Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. …  Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

– 1 Corinthians 12:1-6

Hello Pastor and/or Church Enthusiast,

As a Pastor, you are anchored in the Bible. Surely you have read/studied 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:4-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13? Those passages are persuasive in guiding your church’s transition to a Spiritual Gifts-operated model. Take note of how Paul describes spiritual gifts—such as leadership, encouragement, teaching, and discernment—as tools given by the Holy Spirit for building up the church. These aren’t optional extras but part of God’s design for a growing and thriving community of Christ believers. In my own experience, churches can quadruple in size in three to five years and people are excited to serve.

Some pastors shy away from spiritual gifts due to misuse (like chaotic services or emotional manipulation) or theological skepticism (cessationism, the belief that certain gifts ended with the apostles). The system I have used is respectful, orderly, and Spirit-led, as the New Testament teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “all things should be done decently and in order.” That is a good anchor. If you lean cessationist, may I gently suggest that even non-miraculous gifts (like wisdom or administration) still fit in your framework and could open the door to broader exploration.

Pastors usually want their congregations to grow spiritually and numerically. There is no faster way to reach those goals than by operating your church with Spiritual Gifts. I attended a church in the Tampa Bay Area and first taught leaders of a 200-member Sunday School class. The church chairman was in that class. He discovered his gifts and had me teach all church leadership. Fast forward a little more than three years, and attendance jumped from 600 to 2000. As church members deepen their faith, it fosters unity and attracts friends seeking authentic encounters with God. For instance, a church where members exercise gifts like encouragement or service might see stronger community bonds, while prophetic insights could keep your church safely on the right path.

Proposing a full-on overhaul might spook you. Instead, start with something low-key—like church leadership. You could offer a 4-week teaching series on the passages above. If you have a prayer group, have them seek discernment. Ease into it. I can help by facilitating or sharing resources.

You are a leader. Would it not be wonderful to have 60-80% of your church serving with you? During the 1980s, 1990s, and the early 2000s, Willow Creek Church in the greater Chicago area had the largest and fastest-growing church in the USA. Harvard Business College sent three research students to Willow to understand how they grew so fast. Their report cited three areas. No. 1 was their ability to lead people in discovering their God-given gifts and finding where they were best suited to serve. The objective is for every person to use their Gift in ministry to others.

Spiritual Gifts is a way for your people to serve and find personal fulfillment, knowing their service is to advance the Kingdom of God on planet earth.

My consulting services are complimentary.

Call me at 321-430-4426

Email Ba***@*******************st.com