This is a perfect time of the year to think about what we are called to do in God’s reign on earth. The task of loving God’s creation calls on each one to utilize the talents and spiritual gifts that God has given for the strengthening of the ties that bind us together with one another and with God. Thinking about our spiritual gifts readies us for the work ahead. According to the United Methodist website (www.umc.org) “Spiritual gifts are not our talents or skills. They are the grace of God at work within us, empowering us to match our deep passions with the world’s deep need. The gifts are given to individuals, but they are given to build and strengthen community and to meet the needs of those around us.” When we said “yes” to the love and grace offered by God, and agreed to be part of God’s beloved community, the Holy Spirit empowered us with just the right gift needed by the Church. Everyone has at least one gift, even children and youth, and fragile elderly. Gifts may change as the needs of the church or our circumstances change. I believe people are called to join this faith community because we need their unique spiritual gift to do the work of God at Cassidy.
A Spiritual Gifts Assessment tool will help us identify the gifts God has given us so that we may live as faithful disciples in service and love. Below is a link for you to take an assessment tool (it’s free!) and to find out more about your spiritual gift. Once you know your gift, you can choose a ministry that allows you to serve out of that giftedness.
It’s fun to do the assessment and begin to get an idea of your spiritual giftedness, but our gifts are best discerned through our faith community. Take time to talk with friends or Pastor, Minister of Music or Minister of Discipleship to hone in on your gift and to receive feedback for how that gift could be used at Cassidy.
Here’s the link to view a short video on spiritual gifts and to access the Spiritual Gifts Assessment tool. If you have any questions, please call the church office. (www.umc.org/what-we-believe/spiritual-gifts) Please be aware that this online assessment is designed to introduce you to the gifts of the Spirit. To more deeply understand your spiritual giftedness, we recommend that you explore your gifts in a group setting such as your local church. Enjoy!
Twenty Spiritual Gifts mentioned in the New Testament
“The twenty gifts covered by the Spiritual Gifts Online 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).” (umc.org)
Administration: The gift of administration allows a person to organize people and resources for greater efficiency, effectiveness, and success.
Apostleship: The gift of apostleship compels people to reach out to new and unfamiliar groups and individuals to invite them into relationship with God and community.
Compassion: The gift of compassion moves people to action on behalf of those in need.
Discernment: Discernment is a gift of deep intuition and insight.
Evangelism: The gift of evangelism is the gift of faith-sharing and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to those we meet.
ExhortationThe gift of exhortation is manifest in people who offer encouragement, wise counsel, unflagging support, and empowerment
Faith: The gift of faith is more than belief in Jesus Christ, but an abiding foundation of confidence that God works all things together for good, and that they people of God can rise above any obstacle.
Giving: The gift of giving is the deep commitment to provide whatever resources are needed to support God’s will and plan
Healing: The gift of healing is not about transferring spiritual power to eliminate suffering and disease, but the ability to channel God’s grace and healing love to those who suffer physical, emotional, or spiritual pain
Helping: Helping is a gift of support and behind-the-scenes effort that make groups, families, and congregations more effective.
Interpretation of Tongues: Those who are gifted to interpret tongues help build bridges across cultural, generational, and language divides.
Knowledge: The gift of knowledge allows people to automatically convert facts, data, and information into useful and important knowledge.
Leadership: The gift of leadership is a visionary, and forward looking gift that enables people to stay focused on where God might be leading us as individuals, congregations, and communities at any given time.
Miracles: Those gifted with miracles never doubt the power and presence of God in creation, and are able to help others see and believe in God’s power.
Prophecy: The gift of prophecy is the ability to speak God’s word to others, or more appropriately to be open for God to speak God’s word through us.
Servanthood: Servanthood is the gift of doing for others, sometimes to the exclusion of meeting personal needs.
Shepherding: The gift of shepherding is the gift of mentoring and providing spiritual guidance to others to help them develop in the discipleship and faith formation.
Teaching: The gift of teaching allows people to transform data and information into life changing knowledge.
Tongues: The gift of tongues is a communication gift that allows people to speak foreign languages and convey concepts they never formally studied.
Wisdom: The gift of wisdom allows people to understand deeper meaning and apply knowledge, beliefs, and experience to everyday situations.