Spiritual Gifts of a Stephen Minister
The Stephen Minister's Spiritual Gifts
What spiritual gifts will be of most value to a Stephen Minister?
Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)
The spiritual gift of faith-pistis in new Testament Greek-is an unshakable trust and a deep conviction that God faithfully and reliable keeps promises. Christians with this gift have a profound belief and confidence in their relationship with Jesus that becomes an example for others. These individuals are endowed with the spiritual gift of faith in addition to the saving faith that all Christians have.
Mercy (Romans 12:8)
Christians endowed with the spiritual gift of mercy have an exceptional ability to perform acts of kindness and compassion. Those with this gift who mercy-eleein in new Testament Greek-even to those undeserving of it. Their deeds of unmerited love are modeled after God's redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, a gift of loving mercy we did not deserve.
Teaching the Faith (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11)
The spiritual gift of teaching the faith-didaskalia in New Testament Greek-is the ability to clearly explain the Christian faith and equip individuals to apply it in their daily lives. Those who have this spiritual gift communicate with both words and actions-they live what they teach. The life of someone who teaches the faith is often his or her best lesson, following the example of Jesus, the master teacher. The gift of teaching the faith can be different from the ability to teach other subjects. Therefore, professional teachers may not necessarily have this gift.
Encouragement (Romans 12:8)
The gift of encouragement includes the ability to inspire, comfort, motivate, strengthen, affirm, and be present with others so that they can meet life's challenges with confidence. Encouragement-parakalein in New Testament Greek-points to the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and the hope that is ours in Christ. Those with the gift of encouragement instill this hope in others, offering consolation and inspiration to them in their joys and trials. It is being a "little Christ" and a "little Holy Spirit," assuring others that they are not alone and that they can indeed follow God's call for their lives.
Knowing (1 Corinthians 12:8)
The spiritual gift of knowing-gnosis in New Testament Greek-is having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing the insights gained from it with others. Christians with the gift of knowing communicate much more than facts when they talk with people about jesus. They share Jesus Christ in ways that make him personal and real to others.
