Spiritual Gifts
The following describe each gift briefly and are listed alphabetically. The general biblical basis for spiritual gifts is Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4: 9-10. These gifts and descriptions were developed/approved by the FFC Elders in August 2014, and last edited in May, 2020.
Administration (1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 27:11; Titus1:5)–Literal Meaning: To pilot or to steer a ship. Description: The gift of administration is 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.
Apostleship (1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25; John 13:16)–Literal Meaning: To be sent with a message. Description: The gift of apostleship is the divine enablement, given to a proven messenger sent from local churches, to assist in new works or edification of existing churches. (NOTE: Not the office as referenced in Ephesians 4:11-13, but the gift of apostleship as referenced in the passages listed above.)
Discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-3)–Literal Meaning: To separate or make a distinction, differentiate. Description: The gift of discernment is the divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is the ability to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.
Encouragement/Exhortation (Romans 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To come along side of. Description: The gift of encouragement/exhortation is the divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11-13)–Literal Meaning: To bring good news. Description: The gift of evangelism is the divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers, so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. (NOTE: This gift is referenced only by title and the Scripture does not define it. This definition is a biblically educated attempt to provide parameters for the gift listed in Scripture.)
Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corinthians 13:2)–Literal Meaning: To trust, have confidence, believe. Description: The gift of faith is the divine enablement to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God’s ability to fulfill his purposes.
Giving (Romans 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To give part of, share. Description: The gift of giving is 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?”
Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9, 28)–Literal Meaning: To restore instantaneously. Description: The gifts of healing are the divine enablement to be God’s means for restoring people to wholeness.
Helps/Service (1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:7)–Literal Meaning: To take the place of someone, or, to serve. Description: The gift of helps/service is the divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others. (NOTE: This gift is referenced only by title and the Scripture does not define it. This definition is a biblically educated attempt to provide parameters for the gift listed in Scripture.)
Interpretation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10, 30)–Literal Meaning: To translate, interpret. Description: The gift of interpretation is the divine enablement to make known to the body of Christ the message of one who is speaking in tongues/languages.
Knowledge, Word of (1 Corinthians 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To know. Description: The gift of the word of knowledge is the divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or biblical insight. (NOTE: This gift is referenced only by title and the Scripture does not define it. This definition is a biblically educated attempt to provide parameters for the gift listed in Scripture.)
Leadership (Romans 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To stand before. Description: The gift of leadership is the divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.
Mercy (Romans 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To have compassion. Description: The gift of mercy is the divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need, compassion moved to action.
Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28)–Literal Meaning: To do powerful deeds. Description: The gift of miracles is the divine enablement to authenticate the ministry and message of God through supernatural interventions which glorify Him.
Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10,28; Romans 12:6; Ephesians 4:11-13)–Literal Meaning: To speak before. Description: The gift of prophecy is the divine enablement to reveal truth; at times spontaneously revealed but always confirmed and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for edification. There may be immediate or near future implications.
Shepherding (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)–Literal Meaning: To shepherd a flock. Description: The gift of shepherding is the divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.
Teaching (1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:11-13)–Literal Meaning: To instruct. Description: The gift of teaching is the divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God, causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners
Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10,28)–Literal Meaning: Tongue, language. Description: The gift of tongues is the divine enablement to speak, worship, or pray in a language unknown to the speaker. People with the gift may receive a spontaneous message from God which is made known to his body through the gift of Interpretation.
Wisdom, Word of (1 Corinthians 12:8)–Literal Meaning: To apply truth practically. Description: The gift of the word of wisdom is the divine enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation. (NOTE: This gift is referenced only by title and the Scripture does not define it. This definition is a biblically educated attempt to provide parameters for the gift listed in Scripture.)