Week 1 - Spiritual Gifts Class - The Foundation

In this first lesson, we lay a foundational understanding of spiritual gifts both in the life of the Church and the individual believer. We begin by highlighting a worldwide empirical study conducted across six continents and various denominations and contexts, which shows that thriving qualitatively and quantitatively in the church regularly boils down to a common key characteristic: gift-oriented ministry. When believers serve in the areas where they experience God regularly gifting them, they lean more on His power than their own strength, ultimately resulting in greater fulfillment in church life. Gifts are not meant to be relegated to the periphery, but rather central to the Church’s ongoing life. These gifts are not badges of honor, but rather manifestations of the grace of God, meant to be employed in serving and loving others to glorify God.

The Holy Spirit Himself is manifested in these gifts. They are not just “things” that the Spirit passively works out in people. He is divinely disclosing the very grace of God, making it visible and tangible. We, as Charismatics, believe this is a vital operation of the Spirit to emphasize, and the tide is turning worldwide towards that end. As we set out to affirm the operation of all the gifts in the church today, we also encourage individuals in their own personal growth and contribution to the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

Week 2 - Spiritual Gifts Class - Identification Pt. 1

In this second lesson, we start by identifying the myriad of different man-made classifications for the lists of gifts in the Scriptures. While distinctions and classifications can help us organize our thoughts, they can also create a tendency to read into the text or pigeonhole gifts in a way that the Bible does not. One classification that seems to be at least functional is the distinction of “Equipping Gifts” from Ephesians 4:7-12. While these gifts appear to have a different function, they are not an elevation.

Key scriptures examined include Ephesians 4:7-12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Romans 12. We examine specific gifts such as the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, and Tongues, discussing their biblical significance and application in the life of the believer. Through biblical and practical examples, we see that these gifts are not just theological ideas, but active endowments of the Spirit and grace that empower the Church in accomplishing its mission. One roadblock we encounter is the reality that some of these gifts are mentioned only once, or with sparse context and support, so we must draw on our experience and draw insights from other biblical stories to wisely discern how each gift operates. As we continue, we will unpack the gifts more and explore how they function as blessings to serve and edify the Body of Christ.

Week 3 - Spiritual Gifts Class - Identification Pt. 2

In the third lesson, we continue exploring the various unique gifts and their functions within the Body of Christ. We affirm that there is no such thing as an “ungifted” Christian, but also ask the question, “How many gifts might one person operate in?” The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into that answer through the clear operation of at least eight gifts. We dive into specific gifts such as Helps, Administration, Service, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, and Mercy, examining how each of these gifts contributes to the edification of Christ’s church. Using the same scripture references from our previous lesson, we continue to unpack how each gift functions and how they contribute to the common good.

We also reflect on some of the unique aspects of each gift, including the temptations and weaknesses associated with certain gifts. Some gifts are more task-oriented, while others are more people-oriented, but all are necessary to paint a complete picture. By the end of the lesson, I believe we will have a robust understanding of each gift and how they could all work together to create a powerful church that reflects the unity and diversity of the Spirit and accomplishes incredible things for the Kingdom of God.

Week 4 - Spiritual Gifts Class - Motivation

In our fourth lesson, we dive right into what motivates us to operate in spiritual gifts, enhancing the “what” with the “why.” We start by highlighting 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, which demonstrates that we can anticipate a variety, not only in types of gifts, but also in degrees of effectiveness. Yet all the variety and efficacy are empowered by the same God, the same Spirit. God is the inventor of this variety, and we should embrace His desire for things to be this way in order to work for the common good. And not just embrace, but zealously desire this variety of gifts, motivated by love. We look at 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul elevates love as the "more excellent way," showing that gifts are meant to edify the church when used through the lens of love, not to downplay the gifts.

When we focus on edification, instead of personal gift identification, we steer clear of the ditch of introspection or the ditch of puffing up in our exploration of the gifts. Gifts are meant to serve the body, and the Holy Spirit enables us to operate in whatever capacity is needed at the moment. This week, we are reminded that the ultimate goal of spiritual gifts is the building up of the Church, driven by a heart of love and a desire to see others grow in Christ.

Week 5 - Spiritual Gifts Class - Application

In our fifth Lesson, we begin to look at some practical applications when it comes to the use of the gifts, particularly in the assembly. We wade deeper into 1 Corinthians 14, the most descriptive chapter on the application of Spiritual Gifts. We start our lesson with a high-level understanding of our tendency as Christians to be “Pendulum People,” regularly swinging away from one ditch just to overcorrect and land in another. I believe this is the territory many regularly find themselves in when dealing with this particular passage of Scripture. Paul’s goal in Chapter 14 is not to downplay the gift of tongues, but to emphasize and prioritize edification, the same drum He’s been beating for two chapters. This is why prophecy is highlighted in this chapter, as it lends to edification more efficiently than tongues will in the assembly.

It is clear that Paul has a high value for tongues in this passage, and yet he recognizes the more widespread benefit when the saints exercise prophecy in the ekklesia. The class discusses the importance of operating in spiritual gifts with maturity, order, and clarity, avoiding chaos in the assembly while ensuring that gifts are used to edify and encourage others. It is a call to embrace a balance of absolute freedom in the Spirit with thoughtful, loving behavior that keeps the whole picture in mind and prioritizes the growth of the entire church.