Who has Spiritual Gifts?

If spiritual gifts are the key to ministering within the will of God in the Body of Christ, then the Church is failing to teach and train believers to follow Christ in an effective way. According to George Barna, “Among born again adults, the percentage that say they have heard of spiritual gifts but do not believe God has given them one jumped from 4% in 1995 to 21% in 2000.”[1] In the same research report, over half of the participants held a view of spiritual gifts that deviates from the teaching of the Bible.

Confusion abounds on the subject of spiritual gifts. However, the fact that every believer has a gift is clear. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 and in Romans 12:3, Paul uses the same word to explain “who” has spiritual gifts. The word is each. “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith [which follows with examples of spiritual gifts].” Every follower of Christ has been given a gift that places him or her in the body that is unique and a part of the grand design of God.

If my piece of the puzzle is unique, then what happens if I choose not to place it into the picture. Obviously, a glaring hole persists. This is what happens in the body of Christ. Something is missing when people are ignorant of or refuse to use the grace gift that God has presented. The work of the Holy Spirit is squelched and the Body does not function as it should.

So, what can church leaders do? We must be intentional with the teaching and training on spiritual gifts. An explanation of the concept must be incorporated into sermons, small groups, new member orientations, mentoring relationship, and even into the vision of the Church. I believe that with some effort and focus on the part of church leaders, multitudes of believers could find fulfilling and effective ministry within the Church that makes an eternal difference in the lives of others.