Spiritual Gifts Spotilight: The Backbone Gifts.

This week we are all getting started on our Lenten study and our investigation into our spiritual gifts. If you haven't joined a study or would just like to purchase a study book, please contact the church office at 815-962-6061.

There are 3 spiritual gifts that serve as the backbone for the Body of Christ. While the body is capable of functioning with out them, these gifts provide for an overall better working Body of Christ. These gifts are especially important for the functioning of a healthy church congregation. The Backbone gifts are Administration, Faith, and Giving.

The Gift of Administration. This the gift that provides for the organization and leadership of the church. It may be provided by a committee chair, the pastor, or any other member of the congregation. The key goal of the Administrator is to provide unity for the congregation through the cooperative use of all other gifts. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Can work well in a pressured environment.




• Is able to recognize gifts in others and inspire them to use those gifts.




• Is willing to make decisions, even at the risk of being unpopular.




• Shows compassion.




• Can lead groups.




• Can see the "bigger picture" and help others to see it as well.




• Is able to delegate.




• Is often looked to for guidance or leadership.




• Is devoted to the success of the project at hand.




• Leads by setting an example.

The Gift of Faith. This gift is more than "Belief in God". This faith is one that believes deeply in God and Christ, but also believes in the mission and future of the church. The key goal of the those gifted with Faith is to help inspire others to the same deep faith. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Is able to see God’s work in any situation.




• Easily trusts in God where others might not.




• Believes in God in a special or unusual way.




• Has a very active prayer life.




• Can see God even in tragedy.




• Can set other people’s faith into motion.




• Strengthens other people’s faith through example or prayer.




• Is often looked to for public or private prayer or intervention.




• Holds fast to personal convictions.

The Gift of Giving. Without gifts of time, talent, and financial resources the modern church does not function. This bearer of gift understands the importance of giving and is able to uncover new ways to encourage others to give. The characteristics of this gift are:

• They give time, money, and resources with a joyful heart.




• May like to give anonymously.




• Views giving to meet material needs as a ministry or calling.




• They believe that God has given them the ability to make and share money.




• Gives generously to a variety of causes, not all directly church related.




• Often works in order to have more to give.




• Gives honestly.




• Can discover and channel new sources of money, time and energy in a special way.

Be sure to attend one of the group studies and worship on Sunday mornings during Lent to learn more about your gifts and how to best use them to serve God, your church, your family, and your community.