Disciples Foundational Teaching LayoutClass/Level Novice Intermediate Advance Mastered

God & His Word

The Church & Church StructureThe Baptist Church

GCMBC

A Disciples responsibility regarding giving to the church

Disciples Gift and Participation survey

Disciples Feedback

____________________ _______________________Disciple Pastor C.A. Parks, DDiv

Disciples Foundational Teaching• Phase I

– The God & His Word– The Church & Church Structure– The Baptist Church– GCMBC (The Local Congregation)

• Phase II― A Disciples responsibility regarding giving to the

church― A Disciples Gift and Participation survey― A Disciples critique and feedback

God&

His Word

We must establish who God is

• God is absolute truth, good, and infinite in power, time, and presence (Isa 55:6-11)

• Man is absolute finite and can not comprehend an infinite beings (Jam 4:14, 15)

• God left written text and His Spirit to help finite Man to understand Him and His desires—The Bible, The Holy Ghost (Deu 10:12,13; 2 Tim 3:15-17)

He is…• There is no other god…Isa 45:20-22• He is Spirit…Jhn 4:24• He is unchanging…Mal 3:6• He is everywhere…Ps 139:7-10• He has fixed the laws of the universe…Gen 8:22,

Jer 33:25 (NIV), Ps 74:16-17, • All things consists of Him…Col 1:17 @ Act 17:28• Without Him we can do nothing…Jhn 15:5• He is the source of all knowledge…Col 2:2,3, 1

Cor 2:2

Galactic Champion…• Jesus is God…Jhn 1:1, 14• He wrote the Bible…2 Pe 1:20, 21• His word is power…Heb 4:12• We belong to God…Ex 18:4, 1 Co 6:19, 20• He commands us to love Him…Deu 6:4-9, Mt

22:37-39• Everyone knows He is…Rom 1:18-21• Everyone must stay connected to Him…Col

2:6-8

He is the creator of Order

• 1 Co 14:33, 40, 16:1• PS 119:133• Ecc 12:9

He demands True Worship

• Jhn 4:23, 24• Isa 26:9• He hates

He hates all “untrue” worship

• Is 1:13-15• Vain worship…Mat 15:1-9, Deu 4:2, Col 3:16,

17• Ignorant worship…Rom 1:22-24, Act 17:16-21,

2 Pe 3:9, 2 Tim 3:15-17• Will worship…Jer 10:23, Is 55:6-9, Ja 4:7-8,

Mat 7:13-14

The Word of God• John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with

God, and the Word was God. (KJV)

• Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (KJV)

• Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (KJV)

• Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV)

The Church & Church Structure

Universal… 1. Of, relating to, extending to, or affecting the entire world or all within the world; worldwide: 2. Including, relating to, or affecting all members of the class or group under consideration 3. Applicable or common to all purposes, conditions, or situations: a universal remedy.4. Of or relating to the universe or cosmos; cosmic.5. Knowledgeable about or constituting all or many subjects; comprehensively broad.6. Adapted or adjustable to many sizes or mechanical uses.7. Logic Encompassing all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.noun. 1. Logic a. A universal proposition.b. A general or abstract concept or term considered absolute or axiomatic.2. A general or widely held principle, concept, or notion.3. A trait or pattern of behavior characteristic of all the members of a particular culture or of all hum

Who is the Leader of the Church?

JesusThe Christ

Universal

• The first and most important part of the church’s structure is the Head Shepherd who is Jesus Christ (Eph 1:22-23, 4:15-16; 5:23, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). He is the one who joins and holds every part of the church’s body together. Without Jesus as the head of the church, it will not be able to function or accomplish its mission. The bottom line is that—the church concept would be an absolute failure (Jn 15:5)

One Church, many members…• Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. KJV

• Ephesians 5:23-2423 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. KJV

• 1 Corinthians 12:1212 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. KJV

*Special Note—The actual church of Christ is invisible, the local congregation makes up the visible church, however this doesn’t guarantee automatic membership

Is the Church a Volunteer Organism?(an organism with organizational structure)

• The Lord proclaims ownership…1 Corinthians 6:19-2019 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV)• The Lord commands us to love…Mark 12:29-3129 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (KJV)• The Lord commands us to give…Luke 6:29-3029 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. (KJV)

One may have volunteered to enter, but once in, there is very clear guidelines regarding our time, talents, resources, and behavior

Have it Your Way…(just something to think about)

• 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. KJV

• If holiness is too stringent, then maybe a place with relaxed standards is better; if giving is an issue, then maybe a mega-church is a better place to hide…

• During the modern era, people attended the church of their particular denominational heritage. Postmodern people shop for a church that offers choices. Denominational heritage quickly moves toward extinction. People want a variety of worship and program options. They also expect a variety of truth options. If the cross of Christianity is too gruesome, they can choose the pacifism of Buddha. To them, one religious choice is as good as another. "It doesn't really matter what you believe as long as you believe something" becomes the mantra of postmodern seekers and church-hopping becomes the norm in Western Christianity.

• What does God Say? Where Should We be…

A Church Model

Church Function and Relationship

• Up reach—Praise, Prayer, Worship ...Ephesians 5:19-20, 6:18; Psalms 33:1

• Down-reach—Equipping, Teaching, Bible Study ...Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; John 14:26

• Out-reach—Evangelism, Missions ...Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Mark 16:15

• In-reach—Fellowship, Encouraging, Accountability ...Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:2

Leadership under Christ

Ephesians 4:11-15

The Offices of leadership

• 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Why He gave the church Offices

• 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: KJV

Biblical Hierarchal Structure

Jesus

Spiritual Leaders(Pastors, BSH, ELD,)

Servant LeadersMinisters- Deacons- Disciples

Various Ministries Needed of the Church

Christendom

• the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia); "for a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom“

There is a lot of stuff out there…

Beliefs about Salvation…1. Hyper-Calvinism: Beliefs: God is the author of sin and man has no responsibility before God. The Gospel should only

preached to the elect. i.e. duty faith. and anti-missionary Belief in the five points is a prerequisite for true salvation, also known as Neo-Gnostic Calvinism.

2. Ultra High Calvinism: Beliefs: That the elect are in some sense eternally justified. A denial of: The Well– Meant Offer; Common Grace; and God having any love for the non-elect. Proponents: John Gill, some ministers in the Protestant Reformed Church of America

3. High Calvinism: Beliefs: That God in no sense desires to save the reprobate, Most deny the Well-Meant Offer. Supralapsarian viewing God’s decrees. All hold to limited atonement. Most believe in particular grace and see the atonement as sufficient only for the elect. Proponents: Theodore Beza, Gordon Clark, Arthur Pink

4. Moderate Calvinism: Beliefs: That God does in some sense desires to save the reprobate, Infralapsarian in viewing God’s decrees. Affirms Common Grace. Proponents: John Calvin (some argue that he was a High-Calvinist), John Murray, RL Dabney

5. Low Calvinism: Beliefs: That Christ died for all in a legal sense, so one can speak of Christ dying for the non-elect. That God has two distinct wills. Affirms the Well-Meant Offer and Common Grace, Proponents: Amyraldrians , RT Kendal

6. Lutheranism: Beliefs: That Calvinist over emphasize God Sovereignty over man’s responsibility. That Christ died for all in legal sense, that some are predestined on to life but none are predestined onto death. That the sacraments are means of grace regardless of one’s faith. Proponents: Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Rod Rosenbladt

7. American Baptist: Beliefs: That God has given man libertarian freedom, that God’s knowledge of future is based on His foreknowledge. That Christ died for all and desires all to be saved. Once a persons believes the gospel, he is eternally secure. Rejects Calvinism, some would even call it heretical. Proponents: Jerry Falwell, Adrian Rogers

8. Arminianism Beliefs: That God has given man libertarian freedom, that God’s knowledge of future is solely based on His foreknowledge. That Christ died for all and desires all to be saved. A person can fall from the state of grace i.e. lose ones salvation, since it is our free will that chooses Christ at conversion. Proponents: Jacob Arminius, John Wesley some Methodists

The Baptist Church

The Baptist Church

• A disciple of an evangelical Protestant church of congregational polity, following the reformed tradition in worship, and believing in individual freedom, in the separation of church and state, and in baptism of voluntary, conscious believers.

• Baptist—One that baptizes.• Usually autonomous, and locally governed• Led three ways: Pastorally, Congregationally,

Combination

The Local Church Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church

GCMBC

We are the last line of defense in a world set to destroy itself with the ways of wickedness. We are a body of baptized believers in Christ, who strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection. We are overcomers, light bearers, and warriors of the One and only Wise God. We can not be defeated in Christ, whether in life or death, We…Are…Victorious!Pastor Parks*Source document: The GCMBC Leadership Handbook

God’s Army:The Strength of His People in Christ (Eph 3:20)

(1) We Edify Internally

(3) We Prepare for the Future

“How GCMBC Worships God as a Body…in Priority”

(4) We Edify Externally

(2) We Sustain the Present

Transformational Timeline 2011-12

Transformation

GCMBC’s Strategic Focus

The World

The Nation

State Regions

Outlaying Counties

Immediate community

Our Internal FunctioningDetermines Our External

Effectiveness

ExternalFocus

(Provide)

Internal Focus(Equip) (G), (M), (E)

(D)

(D)

(G)(M)(E)

The “Worship Experience” Spiritual Application Strategy

The “Attributes” of Worship

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EVANGELISM(E)

MISSIONS(M)

DISCIPLESHIP(D)

GIVING(G)

How

GCM

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OCT JAN FEBDECNOV APR MAY JUN JUL AUGMAR OCTSEP

(D), (E), (M) Mat 28:18-20 & (G) Mal 3:8

Reassessment

Reassessment

Reassessment

Reassessment

Edify Inside6 interim ministry areas

Information SharingIssue visibility

Six (6) Ministry Teams/Advisors (Current)

1. Men's Ministry Team – Pastor Parks Laymen & Deacons (Deacon Adams)2. Women's Ministry Team – Dr. ParksWomen’s Mission & Deaconess (Sis Thompson)3. Christian Education Ministry Team – Pastor ParksYouth (Min. Dorsey), Children/Nursery, Singles Ministry4. Helps Ministry Team –_________ Hospitality( Sis. Hollins), Fellowship, Ushers (Dea Edward), Congregation Care (Sis. Hollins), Nursing Home (Deacon Johnson), Transportation (Dea Norris) , Facility care, Media/IT (Min. Gilmore)5. Pastoral Ministry Team- Pastor ParksAdministration (Min. Goodman), Leaders (Pastor Parks), Prayer (Dr. Parks)6. Music & Worship Ministry- Sis. Cavole Choir, Praise & Worship Team, Youth Choir, Choral, Dance Ministry (Min. Dorsey)

GCMBC Org Chart (Potential Future)Pastor

Deacon/Deaconess

Family Ministry Christian Ed

Women's Ministry Laymen Ministry

Music Ministry Worship Ministry

Usher Ministry Fellowship Ministry

Hospitality Ministry Nursery Ministry

Parish Coordinator Assistant Pastor

Ministers Youth Minister

Campus Ministry Single’s Ministry

Missions Evangelism

Parish Manager Administrative

History Building and Grounds

Stewardship Ministries Long Range Planning

Nomination Ministry Public Relations

Personnel

GCMBC GoalsTo provide an atmosphere of worship conducive for the salvation, healing, and

deliverance of God’s people

• Worship God – this is a lifestyle for each disciple of Christ and the church collectively. We must desire it, just like the air we breath

• Grow in Grace – regardless of setbacks, tribulations, sign of the times and the like, we will increase numerically, spiritually, financially, and socially

• Always ascending regarding our purpose– as the needs of Christendom changes, we will do those things God leads us to do, not for popularity, but for necessity.

• Persevere in the Christian Warrior Stance – we live for the things of God, we stand for righteousness, and holy living. The Word is our guidebook and plumb line for all activities regardless of popular opinion. We don’t judge the fallen but pray for their deliverance; we abhor self righteousness and false piety, but embrace the contrite spirit.

The Pastor• Jeremiah 3:1515 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. KJV• Jeremiah 23:1-21Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. 2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. KJV• Ephesians 4:11-1211 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: KJV• Hebrews 13:1717 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. KJV

The Pastor and Church Leaders• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-1312 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish (i.e. warn) you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. KJV

• 1 Timothy 5:17-2017 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. KJV

GCMBC Pastor

• Pastors are God’s gift to the church. He has been invested with power and authority by God to serve as overseer, shepherd, ruler and chief steward of his church. He is charged with the ultimate spiritual care and authority in the life of the congregation. He is not to be a dictator. However, he/she must exercise wisdom in utilizing the various styles of leadership to accomplish the mission God has given him. He is the chief executive officer of the corporation

Source: Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches pg 66-67, 73-80

Pastor Parks’ Ministry Goals• Stay Healed in spirit to serve • Stay filled with the Spirit of God in order to

encourage and support the ministry• Stay enthusiastic in your worship• Stay in a continuous state of deliverance from

those sins that so easily beset us in the past• Stay Victorious in Christ, for there can never

be defeat in Him

Church Authority and Org

• Authority – Based on the Word…guidelines used from NT Church in Acts 2…voluntary comply with Baptist Church Covenant and Articles of Faith

• Organization – Jesus is head…the pastor is His representative in the local church…deacon’s and minister’s are responsible for implementation of the pastor’s vision

Church Discipline• Three Laws of Christ’s Home

– First law: for every disciple; the law of love (Jhn 13:34)– Second law: for the offender; the law of confession (Mt 5:23, 24)– Third law: for the offended; the law of forgiveness (Lk 17:3, 4)

• As to Offenses– Two kinds private and public; or personal and general

• Private – Mt 18:15-17• Public – Their character, their treatment

• Discipline– Correction and rebuke through guidance from the word– Temporary suspension of rights as a member until reconciled– Temporary and/or permanent removal from office (if applicable)

Constitution and By-LawsVII. Church Discipline• A. Should any unhappy difference arise among members, the aggrieved

member shall follow in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17.

• B. Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or of public scandal occur, the deacons shall endeavor to resolve the conflict; and if this effort fails, shall report the case to the church.

• C. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian kindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached, the church may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no longer in the membership of the church.

• D. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense may be restored by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation; or if an account of continued absence, upon satisfactory explanation.

A disciples responsibility regarding giving to the church

LUKE 6:38 . . . WHAT DOES IT MEAN?“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good

measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Tithing: is it for today?Defining the tithing, as the term is used today, most

contemporary believers embrace the concept of tithing to mean giving 10 % of your income (pre-tax or post-tax – opinions are different) to the church organization with which they are affiliated (the church fellowship that they probably attend on Sundays). This money is then used to support the church budget (rent, bills, staff salaries, missions, etc). By many, not to tithe is considered a sin. Many times you will hear people reciting Malachi 3:8-12…

First Mentioned…Gen 14:20• Hebrews 7:22 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; KJVWhy?Reverence, gratitude, honor, exaltation, appreciation, a spiritual unction...

…Tithing was part of the Old Testament law, part of the ordinances that God gave to the children of Israel through Moses. There appears to be two tithes. The first tithe was going to the Levites while the second was used by the people themselves in rejoicing before the Lord or in the third year it was collected for the poor and (again) for the Levites.

New Testament Giving…• 2 Corinthians 8:1-4: What did they give, how and for what purpose ?Starting our study from 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 we read: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”What they gave was a GIFT. The Greek word that is translated as “gift” here is in fact the word “charis” that means “grace” and it is translated as such in most of the other English translations. In other words, a more accurate translation here would be: “that we would receive the grace and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints”. What was ministered to the saints in the age of grace is not called “tithe” but “grace”. The giving of the tithe (tithing) belongs to the age of the law. In the age of grace what you have is no longer tithing but “grace giving”.

The Word on Giving…• I Timothy 5:7-8 “And these things command, that they may be blameless. But if anyone

does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

• 1 John 3:16-18: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

To summarize: for a gift to be acceptable, a willing heart is a prerequisite. There must be a readiness, a willingness, a desire to give. And out of this desire one should give. We should give not according to what we don't have, but according to what we do have.

GCMBC Constitution & By-Laws1. All leaders will be members of this church in good standings. They will demonstrate (a) a strongcommitment to a loving relationship with Christ that is personal and real, (b) spiritual and moralintegrity, (c) be committed to servant-ministry (d) regularly participate in the church’s ChristianEducation Ministry, (e) supports the pastor’s vision, and (f) is a tither.2. All members will tithe and give offerings which are the hallmarks of this church as stated in the By-Laws.

The Disciples Spiritual Gifts

The following is a list of Bible passages that are the primary sources for understanding spiritual gifts in the life of the church:

Overview scriptures: • Romans 12:3-8; • 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; • 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; • Ephesians 4:7-16; • 1 Peter 4:7-11

Gifts Seen in the Word1. Administration 6. Exhortation 11. Hospitality 16. Leadership 21. Shepherd

2. Apostle 7. Faith 12. Intercession 17. Miracles 22. Teaching

3. Discerning of Spirits

8. Giving 13. Interpretation of Tongues

18. Missionary 23. Tongues

4. Evangelism 9. Healing 14. Word of Knowledge

19. Prophecy 24. Voluntary Poverty

5. Ekballism 10. Helps 15. Mercy 20. Service 25. Word of Wisdom

Why gifts?!• Gifts are given for all to bring glory to God. 1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. KJV; 1 Peter 4:10-11

• Gifts are given to be productive, increase, honor God the giver, and judgment Matthew 25:14-46

• Gifts are given to be used to in accordance with your faith Romans 12:6-8

• Gifts are given soley to edify the body, not just ourselves 1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 19,

• Gifts are to edify not bring confusion or disorder 1 Corinthians 14:22-26, 1 Corinthians 14:32-33

• By the grace of God, Special gifts are given to those who watch over, guide, protect, and speak to the flock Ephesians 4:7-12

Gift Definitions:• 1. Administration: "The special ability that God gives to certain members

of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals." This gift is a leadership gift and is often characterized by people who lead the body by steering others to remain on task. These people generally are concerned with the details of how to accomplish tasks, and tend to be masters at delegating specific tasks to other people according to their gifts and talents. Scriptures: Luke 14:28-30 Counting the costs; Acts 6:1-7 Deacons; 1 Corinthians 12:28 get others to work together; Titus 1:5 set in order.

• 2. Apostle: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ which enables them to assume and exercise helpful leadership over a number of churches in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches."

Gift Definitions:• 3. Discerning of Spirits: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the

Body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or Satanic." This gift is a practical gift. Christians with this gift can recognize the true motives of people and also recognize when a person is distorting the truth or communicating error. This person often can recognize when Satan or other evil spirits are at work in a given person or situation. Scriptures: Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11; 16:16-18; 17:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Hebrews 5:14; 1 John 4:1-6.

• 4. Evangelism: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to readily share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women often become Jesus’ disciples and responsible members of the Body of Christ. This gift is a practical gift. While the task of evangelism is an important spiritual exercise that all Christians should be involved with, God gifts certain members with an ability to have unusual sensitivity to when someone is ready to accept Christ, and will generally have greater success in leading people to Christ than other Christians. People with this gift should be active in training others to share their faith. Scriptures: Acts 8:5-6, 26-40; Ephesians 4:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:5.

• 5. Ekballism: "The special ability that God gives certain members of the Body of Christ to cast out demons and evil spirits" in the name of Jesus Christ. This gift is a sign gift. Jesus gave His apostles the authority to cast out demons (Mark 3:14, 15; 6:13), and the gift was used during the earliest days of the church (Acts 15:16; 16:16-18). Although western society often excuses spiritual powers with rational explanations, there is no reason to believe that evil spirits are no longer at work in our world. However, those with this gift should be discerning in their use of it, and not develop an excessive preoccupation with demons and evil spirits. The Christian focus should be on the victory won in Jesus Christ, and the salvation and abundant life He offers, not the ever-present forces of evil in this world. Scriptures: Matthew 12:22-32; Luke 10:12-20; Acts 8:5-8; 16:16-18; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 6:10-12.

• 6. Exhortation: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed." This gift is a communication gift. This gift is often called "encouragement," but exhortation is used here because the gift is not limited to the connotations that the name "encouragement" implies. Those who use this gift within a teaching or ministry situation are often driven to give practical application to their insights. Often, those gifted in this gift desire step-by-step plans of action to help others mature in Christ. Exhorters often find it natural to discover insights from personal experience when validated and amplified in Scripture. Scripture: Luke 3:16-18; Acts 11:23; 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:12; 5:1; Hebrews 10:25.

Gift Definitions:

• 7. Faith: "The special ability that God gives certain members of the Body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work." This gift is a practical gift. Those with this gift often scare other people with their confidence. People with this gift are often very irritated by criticism, as they consider it to be criticism against God and His will. Probably the biggest danger for those with this gift is that they often try to project their gift onto other people. Scriptures: Acts 11:22-24; 27:21-25; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11. Phil 2:13

• 8. Giving: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness." This gift is a practical gift. While all Christians should practice the discipline of giving through the minimum of 10% (tithe), God gifts certain members of the body to give remarkably greater amounts of their income with liberality and great joy. These people have an acute awareness that all they have belongs to the Lord and they are merely stewards, therefore they know that God will supply their needs and richly bless them in their giving. Scriptures: Matthew 6:2-4; Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 13:3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Philippians 4:14-19.

Gift Definitions:

• 9. Healing: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom God cures illness and restores health apart from the use of natural means. This gift is a sign gift. Many attribute the occurrence of supernatural healing to a certain level of faith. Those who have this gift must use it knowing that the healing only occurs within the limits of God’s will, and therefore miraculous healing will not always occur. Those with this gift must also recognize that God does often choose to use medical science to bring about healing in a person, therefore doctors and medicine are not obsolete. Miraculous healing will only occur if it will bring the greatest glory to God and effectively grow His church. Scripture: Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16; 9:32-35; 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28.

• 10. Helps: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. This gift is a practical gift. People with this gift often enjoy doing routine tasks in order to free others to do the ministry God has called them to do. People with this gift are often not looking for recognition for the work they do. Scriptures: Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:2-3; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Timothy 1:16-18.

Gift Definitions:

• 11. Hospitality: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging." This gift is a practical gift. Those with this gift have an acute awareness of visitors and have a desire to make all people feel welcome. People with this gift enjoy visitors in their home, and are usually not bothered if someone stops by and their home is not spotless. Those with this gift are a key to helping new people become a part of the group. Scriptures: Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:9-13; 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9.

• 12. Intercession: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian." This gift is a practical gift. Those with this gift often feel compelled to pray for specific requests when they are made known. Gifted intercessors have a much greater occurrence of specific answers to prayer than most Christians. Intercessors often have an acute understanding that prayer is genuinely a conversation with God, and when left alone, find themselves engaged in prayer. Many intercessors experience times when God moves them to pray for situations when they are not entirely sure what they are praying for. To those who get to know intercessors well, prayer becomes contagious. Those with this gift should help others learn how to pray more effectively. Scriptures: Luke 22:41-44; Acts 12:12; Romans 8:26-27; Colossians 1:9-12; 4:12-13; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 5:14-16.

Gift Definitions:

• 13. Interpretation of Tongues: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues." This gift is a sign gift. Due to the fact that God has chosen not to use the gift of tongues on a corporate level at Lakeview Baptist Church, the use of this gift is very limited. However, there are pockets of individuals and small groups at Lakeview where tongues is practiced. Those with this gift are used to bring the personal edification of tongues to a position where the message edifies the group in which the tongue was spoken. Those with this gift gain a sense of what God is trying to say when they hear a person speak in tongues. Should a person with this gift fail to interpret the tongue when it is spoken and they receive the interpretation through the Holy Spirit, they have done a great disservice to the person who spoke in tongues and to the group as the edification that God desires has not taken place. Often, the interpreter is also the person who has spoken in tongues. The interpretation of tongues is often closely related to the message given by an exhorter or a prophet. Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:10-30; 14:13-17, 26-28.

• 14. Word of Knowledge: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well-being of the Body." say some, the knowledge of mysteries (ch. 2:13): wrapped up in the prophecies, types, and histories of the Old Testament: say others, a skill and readiness to give advice and counsel in perplexed cases. This gift is a practical gift. Among Pentecostal and charismatic Christians, the word of knowledge is often defined as the ability of one person to know what God is currently doing or intends to do in the life of another person. It can also be defined as knowing the secrets of another person's heart. Through this revelation, it is believed that God encourages the faith of the believer to receive the healing or comfort that God offers. Scriptures: Luke 1:1-4; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 12:8; 2 Corinthians 11:6; Colossians 1:10; 2:2-3; 1 Timothy 2:15.

Gift Definitions:

• 15. Leadership: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to set goals in accordance with God’s purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God.“ This gift is a leadership gift. People with this gift are often focused on the greater goal of the group and are not overly concerned with the details. Leaders delegate tasks and details to others to accomplish the greater goal. Leaders are visionaries. Leaders have followers-a visionary without followers is not a leader. Scriptures: Luke 9:51; Acts 6:1-7; 15:7-11; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17.

• 16. Mercy: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) who suffer from distressing physical, mental, or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering." This gift is a practical gift. Those with this gift find themselves visiting and assisting those in need, and often feel the pain of the person they are helping within themself. People with this gift find it extremely difficult not to help those who seem less fortunate than themself. Those with this gift generally enjoy helping those with physical or mental problems and do well in ministries involving visiting hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and shut-ins. Scriptures: Matthew 20:29-34; 25:24-40; Mark 9:41; Luke 10:33-35; Acts 11:28-30; 16:33-34; Romans 12:8; Jude 22-23

Gift Definitions:

• 17. Miracles: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom God performs powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. This gift is a sign gift. This gift is manifested through the supernatural intervention by God into specific circumstances in order to change the perceived natural outcome. Those with this gift must recognize that God only causes miracles to happen in order to bring the greatest glory to himself. Scriptures: Acts 9:36-42; 19:11-20; 20:7-12; Romans 15:17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; 12:10, 28; 2 Corinthians 12:12. Note on Healing and Miracles: The gifts of healing and miracles are often combined, since they both involve the occurrence of events beyond natural means. However, one is focused on the healing of the human body, while the other is focused on other miraculous events that alter the ordinary course of nature. These may in fact be two separate manifestations of the same gift.

• 18. Missionary: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a culture other than their own. This gift is a leadership gift. Those with this gift find it easy or exciting to adjust to a different culture or community. Missionaries find great joy working with minorities, people of other countries, or those with other distinct cultural differences. Those with this gift have a stronger-than-average desire to be a part of the fulfillment of the Great Commission around the world. Scriptures: Acts 8:4; 13:1-4; 22:21; Romans 10:15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Note: Many spiritual gifts inventories combine the gift of apostle with the gift of missionary because the Greek word is the same, meaning “sent one” (literally, one sent with authority, or as an ambassador or representative). These gifts have been separated here with the distinction that the missionary gift is focused on cross-cultural work, where the apostle gift is focused on overseeing the expansion of the Church in a given area, regardless of culture.

Gift Definitions:

• 19. Prophecy: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people with authority and urgency perceived by the hearers. This gift is a communication gift. Those with the gift of prophecy will often feel as though they have a direct word from God that will comfort, encourage, guide, warn, or rebuke the Body of Christ. Prophets are concerned about evangelism and will have a desire speak strongly against evil in society or in the church. Prophets have a great sense of urgency to their message. Unless paired with the gifts of exhortation or teaching, prophets will often not feel the need to explain their message, but will expect immediate response. The message of a prophet must always be tested in line with Scripture. Prophets would be wise to test their message against Scripture prior to delivering the message, and using Scriptural precedent in delivery of their message. Scripture: Luke 7:26; Acts 15:32; 21:9-11; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; 14:3, 24-25, 29, 36-38; Ephesians 4:11-14.

• 20. Service: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results." This gift is a practical gift. Those with the gift of service enjoy doing routine tasks around the church regardless of how they effect others. Those with this gift enjoy menial tasks and do them cheerfully. Service-oriented people would rather take orders than give them. Scripture: John 12:26; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:6-7; Galatians 6:2, 9-10; 2 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14.

Gift Definitions:

• 21. Shepherd: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the welfare of a group of believers." This gift is a leadership gift. This gift is often called "pastor," however, that name has a connotation of a specific position in the church. In actuality, when pastors have this gift, their ability to continue sustained growth in their churches is greatly diminished, as they tend to require a certain level of interaction with every member of their congregation. Those with the gift of shepherd have a great need for long-term relationships. Shepherds will sacrificially give themselves to other people in such a way that they are built-up in their faith. Shepherds take personal responsibility for the successes and failures of those in the group that they invest themselves in. Scriptures: John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4.

• 22. Teaching: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a way that others will learn." This gift is a communication gift. People with the gift of teaching enjoy studying the Bible and related materials in order to communicate what they have learned to other Christians. Those with this gift find it easy to organize vast amounts of information in such a way as to make it easy to communicate, understand, and remember. Scriptures: Matthew 7:28-29; 28:19-20; Acts 15:32; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; Ephesians 4:11-14.

Gift Definitions:

• 23. Tongues: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ (a) to speak to God in a language that they have never learned and/or (b) to receive and communicate a message of God to his people through a divinely anointed utterance in a language they never learned." This gift is a sign gift. There are small groups of saints within this church among whom God has chosen to use this gift. Tongues is often associated with intercession and/or faith, but must be recognized as not necessarily being the sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or even as evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Tongues, like any other spiritual gift, is given by God to whomever He chooses to be used to His glory and the edification of the Church. 1 Corinthians 13:1 suggests that there are two forms of the gift of tongues: tongues of men and tongues of angels. This would mean that the speaker could be speaking in an earthly language, or in a language beyond normal human understanding. Scriptures: Mark 16:17; Acts 2:1-13; 10:44-46; 19:1-7; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12:10,28; 13:1; 14:13-19, 26-28, 39. Note on Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues: When used in a group setting, an interpretation must take place, or else the one speaking the tongue should remain silent. If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.

• 24. Voluntary Poverty: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to renounce material comfort and luxury and adopt a personal lifestyle equivalent to those living at the poverty level in a given society in order to serve God more effectively." This gift is a practical gift. Those with the spiritual gift of voluntary poverty will often choose to live among people who are considered poverty-stricken in a given area, and live at their level, although they have the means to live at a higher standard. Their primary motivation for this choice is to minister more effectively to the people through identification. Scriptures: Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-27; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:9. Note: This gift is often associated with the gift of giving, however, notice that the motivation for this gift is for effective ministry through identification with a group of less-fortunate people, where those with the gift if giving are motivated by what their money can do towards God’s work.

Gift Definitions:

• 25. Word of Wisdom: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ. To one was given the word of wisdom; that is, say some, a knowledge of the mysteries of the gospel, and ability to explain them, an exact understanding of the design, nature, and doctrines, of the Christian religion. Others say an uttering of grave sentences, like Solomon's proverbs. This wisdom relates to that which God had previously hidden and destined for the glory of believers. It is a wisdom that speaks of those things that God has prepared for those who love him. These emphases from the broader context of the Corinthian letter could imply that the word of wisdom involves insight into God's plan of salvation and the proclamation of Christ crucified. Commentators have noted both a prophetic and a teaching character to the word of wisdom. Among Pentecostals and charismatics, the gift is often defined as a revelation of the Holy Spirit that applies scriptural wisdom to a specific situation that a Christian community faces. Some confine this word of wisdom to the revelations made to and by the apostles. This gift is a practical gift. Those with this gift have an excellent ability to apply spiritual truth to everyday life. Often, people in the church naturally seek out people with this gift when they are facing complicated spiritual problems. When a person with this gift considers past experience, they realize that they often make good and correct decisions and judgements. Scriptures: Proverbs 4:5-8; Acts 6:3, 10; 15:13-20; 20:20-21; Romans 12:17; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14; Colossians 1:28.

Gift Definitions:

• Spiritual gifts have two main purposes:• * to edify the saints (1 Cor 14:4)• * to glorify the Savior (1 Cor 14:2)• Gifts can easily be abused:• * refusing to use a gift (see 1 Cor

14:1,12,23)• * not using the gift in love (see 1 Cor 13:1)• * They can be abused in attitude:• * envy (see 1 Cor 12:15-16)• * pride (see 1 Cor 12:21)

Gift RECAP:

Disciples Feedback(making the process better)

• Three Sustains

• Three Improves