The ability to proclaim and apply God’s truth so that believers may be edified, encouraged and consoled and nonbelievers convinced (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28).

Prophecy as a Spiritual Gift

The gift of prophecy is mentioned in all of the major spiritual gifts passages. In fact, it is the only gift to find a place on each of our different lists in Scripture. Paul considers it a most valuable gift. By it people are built up, encouraged, and consoled, and by it the church is edified (1 Corinthians 14:3–5). While all gifts are desirable, this one is especially so (1 Corinthians 14:1). The prime source of the prophetic message today is the Scriptures. The prophetic message must be guided by and derived from Scripture itself. Of course, to speak as a prophet requires the direct operation of the Spirit in one’s heart and mind. There is no gift of prophecy apart from this. The authority of any spiritually gifted prophet today is secondary subject to the teaching of the Word.

Prophets of both the Old and New Testaments predicted future events. Is this still a part of the prophet’s function? Let it be noted that prediction of future events was never the major element of the prophet’s speaking and writing. It was a part of prophecy simply because the revelation which God gave him or her to proclaim included the future. Today, however, the focus of prophecy is upon Christ, who is the Living Word of God (Revelation 19:10). Still, we must also acknowledge that the Spirit is free to give guidance as he once did through the prophet Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21:10ff).

Such direct guidance, however, seems to occur infrequently and does not come with the binding authority of Scripture.

It too must be tested by biblical teaching and by the wisdom of the believing community.

The ability to present the gospel to unbelievers in such a clear and meaningful way that it calls for response (see Ephesians 4:11).

Evangelism as a Spiritual Gift

The gift of evangelism is mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, where it is embodied in a person—the evangelist. However, there are other signs in the New Testament of the operation of this gift.

Pastor Timothy was encouraged to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). Philip was called the evangelist (Acts 21:8). Other passages reflect on the efforts of the evangelist engaged in ministry (Acts 8:5-6, 12; Acts 14:21). The gift may be used in one-on-one situations (Acts 8:26–39) or exercised in larger groups (Acts 8:5–13, 40). A careful reading of Ephesians 4:11–12 also shows that the evangelist is responsible for enabling members of the body to develop ministries, including the ministry of evangelism.

The ability to lead a group with caring concern and foresight (see Romans 12:8).

Leadership as a Spiritual Gift

The gift of leadership is mentioned in Romans 12:8. It means to lead someone, to direct him or her, to govern, to stand before him or her, or to rule, often for the sake of this person’s protection. Out of this arises the sense “to care for.” In other words, caring—not rank or authority—is to be the concern of the leader. The word leader is used also of church leaders in 1 Thessalonians 5:12: “Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord.” This passage shows the attitude required of those who are led. Elders exercise this gift, according to 1 Timothy 5:17.

Those chosen to lead or rule in the church must demonstrate their ability first in their own homes (1 Timothy 3:4).

The gift may be used in a small and unofficial way in the home, in a small group, or as part of a committee or task force. It may be used in an official way by a pastor, elder, or deacon in the church. It may also be used in Christian organizations, such as a Christian school, Bible society, nursing home, service agency, Christian labor association, or whatever. This gift may be used in community organizations not specifically Christian, provided that the believer exercising the gift knows what he or she is doing, why he or she is doing it, and in whose name it is being done.

The ability to impart truth to others for the purpose of building them up (see 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:11).

Teaching as a Spiritual Gift

The gift of teaching is prominent in the Scriptures. Three of the four New Testament spiritual gifts passages refer to this gift. According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, the gift of teaching ranks high, being associated with the gifts of apostle and prophet. In Ephesians 4:11 it is closely associated with pastoring as the chief way in which a pastor accomplishes his or her task. The gift of “utterance of knowledge” according to the Spirit, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8, is probably the gift of teaching. This gift was very important to the New Testament church. Most of what was written in the Gospels and epistles came from those who were exercising this gift. Time and again teaching preceded New Testament exhortations to practical Christian living. It remains an important gift in the church—and in the home and community.