Definition Of Spiritual Gifts


(From the Basden-Johnson Spiritual Gifts Analysis)

 


Administration

The ability to plan and coordinate the gifts and talents of a ministry team to reach certain objectives. Essentially it is the capacity to organize persons and resources to meet specific goals. 

1 Cor. 12:28


Apostleship

The ability to adapt to a different culture in order to share the gospel. Essentially it is the missionary gift whereby one is enabled to share one’s gifts and calling cross-culturally.

1 Cor. 12:28
Eph. 4:11


Discernment

The ability to determine whether certain teachings or actions originate from God, humanity, or Satan.  Essentially it is the unique capacity to distinguish truth from error.

1 Cor. 12:10


Evangelism

The ability to introduce Jesus Christ to unbelievers clearly and with frequent positive response. Essentially it is the desire and capacity to share the gospel effectively with those who are seekers and skeptics. 

Eph. 4:11
Acts 21:8


Exhortation

The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting and guiding. Essentially it is the gift of coaching other to become all that God wants them to be.  

Rom. 12:8


Faith

The ability to see God’s purpose in a situation and to trust his wisdom and power to accomplish that purpose. Essentially it is the gift of vision which enables one to believe God for what seems impossible.

1 Cor. 12:9
1 Cor. 13:2


Giving

The ability to comprehend the financial requirements related to the growth of God’s kingdom and to fulfill those requirements by contributing eagerly and generously. Essentially it is the joyful compulsion to give sacrificially to the Lord’s work.  

Rom. 12:8


Hospitality

The unique capacity to welcome individuals or groups into one’s home in order to share community, meals and/or lodging. Essentially it is the desire and willingness to open one’s home to others. 

1 Pt. 4:9


Intercession

The ability to pray often and with unusual perseverance, with the result that answers to prayer requests are  experienced in a remarkable way. Essentially this is the gift of being a “prayer warrior.”

I Cor. 14:15


Knowledge

The ability to gain profound insight into biblical truth by means of careful research and serious study. Essentially it is the capacity to uncover the great principles of God’s Word.

1 Cor. 12:8
1 Cor. 13:2


Leadership

The ability to discern God’s purpose for a group of believers, to set goals to accomplish that purpose and to challenge others to fulfill those goals. Essentially it is the capacity to inspire others with a vision of God’s will. 

Rom. 12:8
1 Tim. 5:17


Mercy

The ability to feel sincere compassion, beyond normal Christian sympathy, for those in distress and to provide practical  support to meet their needs. Essentially it is cheerful ministry to the undeserving and to those in crisis situations.

Rom. 12:8


Music

The ability to use the vehicle of music to share one’s relationship with God and to lead others to worship God. Essentially it is the capacity to communicate God’s love through music. 

1 Cor. 14:15
1 Cor. 14:26


Prophecy

The ability to communicate God’s Word with power, conviction, and clarity, and to apply it to the specific situation of the hearers. Essentially it is inspired preaching. 

Rom. 12:6
1 Cor. 12:10, 28
1 Cor. 14:24-25
Eph. 4:11


Serving

The ability to recognize practical needs and to meet them joyfully and efficiently, thereby freeing other Christians to perform their ministries. Essentially it is providing behind-the-scenes assistance to support the mission of the church.

Rom.12:7
1 Cor. 12:28
1 Pt. 4:10-11


Shepherding

The ability to care for a specific group of Christians by guiding, nurturing and protecting them. Essentially it is assuming the overall care for a group of believers. 

Eph. 4:11
1 Pt. 5:1-3


Teaching

The ability to grasp and communicate biblical truths so that people comprehend them clearly. Essentially it is the unusual facility to explain God’s Word to others.

Rom. 12:7
1 Cor. 12:28
Eph. 4:11
Acts 13:1


Wisdom

The ability to understand how to apply biblical principles to difficulties or opportunities that people or organizations face. Essentially it is divine insight into the relationship of Scripture to life. 

1 Cor. 12:8