COMPLETE THE SHAPE PROFILE (with Spiritual Gifts Assessment)
Those who receive God's grace in Christ are given gifts to use for Him. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Lord gives each of us gifts. Among the gifts he identifies are administration, hospitality, teaching, preaching, and encouragement. These, and the other gifts, are outward focused. They are not for our own benefit but for the benefit of God's kingdom and for blessing people in His name. Just as God's people are blessed to be a blessing, we are gifted by God to be a gift to others, the ultimate "other" being the Lord Himself. When we use our gifts to glorify God, we become a powerful force in the world. Discovering and using our spiritual gifts to honor God is a practical act of discipleship. The best way for us to leverage our gifts is by being part of a strategic team effort.
Think of it this way. Our spiritual journey begins by learning to worship and pray and read His Word. As we mature, we start to help others in their journey. We might teach adults, children or youth. We might serve the Lord in a variety of ways or do varieties of things that help people grow in their faith or demonstrate God's love to the world. We start to serve by recognizing and employing one or more of the gifts He has given us. To sum things up, the reason why we’re encouraging people to take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment is not only because we hope you will then use your gifts in service within the church and throughout the world, but because we believe it is going to be a meaningful and significant aspect of your faith journey. We’re here to support you as you strive to develop your gifts to their full potential.
Spiritual Gifts Definitions, Distinctives and Biblical References
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Administration
The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry.
Distinctives:
- Develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals.
- Assist ministries to become more effective and efficient.
- Create order out of organizational chaos.
- Manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task.
- Organize people, tasks, or events.
Traits:
- Thorough
- Objective
- Responsible
- Organized
- Goal-oriented
- Efficient
- Conscientious
Cautions:
- Need to be open to adjusting their plans, so that they don't stifle a leader's vision.
- Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process.
- Could fail to see God's purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a goal.
Possible Tasks: Overseer of ministry areas, church growth planning, organization of events, finances, church celebrations, evangelistic campaigns, coordination of small groups, librarian, leadership in ministry teams, preparing church retreats, computer work
References: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 6:1-7, Exodus 18:13-26
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Apostleship
The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures.
Distinctives:
- Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches.
- Adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware.
- Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries.
- Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches.
- Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.
Traits:
- Adventurous
- Entrepreneurial
- Persevering
- Adaptable
- Culturally sensitive
- Risk-taking
- Cause-driven
Cautions:
- Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others.
- Need to be affirmed and sent by the church.
- Can be demanding and pessimistic.
Possible Tasks: Church planting, church consulting, long-term planning, regional responsibilities.
References: 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 1:5, Acts 13:2-3
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Counseling
The divine enablement to present the truth so as to listen and observe people with discernment and assist them in their quest for spiritual, emotional and relational wholeness.
Distinctives:
- Come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them in a loving way.
- Challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God.
- Enjoy seeing people mature in their faith
- Come to the aid of those who are hurting
Traits:
- Patient
- Warm
- Loyal
- Empathetic
- Confidential
- Supportive
- Great listener
Cautions:
- Can sometimes be overly optimistic or flattering.
- Some take on too much responsibility and their personal lives suffer
- Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need.
- May give the impressions that they have all the answers
Possible Tasks: Integrating new Christians, hospital ministry, counseling team, small group ministry, fit consulting, prayer team, challenging passive Christians, substance abuse counseling, ministry to the underprivileged, family counseling seniors ministry, telephone counseling, prison ministry, hospice ministry
References: Romans 12:8, Acts 15:30-32, 14:21-22, Thessalonians 2:11, 5:14
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Craftsmanship
The divine ability to facilitate ministry through the creative design and construction of tools, materials and other resources.
Distinctives:
- Work with wood, cloth, paints, metal, glass and other raw materials
- Make things which increase the effectiveness of others’ ministries
- Enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs
- Design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use
- Work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands
Traits:
- Creative
- Designer
- Handy
- Resourceful
- Practical
- Behind-the-scenes
- Helpful
Cautions:
- Could fail to see that their gift is significant and one that make a spiritual contribution to the body
- Could use people to get things done instead of helping them grow in the process
- Should remember that the things they produce are just a means to the end and not the end itself.
Possible Tasks: Building, gardening, helping others with odd jobs in the neighborhood, maintenance, foreign missions, sewing projects, etc.
References: Exodus 30:22-31, 35:31-35, 2Kings 12:11-13, 2 Chronicles 34:9-13, Acts 18:3
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Creative Communication
The divine ability to communicate truth and advance God's kingdom through creative means such as music, drama, visual arts, graphic arts, and writing skills.
Distinctives:
- Use arts to communicate God’s truth
- Develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, etc.
- Use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ’s message
- Challenge people’s perspective of God through various forms of the arts
- Demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord’s ministry and message
Traits:
- Expressive
- Imaginative
- Idea-oriented
- Artistic
- Creative
- Unconventional
- Sensitive
Cautions:
- Need to remember that art is not for art’s sake, but it’s to glorify God and edify others
- Could find evaluation and constructive criticism difficult to accept
- Might be uncooperative (because of ego, pride, or individualism) and need to work at being a team player
Possible Tasks: Layout of church publications, pantomime, developing public relations materials, arts and crafts group, drama, interior decoration, lyrics, instrumentalist, musical composition, etc.
References: Psalm 150:3-5, 2 Samuel 6:14-15, Exodus 35:31-35, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19
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Discernment
The divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is able to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.
Distinctives:
- Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure.
- Identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness.
- Determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic.
- Recognize inconsistencies in teaching, prophetic message or interpretation.
- Are able to sense the presence of evil.
Traits:
- Perceptive
- Insightful
- Sensitive
- Intuitive
- Decisive
- Challenging
- Truthful
Cautions:
- May struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights.
- Could be harsh when confronting others, instead of speaking the truth in love.
- Need to confirm their perceptions before speaking.
Possible Tasks: Public relations, counseling, deliverance ministry, ministry to the underprivileged, church board member, evangelistic campaigns, preaching, prayer team ministry, long-term planning
References:1 Corinthians 12:10, Acts 16:16-18, Matthew 16:21-23, 1Thessalonians 5:19-22
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Encouragement
A divine enablement to motivate and challenge others and to reassure, strengthen and affirm those who are discouraged or lagging in faith or spirit.
Distinctives:
- Come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them.
- Challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God.
- Urge others to action by applying biblical truth.
- Motivate others to grow.
- Emphasize God's promises and to have confidence in His will.
Traits:
- Positive
- Motivating
- Challenging
- Affirming
- Reassuring
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
Cautions:
- Can sometimes be overly optimistic or flattering.
- Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need.
- May want to just say "positive" things to others and avoid being confrontational when it's needed.
Possible Tasks: Integrating new Christians, hospital ministry, counseling team, small group ministry, fit consulting, prayer team, challenging passive Christians, substance abuse counseling, ministry to the underprivileged, family counseling seniors ministry, telephone counseling, prison ministry, hospice ministry
References: Romans 12:8, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 11:22-24; 14:21-22l 15:30-32, I Thessalonians 5:14-22
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Evangelism
the divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
Distinctives:
- Communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction.
- Seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters.
- Challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ.
- Adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual's needs.
- Seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers.
Traits:
- Sincere
- Candid
- Respected
- Influential
- Spiritual
- Confident
- Commitment-oriented
Cautions:
- Need to remember the Holy Spirit, not guilt, is the motivator in a person's decision for Christ.
- Should avoid becoming critical of others by remembering that we are all "witnesses," but we are not all "evangelists."
- Need to listen carefully, because the same approach is not appropriate for everyone.
Possible Tasks: Preaching, open houses, visitation ministry, counseling, radio ministry, foreign missions, church planting team, ministry to the underprivileged, evangelistic home groups, music or band ministry, children's evangelism, ministry to internationals.
References:Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:26-40, 14:13-21, 1 Corinthians 3:5-6, Romans 10:14-15
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Faith
The divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill His purposes.
Distinctives:
- Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same.
- Act in complete confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles.
- Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and His promises.
- Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not.
- Ask God for what is needed and trust Him for His provision.
Traits:
- Prayerful
- Optimistic
- Trusting
- Assured
- Positive
- Inspiring
- Hopeful
Cautions:
- Need to act on their faith.
- Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not necessarily lack faith.
- Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and Spirit-filled believers.
Possible Tasks: Prayer group leader, church board member, long-term planning, church planting, creative ideas team, church leadership for missions, evangelism
References:1 Corinthians 12:8-9, 13:2; Hebrews 11:11-12; Romans 4:18-21
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Giving
The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, "How much money do I need to give to God?" but, "How much money do I need to live on?"
Distinctives:
- Manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible.
- Support the work of the ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom.
- Meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur.
- Provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for his provision.
- May have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God's work.
Traits:
- Stewardship-oriented
- Responsible
- Resourceful
- Charitable
- Trusts in God
- Disciplined
Cautions:
- Need to esteem their gift, remembering that giving money and resources is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.
- Need to remember the church's agenda is determined by leaders, not by the giver's gift.
- Need to guard against greed.
Possible Tasks: Finance committee member, supporting missionaries, treasurer, full-time financial adviser, tithe coordinator, assisting in crises, support special projects.
References:Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:2-5, Luke 3:11, 21:1-4, Acts 20:35
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Healing
The divine enablement to be God's instrument for restoring people to wholeness.
Distinctives:
- Demonstrate the power of God.
- Bring restoration to the sick and diseased.
- Authenticate a message from God through healing.
- Use it as an opportunity to communicate a Biblical truth and to see God glorified.
- Pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one's body.
Traits:
- Compassionate
- Trusts in God
- Prayerful
- Full of faith
- Humble
- Responsive
- Obedient
Cautions:
- Need to remember that it is not always their faith or the faith of the sick that determines a healing, but God who determines it.
- Need to realize that God does not promise to heal everyone who asks or is prayed for.
- Should remember that Jesus did not pray for everyone who was sick or suffering while He was on the earth, but everyone He prayed for was healed.
Possible Tasks: Counseling, prayer team, visiting the sick
References:1Corinthians 12:9, 28-30, Acts 3:1-8; Mark 2:1-12, 1 James 5:14-15
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Helps/Serve
The divine enablement to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired goal.
Distinctives:
- Works behind the scenes wherever needed to support other ministries
- Pleasure in meeting everyday responsibilities
- Enjoys knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do.
- Usually have a wide range of abilities and talents they can offer when the need arises.
- See the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them.
Traits:
- Available
- Willing
- Helpful
- Reliable
- Loyal
- Dependable
- Whatever-it-takes attitude
Cautions:
- Need to esteem their gift, remembering that doing practical deeds is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.
- Find it difficult to say "no."
- Need to be responsive to the priorities of leadership instead of setting their own agendas.
Possible Tasks: Telephone ministry, supporting leaders, secretarial help, helping families move into new homes, custodial service, service projects such as odd jobs, gardening, caring for guests, cooking and baking, maintenance, typing/computer work, babysitting
References:Romans 12:7; Acts 6:1-4; Titus 3:14; Galatians 6:2, 10, Romans 16:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:28
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Hospitality
The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food and shelter.
Distinctives:
- Provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for.
- Meet new people and help them to feel welcomed.
- Create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop.
- Seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships.
- Set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.
Traits:
- Friendly
- Gracious
- Inviting
- Trusting
- Caring
- Responsive
- Warm
Cautions:
- Should avoid viewing their gift as just "entertaining."
- Need to remember to ask God who He wants them to befriend and serve.
- Should be careful not to cause stress in their own family when inviting others into their homes.
Possible Tasks: Small group host, caring for the homeless, worship service greeter, ministry to the underprivileged, retreat leadership, church exchanges, hosting guests, preparing accommodations for groups, youth ministry.
References:1 Peter 4:9-10; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-2, 3 John 5-10
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Prayer
The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.
Distinctives:
- Feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause.
- Have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged.
- Are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer?
- Pray in response to the leading of the Spirit, whether they understand it or not.
- Exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve.
Traits:
- Advocate
- Caring
- Sincere
- Peacemaker
- Trustworthy
- Spiritually sensitive
Cautions:
- Should avoid feeling that their gift is not valued, by remembering that interceding for others is their ministry and spiritual contribution to the body of Christ.
- Should avoid using prayer as an escape from fulfilling responsibilities.
- Need to avoid a "holier than thou" attitude sometimes caused by extended times of prayer and spiritual intimacy with God.
Possible Tasks: Prayer groups, leading prayer vigils, spiritual warfare, prayer chains, intercession for specific requests, prayer ministry at specific events
References: Romans 8:26-27, John 17:9-26, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Colossian 1:9-12, 4:12-13, James 5:14-16
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Knowledge
The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or Biblical insight.
Distinctives:
- Receive truth which enables them to better serve the body.
- Search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth.
- Have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church.
- Organize information for teaching and practical use.
- Gain knowledge which was not attained by natural observation for means.
Traits:
- Inquisitive
- Responsive
- Observant
- Insightful
- Reflective
- Studious
- Truthful
Cautions:
- Need to be careful of this gift leading to pride ("knowledge puffs up").
- Should remember that it's God's message, not theirs, when they give a word of knowledge to the church.
- Need to remember with the increasing of knowledge come the increasing of pain.
Possible Tasks: Church growth research, seminar preparation, writing, long term planning, Bible study, journalism, theological studies, creative evangelistic outreach.
References:1 Corinthians 12:8; Ephesians 3:14-19, 1 Corinthians 13:2, Colossians 2:2-3
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Leadership
The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.
Distinctives:
- Provide direction for God's people or ministry.
- Motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities.
- Present the "big picture" for others to see.
- Model the values of the ministry.
- Take responsibility and establish goals.
Traits:
- Influential
- Diligent
- Visionary
- Trustworthy
- Persuasive
- Motivating
- Goal-setter
Cautions:
- Should realize their relational credibility takes time and is critical for leadership effectiveness.
- Should remember that servant leadership is the Biblical model, the greatest being the servant of all.
- Do not need to be in leadership "position" to use this gift.
Possible Tasks: Pastor, elder, worship service leader, department leader, long term planning.
References:Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17
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Mercy
The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need. Mercy is compassion moved to action.
Distinctives:
- Focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people.
- Address the needs of the lonely and forgotten.
- Express love, grace and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis.
- Serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully.
- Concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people.
Traits:
- Emphatic
- Caring
- Responsive
- Kind
- Compassionate
- Sensitive
- Burden-bearing
Cautions:
- May find it hard to be firm and decisive because they do not want to hurt or offend other people.
- May tend to take up offenses when they see someone hurting another person, particularly if it is a friend who is being hurt.
- Usually have as their first concern to remove the cause of suffering as soon as possible, without recognizing the spiritual growth the suffering may mean.
Possible Tasks: Counseling sessions, intercessory prayer, ministry to the underprivileged, prison ministry, foreign missions, ministry to single mothers/fathers, ministry to the handicapped, hospital/sick calls, ministry to the chemically dependent
References:Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7, Mark 9:41m 10:46-52, Luke 10:30-37, James 2:14-17
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Missionary
The divine enablement to minister in their spiritual giftedness in a second culture.
Distinctives:
- Enjoy other cultures
- Often have friends in other nations.
- May speak a foreign language.
- Enjoy traveling.
- Are willing to assimilate in another culture.
Traits:
- Adventuresome
- Culturally sensitive
- Adaptable
Cautions:
- People with this gift have a tendency to project the need to every Christian to be a missionary. Sometimes there is confusion with the gift of evangelism. Although some evangelists have the missionary gift, some do not. The same confusion occurs with the gift of Apostleship.
Possible Tasks: Ministry to the underprivileged, ministry to internationals, foreign missions, church planting
References: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Acts 8:4, 14:21-28; Romans 10:15
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Prophecy
The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance or edification. There may be immediate or future implications.
Distinctives:
- Expose neither sin nor deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation.
- Speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance and edification.
- See truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond.
- Warn of God's immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance.
- Understand God's heart and mind through experiences he takes them through.
Traits:
- Discerning
- Compelling
- Uncompromising
- Outspoken
- Authoritative
- Convicting
- Confronting
Cautions:
- Need to be aware that listeners may reject the message if not spoken with love and compassion.
- Need to avoid pride, which can create a demanding or discouraging Spirit that hinders the gift.
- Should remember that discernment and scripture must support and agree with each prophecy.
Possible Tasks: Foreign missions, evangelistic events, long-term planning, outreach to the underprivileged, worship team, prayer team, small groups, counseling, and prayer chains
References:Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 14:1-3, 15-32; 2 Peter 1:19-21
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Shepherding
The divine enablement to nurture, care for and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.
Distinctives:
- Take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God.
- Provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people.
- Model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus.
- Establish trust and confidence through long-term relationship.
- Lead and protect those within their span of care.
Traits:
- Influencing
- Nurturing
- Guiding
- Discipling
- Protective
- Supportive
- Relational
Cautions:
- Should remember that God judges those who neglect or abuse their oversight responsibilities.
- Need to be aware that the desire to feed and support others can make it difficult to say "no."
- Should realize that some of those being nurtured will grow beyond the pastor's own ability and need to be freed to do so.
Possible Tasks: Gift consultant, children's church, small group leader, youth ministry, assimilating new Christians, training programs
References:Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:20-21
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Teaching
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain and apply the word of God, causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.
Distinctives:
- Communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word.
- Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture.
- Present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change.
- Give attention to detail and accuracy.
- Prepare through extended times of study and reflection.
Traits:
- Disciplined
- Perceptive
- Teachable
- Authoritative
- Practical
- Analytical
- Articulate
Cautions:
- Should avoid pride that may result from their "superior" Biblical knowledge and understanding.
- Could become too detailed when teaching and fail to make life application.
- Should remember that their spirituality is not measured by how much they know.
Possible Tasks: Small group ministry, seminars, training courses, Bible studies, new members class, church growth training
References:Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Acts 18:24-28; 2 Timothy 2:2, James 3:1, Ephesians 4:11-14
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Wisdom:
The divine enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation.
Distinctives:
- Focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take.
- Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body.
- Provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion.
- Hear the Spirit provide direction for God's best in a given situation.
- Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.
Traits:
- Sensible
- Insightful
- Practical
- Wise
- Fair
- Experienced
- Common sense
Cautions:
- Could fail to share the wisdom that God has given them.
- Need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them which may weaken their faith in God.
- Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift.
Possible Tasks: Counseling, conflict resolution, prayer team, career consultation, training courses, gift consulting, seminars, church consulting.
References: 1 Kings 3:5-28, 1 Corinthians 12:8; James 3:13-18; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Jeremiah 9:23-24
COMPLETE THE SHAPE PROFILE (with Spiritual Gifts Assessment)