Further Study: Spiritual Gifts for Evangelism and Witnessing
Discover (or organize) local training opportunities.
If you have decided upon an area of witnessing and evangelism and have discussed it with your pastor and evangelism leaders, it is time to consider your readiness for the task. You will want the best possible chance of influencing people for Jesus; thus, training is important. Remember, working as a team rather than individually will ensure encouragement, support, and success. The following are this week’s key areas of focus.
- In consultation with your pastor and evangelism leader, discuss what (if any) training events and processes can be undertaken. All training does not have to be at the local church. Explore the possibility of attending regional training or being sponsored to attend some training seminars, if available.
- Another training option is to request your pastor or other trainers to provide local witnessing and evangelism training. If costs are prohibitive and there are only a few people wishing to be trained at your church, why not advertise regionally and make it a regional training event based at your place?
- While you are undergoing training for your chosen area of witnessing and evangelism, consider what resources are available. Becoming familiar with resources, and how to use them, forms an important part of preparation for your ministry.
- Crucial to your outreach and evangelism ministry is personal spiritual preparation. You will become more aware of your personal spiritual needs as you begin to serve God. As you then request, and receive, a greater infilling of the Holy Spirit, you will be empowered for greater service. Pray for the Holy Spirit to direct and use you.
Discussion Questions:
“God has set in the church different gifts. These are precious in their proper places, and all may act a part in the work of preparing a people for Christ’s soon coming.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 481. Consider to what extent spiritual gifts are emphasized in your local church. What can you do to raise their profiles?
“All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 327. How can we help encourage all church members to discover, develop, and use their spiritual gifts? Why is it important that we do so?
(0)
Spiritual Grifts are GIFTS from the SPIRIT - WE CAN'T GIVE THEM TO EACH OTHER
Training should not be viewed as giving spiritual gifts, but as helping members discover and use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given.
Spiritual gifts do not do away with the necessity of planning and training. Jesus trained His disciples. Paul trained Timothy, etc.
We evangelize and witness in every step of our life style. Spiritual gifts are weapons. Training identifies them!
I even think some have not realized them. May the Lord help us to realise these gifts.
Using a weapon for the intended purpose is the best, great and right choice we can make.
The bible states that we receive freely therefore we should give freely
I have a question I have a gift but don't understand it. when I shake peoples hands who are hurting inside or in sin my hand physicaly hurts. I pray what's going on. God what do you want me to do? some times he says pray for them. most of time he tells me what it is wrong then minister to them. sometimes don't tell me at all just says go talk to them ask them what's wrong. after I do this the pain goes aways but if I don't pain will continue until I repent for not talkin and then I pray for person. so what kinda gift is this I'm assuming discernment and gift of knowledge it really helps me be effective in evangelism
Hi, Adrian. You obviously have a caring heart. Outside of Jesus, I have never met anyone who was not experiencing pain in some form because of the trauma that this sinful world has brought into their lives. Perhaps even you have been touched by sadness over some loss or injury inflicted by the evil one on you personally or someone you love. We would do well to pray for everyone we meet as the spiritual war continues and the wounded are real and many. May we each do our part to minister to the wounded and bring healing and love to ease their sorrow.
Some people may realize their spiritual gifts by their own, but some may need some guidance to realize the same. Proper guidance may lead you to analyze your spiritual gifts and use it for the services of the Holy Spirit.