These gifts are the inspiration that threads through every fabric of our lives. It permeates our thought processes and attitudes. It filters all sensory data. It spurs us into action; it provides incentive and intuition. These endowments form our Ministry Paradigm. It is the inspiration, stimulation and motivation of all we do. We call these the Motivational Gifts :

“6… if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or serving, let us use it in our serving; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who encourages, in encouraging; he who gives, with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness .”— Rom. 12:6-8

This study examines the seven motivational gifts outlined in Romans 12

• Prophecy: the extraordinary ability to discern, proclaim and apply the Word with clarity to a particular situation with a view toward correction or edification. The Greek “ propheteia ,” means revealing, manifesting, showing forth, making known, divulging vital information necessary for spiritual living and development.

Characteristics…
My insight into people’s motives is generally confirmed.
I boldly and candidly express what I think and feel. I always speak the truth, even at the risk of confronting my superiors.
I always speak the truth, even if it causes pain or hurt feelings.
I experience times of intercession where I weep before the Lord.
I use scripture to validate my concerns.
I desire to see outward evidence of repentance

Concerns…
Discernment in the flesh can be “paranoia” and suspicion; i.e. conspiracy theorist
Frankness can be viewed as harshness
Focus on right and wrong can be seen as intolerance

Case Study…
John the Baptist (Lk. 3:2-18)

• Serving: the extraordinary ability to identify task needs and to utilize available resources to meet those needs and accomplish the task. This is primarily task-oriented, not person-oriented. The Greek “ diakonia , ” means to aid. Those operating in this gift do not desire rank but that their service will help or free another to work more effectively.

Characteristics… I detect likes and dislikes of others
I show Christ’s love with practical acts of kindness
I show my feelings by what I do for others more than what I say to them.
I prefer doing a job instead of delegating it to someone else to complete.
I enjoy sincere appreciation
I’m involved in a lot of activities because it’s difficult to say “no”
I prefer short-range goals

Concerns…
I may appear pushy and impatient with red tape, policies, committees, etc.
I can get upset with others when they don't have the same motive
I can get hurt if I feel unappreciated.
I can get sidetracked with others' needs and neglect my own (spiritual and natural)

Case Study…
Martha (Lk. 10:38-42)

• Teaching: the extraordinary ability to understand and communicate the Christian faith, facilitating comprehension, growth and discipleship. This is accomplished by instruction, oversight and accountability. The Greek “didaskalia,” means to instruct, clarify, elucidate, illuminate, simplify, and to illustrate for the sake of communication and understanding.

Characteristics…
I love to study the bible.
I enjoy research projects, studying commentaries, concordances, etc..
I tend to analyze everything and validate all truth with Scripture
I am grieved when scripture is interpreted out of context or inaccurately
I enjoy helping others to learn.
I do not automatically accept something as truth just because it comes from an authority.
I teach in a systematic manner

Concerns…
May be strong on correct interpretation but weak on practical application
Use of knowledge in testing people may seem to be pride
Details of research may seem unnecessary and too exhaustive for others.
May lack warmth

Case Study…
Paul (Acts 13:1; I Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 1:11)

Encouraging: the extraordinary ability to minister words of comfort, consolation and encouragement that yield healing and hope. The Greek “ parakaleo , ” (para = along side; kaleo = call) implies being called alongside another to bring out the best in others.

Characteristics…
I am a social person who believes in and motivates people
I seem to be well-loved and popular
I am quick to understand and forgive other’s faults
I am willing to become personally involved in resolving disputes
I enjoy practical teaching that results in action.
I attempt to relates the Word through human experience
I like to network people who have similar interests

Concerns…
May appear undiscerning
Personality may be viewed as insincere or patronizing
Use of scripture for practical application may be out of context

Case Study…
Barnabas (Acts 4:36-41; II Tim. 4:11)

• Giving: the extraordinary ability to understand and generously meet material needs in such a way that both giver and recipient have a clear sense of God’s provision. The Greek “ metadidomi ,” means to turn over or to give over, share, or transfer. It is the ability to manage one’s resources of income, time, energy, and skills to exceed what is considered to be a reasonable standard for giving.

Characteristics… The Lord is my source and provides “overflow”
I utilize good personal stewardship and have to give to others
I desire that my gift be the highest quality possible and an answer to prayer.
I give generously and joyfully to people in need
I actively support organizations that I believe in.
When I give, it makes me feel a part of the ministry I support
I like to motivate others to give

Concerns…
Giving may appear as boasting and egotistic
May appear as controlling or assertive
Attempt to motivate others to give could appear pushy

Case Study…
Abraham (Gen. 13:2, 8-9)

• Ruling: the extraordinary ability to discern God’s vision for ministry, communicate that vision to others, plan strategies and manage the human and material resources in a harmonious way that brings success. The Greek “ proistemi ,” means to stand before. Those

with the gift of leadership are influencers, motivators and vision casters. Leaders not only “see” opportunities, but “seize” opportunities.

Characteristics…
I tend to assume leadership when no one else does
I can see the big picture, long-range goals
I love to form teams and help people discover their gifts/talents
I enjoy the challenge of establishing new policies, procedures and protocols.
I can create order out of chaos.
I can make decisions and make things happen quickly.
I can handle criticism and negativity.

Concerns…
Ability to delegate may appear to be laziness or controlling
Willingness to endure reactions from others may appear as callousness
Has tendency to rush ahead of team; impatient
Views people as resources instead of seeing them as people

Case Study…
Moses - Joseph - Nehemiah

• Mercy: the extraordinary ability to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional problems and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds. The Greek “ eleeo ,” means “have compassion on.”

Characteristics…
I am drawn to and empathize with those who are suffering.
I weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
I consider helping the suffering as a valuable use of my time.
Compared to others, I invest a larger amount of time consoling those who are hurting.
I am sensitive to words and actions
I am willing to use my personal resources
I am not a judgmental or condemning person.

Concerns…
May be viewed as co-dependent
Avoidance of firmness may appear as weakness
Maybe lead by emotions, not the Spirit
Use wisdom when mininstering; should be men to men and women to women

Case Study…
Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:30-37), Hosea