shepherds are patient, devoted, and protective, often balancing leadership with a deep concern for the well-being of those under their care. While their nurturing nature makes them excellent Sunday school teachers and group leaders, they must be careful not to take on too much responsibility, become overly protective, or neglect their own well-being.


Serving is the gift of providing practical and spiritual assistance, often working behind the scenes to meet the needs of others in the church. Servers are loyal, hardworking, and quick to respond, preferring to support leaders rather than seek the spotlight, though they must be mindful not to overcommit or neglect their own well-being. While their work is essential, they should balance practical service with spiritual growth and ensure they complete tasks thoroughly. 


Mercy-showing is the gift of empathizing with and comforting others, entering into their joy or sorrow with compassion and understanding. Mercy-showers are warm, soft-spoken, and excellent listeners who naturally attract those in need and often say the right thing at the right time. While their desire to help is a strength, they must avoid becoming overburdened by others’ problems, resenting those who lack similar empathy, or letting emotions override discipline and rules. 


Giving is the gift of generously and selflessly sharing material resources beyond the tithe to support God's work and meet the needs of others. Givers are often private about their generosity, well-organized, and highly disciplined, with a keen awareness of financial needs that others may overlook. While their emphasis on giving can sometimes be misunderstood as materialistic or controlling, they must remember that not everyone is called to give at the same level.


Administration is the gift of organizing, leading, and managing the affairs of the church with a strategic and goal-oriented mindset. Administrators naturally take charge, delegate responsibilities, and bring order to fragmented situations, often excelling under pressure and striving for excellence. While their leadership is vital, they must guard against pride, insensitivity, and an over-reliance on logic rather than Scripture.



Credit: Church Growth.org