What is the gift of ministering?

Ministering, or helping others, is a very common spiritual gift found in churches.  Many believers like to minister and help others within churches by working behind the scenes, with most people not even knowing about their efforts.  On the other hand, you have believers who visibly serve others within the church be it serving in a ministry, or just plain helping out where someone needs an extra hand.  Yet, you still have the function of ministering in an official capacity…often referred to as ministers, servers, or deacons.  Neither method of ministering or helping others is inferior to the other…but rather they are just various roles with different responsibilities. 

For example, you have certain individuals who volunteer hours of their personal time to clean, maintain and/or repair church facilities, when nobody is in the building, or maybe they work a sound booth in the back of the church during the services.  Too often, their efforts go unnoticed to others within the church; however, many of these people prefer to keep a low-profile.  On the other extreme, you have many believers who visibly minister and help others during the normal hours of the church services and activities.  On the surface, the only difference between these ministering roles seems to be the personality temperaments of the people, whether they are extroverts or introverts.  However, the Holy Spirit ultimately decides who he will use for any role, regardless of his or her personality temperament. 

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of ministering or helping twice in his letters, once to the Romans and the other to the Corinthians.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…serving, let him serve….” (Romans 12:4-7 NIV)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others….” (I Corinthians 12:27-28 NIV)

The spiritual gift of ministering is not necessarily synonymous with the function of ministering, in that a deacon, server or minister are usually held to higher leadership standards than someone volunteering in a non-leadership role.  The Apostle Paul makes this standard clear in his letter to Timothy.

“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.  They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.  They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (I Timothy 3:8-10 NIV)

Overall, the spiritual gift of ministering, or helps, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to attend to the needs of others for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.  There are many believers who have the gift within our churches.  Some of these believers are in church leadership positions, while others just find a niche to serve within the church – whether openly or behind the scenes.  Of course you still have others, with the gift of ministering as well as the gift of apostleship, which may represent their local churches and/or denominations/affiliations as traveling ministers sharing their God-given talents and gifts to others in different areas of the world.  Regardless, ministering to others serves as a testimony of God’s love. 

What is the gift of leadership?

Who actually leads a church?  Is it a pastor, a church board, or a religious affiliation/denomination?  Should the believer have an extroverted or introverted personality temperament?  How is the gift of leadership relevant to the local church?

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of leadership in his letter to the Romans as well as to the Corinthians.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith…if it is leadership, let him govern diligently….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

In the Old Testament, when Moses left the Israelites for a length of time to talk with God on Mount Sinai, the Israelites lost sense of God’s vision and decided to build a golden calf to worship their own gods.  The Israelites said, “…Come, make us gods who will go before us.  As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” (Exodus 32:1 NIV)  King David understood the responsibility of being a God-fearing leader with the words, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me. (Psalm 5:8 NIV)  King Solomon also reiterated this same concept by warning against the lack of leadership, “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

 

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul indicates that an overseer of a church should have the ability to lead others with all honesty.  He makes this clear with the following words and subsequent rhetorical question.  “…If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer…He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respects. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” (I Timothy 3:1, 4-5 NIV)  In other words, people need a leader who can cast God’s vision for their lives as well as the local church.

God has chosen many people over the years to lead his people.  Moses led the Israelites out of their oppression in Egypt. (Exodus 14:15-18, 29-31)  Years later, as the Israelites cried out for help from their oppression, they were helped by Deborah, a prophetess who was leading Israel at that time. (Judges 4:3-5)  In the New Testament, God still uses leaders to watch over his flock, be it as an overseer or pastor of a church, an administrative person or church board member, or a person of faith leading in a civil position of responsibility.  In summary, the spiritual gift of leadership, or governments, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to diligently lead others and/or an organization by perseverance and adherence to the Word of God. 

What is the gift of interpretation of tongues?

Within many churches you will hear about how believers speak in tongues, be it referenced to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in a prayer language or like manner.  What role does the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues play in churches?  Is the interpretation of tongues synonymous with speaking in tongues?

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he includes the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues as a separate gift from the gift of speaking in tongues.

 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV)

Likewise, the Apostle Paul used rhetorical questioning to indicate that the interpretation of tongues is distinctly separate from the other spiritual gifts.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts?” (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

The Apostle Paul later explains how the interpretation of tongues plays an important role for having orderly worship, especially since publicly speaking in tongues is meaningless to a church congregation unless an interpreter is present.  In similar manner, Scripture also teaches that some believers may reach a point of excitement where they may experience speaking in ecstatic utterances of praise during their personal time of worship and/or prayer.  Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul’s letter emphasizes the importance of having order while having these experiences during church services. 

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.  Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit…He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he prophesies edifies the church.  I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.  He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”  (I Corinthians 14:2, 4-5 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?  Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?  Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?  So it is with you.  Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?  You will just be speaking into the air…For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.” (I Corinthians 14:6-9 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“What then shall we say, brothers?  When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (I Corinthians 14:26-28, 39-40 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

In summary, the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues, or the translation of languages, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to miraculously translate the words of another believer speaking in an unfamiliar language and/or dialect, otherwise known as speaking in tongues.  The interpretation of tongues is not normally practiced as much as it was during the days of the original church.  However, believers should still familiarize themselves with the guidelines for this gift, in the event that the Holy Spirit may guide a believer or believers to speak in tongues during a church service.  Overall, the most important role of this gift is ensuring that the message of salvation is spread and related to others in an understandable manner…for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.

What is the gift of healing?

In various churches you may have personally witnessed or heard about services where people lay their hands on others for the purpose of healing them.  Are these examples of the spiritual gift of healing?  The New Testament gives many different examples about people healing others.  For example, Saint Mark described how the people of Capernaum brought all of the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus Christ so he could heal them. (Mark 1:29-34)  Saint Matthew also explains how Jesus Christ went through all the towns and villages teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35)  Likewise, at the temple gate, the Apostle Peter healed a beggar who was crippled from birth. (Acts 3:1-8)  The Apostle Paul also healed the illnesses of the sick and removed the evil spirits from them. (Acts 19:11-12)

 

On the contrary, all people who heal others are not necessarily ordained from God.  The Apostle Paul interacted with sorcerers and false prophets during his travels. (Acts 8:9; 13:6-8)  Even during the days of Moses, sorcerers and magicians existed. (Exodus 7:11)  Jesus Christ himself was also accused of driving out demons, on behalf of the demons themselves. (Matthew 12:22-24)  This helps explain why we later find Saint John teaching the following, “…test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1 NIV)

Interesting enough, the gift of healing does have its limitations, in that it does not heal all illnesses and it is not dependent upon the recipient’s faith.  Why did the Apostle Paul instruct Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent illnesses…instead of healing him? (I Timothy 5:23)  Why did the Apostle Paul suffer illnesses himself, even though he prayed for God to take them away? (II Corinthians 12:5, 7-10; Galatians 4:13-14)  Why did the people bring the sick into the streets and lay them on beds and mats in hopes that at least the Apostle Peter’s shadow may fall upon them? (Acts 5:15)

 

As for the gift of healing, the Apostle Paul includes the gift in his letter to the Corinthians.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit…and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

In other words, the spiritual gift of healing is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to miraculously cure a person’s illness, regardless of his or her faith in God.  Does the gift of healing exist today?  Definitely not in the same capacity as it was around the days of the Pentecost, when the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. (Acts 5:12)  You may hear about healing services going on in today’s churches, but ask yourself – does the person with the gift of healing claim to heal all people or does he or she believe the healing is based off the recipient’s faith in God?  Overall, most people who pray for healing – by the laying on of hands on another believer – are usually praying to God on behalf of that person for divine intervention…not utilizing the spiritual gift of healing.  Ultimately, God determines when he will use the spiritual gift of healing in our churches and whom he will use it through.

What is the gift of giving?

The New Testament teaches that believers should give out of thankfulness and gratitude to God – not obligation – for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon us.  Saint John explains how God gave the gift of everlasting life for all who believe in him with the words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)  Scripture teaches believers are entrusted to be good stewards of their time, resources, talents and gifts, as an expression of their love toward God.  As for the giving of our monetary resources, the Apostle Paul teaches believers should collectively give back a portion of their money to the work of the Lord.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

 

As for the spiritual gift of giving, the Apostle Paul includes this gift in his letter to the Romans.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

The spiritual gift of giving, or imparting, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to generously contribute to the needs of others from the abundance of his or her resources.  An individual entrusted with the spiritual gift of giving feels led by the Holy Spirit to generously give of his or her resources, in a sincere manner, to the needs of others for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.  Believers who have the gift of giving often remain discreet in their actions, to avoid bringing attention to themselves…so God gets the glory.  Saint Matthew records how Jesus Christ himself warned people against the hypocrisy of drawing attention to themselves while giving to the needy.

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.  If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)

In other words, the Holy Spirit has entrusted many believers with the spiritual gift of giving, which is often alive and well in many churches.  Although, many people often do not even realize that the gift of giving is present within their churches, since believers who are entrusted with this gift often prefer to keep their anonymity.  Nevertheless, God can accomplish many wonderful things through believers, entrusted with the gift of giving, who understand the significant monetary contributions they can make to the work of the Lord…be it helping start new churches, financially blessing struggling churches, giving land for a church building, purchasing building materials for a new church building, or whatever cause the Lord may lay on their hearts.