How You Can Help Build God’s Church

In my previous article, “Building God’s Church,” I ended by asking the question, “In what ways can God use you to help build God’s Church with your gifts and abilities?” I am not talking about the church as a building, but building up the family of believers. You probably have a good knowledge of what your abilities are, but not so much with your spiritual gifts.

Spiritual gifts are just what the name implies. They are gifts, as opposed to abilities which normally require training or practice and are Holy Spirit-endowed. In Exodus 31:3 God filled Bezalel “with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs…” Hebrews 2:4 says God “bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will,” and “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable”(Romans 11:29). Once given it will not be taken away!

There are three Bible passages that list spiritual gifts. Romans 12:1-8 mentions prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy. 1 Corinthians 12: 28 lists apostles, prophets, teaching, miracles, healing, helps, administration, and various kinds of tongues. In Ephesians 4:11-14 we read that God “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers” to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” The last part of this verse gives the reason for spiritual gifting. This means identifying and using your gift gives you a very important role as a Christian in the family of God, whether it is in your local church, a parachurch organization, or your own personal ministry. It is not to be neglected, but it is not given the emphasis it should. 1 Timothy 4:14 says, “Do not neglect the gift you have…”

So, how does one identify his or her spiritual gift? There are gift inventories and assessments that can be uploaded or taken online, that will provide somewhat of an idea of a gift, but don’t let them take priority over the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Do you have a burning desire, or burden, to do some kind of ministry? If you have no training or experience for that desire or burden, remember, it is a Holy Spirit endowed gift!

Let me end with a personal example. A long time ago a pastor told me you can identify a spiritual gift in three ways: you will desire it, God will bless it, and others will recognize it. I believe that was a prophecy over my life, because it has all come true with my gift of teaching through writing.

May you use a gift God has given you and be an important link in his family. Your gift is needed to help build His Church and “building up the body of Christ.”