Stewarding Talents: Spiritual Gifts

The invitation is to invest the Spirit’s
gifts for the flourishing of the kingdom.

By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator
Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.

As we continue to explore our theme of Kingdom Culture, we consider what it means to steward our time, talent, and treasure.

When we speak of talents, we often think of natural abilities, learned skills, or creative expression. But in the kingdom of God, talent takes on deeper meaning. It becomes the Spirit’s unique gifting in each of us, given not for personal glory but for the building up of Christ’s Body. To discover and steward these gifts is to participate in the unfolding story of God’s kingdom.

What can it mean to be a good steward of our talents? What does it look like to invest our talents in the kingdom of God? Talent takes different forms and definitions. For our purposes today, we are going to explore talent as spiritual gifts.

So, what does it look like to be a good steward of our spiritual gifts? Imagine a community where every person not only knows their gift but lives it out in love. Such a community is like a symphony where each instrument, distinct yet harmonized, contributes to a beautiful whole. This is the picture Paul paints in 1 Corinthians 12.

Take a moment and read 1 Corinthians 12. Reflect:

1. 1. What stands out to you in this discussion of spiritual gifts? What does Paul seem to emphasize?
   2. What insights can we gain about our use of spiritual gifts?
   3. What is the most excellent way that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 12:31b? Read 1 Corinthians 13. What further insights do we gain about the role and use of spiritual gifts?

Spiritual gifts are not random. They are Spirit-breathed, intentionally placed, and eternally significant. They are the fingerprints of God’s grace on our lives.

If you are in church leadership, how are you supporting the development and practice of spiritual gifts in the local congregation? What is one way you can increase intentional development and practice of spiritual gifts?

Consider reference tools such as 4Es, apprenticeship square, REAL Teams, and GCI Toolkit

Additional tools for discerning gifting and calling:

• • GCI Buzz Calling

• • GCI Church Hack Discerning Gifting and Calling

• • Consult members of your spiritual community.

• • Integrate insights from spiritual gifts assessments and additional assessments, such as 5 Voices.

Practicing spiritual gifts:

• • Spiritual gifts are given for use.
  • Pray with church leadership about ways to step into ministry participation and leadership.

• • What are your circles of influence? How are you investing your gifts for kingdom purposes in all areas of your life? How are you stewarding your gifts with a missional posture?

When we steward our gifts faithfully, we are not just “helping out at church.” We are stepping into our true identity as Spirit-empowered participants in God’s kingdom. The invitation is to invest the Spirit’s gifts for the flourishing of the kingdom.