Spiritual Gifts pt3: Administrations

By Bill Gothard

Diversities of: ADMINISTRATIONS

Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:5

Greek word: Diakanion

It is from this Greek work that we get our English word deacon. This word relates to the ministries and outreach of the local church.

Category 2: MINISTRY

Gifts listed in: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

“…God has set some in the church…” (1 Cor. 12:28).

Basis of classification:

Since the ministry gifts are to function within the local church, it is obvious that this list should be classified as ministry gifts. Ministry gifts are confirmed by ordination, as when Paul said to Timothy, “Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Timothy 4:14).

1. APOSTLES: Sent forth/Missionary

In New Testament days, “the Apostles” referred to the Twelve. The meaning of the Greek word for apostle is “one sent forth.” Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles and was sent forth from Antioch along with Barnabas and later Silas. The Latin word for apostle is translated “missionary.”

2. PROPHETS: Proclaimers/Confront Christians

A pastor who proclaims God’s truth in the pulpit is fulfilling the ministry of a prophet.

3. TEACHERS: Instructors/Certify message

The ministry of a pastor will also involve teaching. In fact, a qualification for an elder is that he be “apt to teach.” All parents are to be teachers of their children, and older women are to be teachers of younger women.

4. MIRACLES: Supernatural deeds/Active faith

This ministry gift grows out of believing in prayer. As we exercise faith in prayer, God is able to accomplish natural or supernatural events with precise timing in order to bring glory to Himself.

5. HEALING: Spiritual, mental, physical restorer

Healing was a part of Christ’s earthly ministry. So it should continue to be an outreach of the local church. Just as medical missions are used in other countries, medical clinics operated in Biblical principles should serve the community at home. Bringing healing to the spirit and the soul is often a prerequisite to physical healing.

6. HELPS: Assist leadership/Aid needy

The Scriptural scope of the responsibility of the local church includes taking care of the fatherless, the widow, and also the poor.

7. GOVERNMENTS: Overseers/Guide local church

The ministry of governments involves those in official capacities who guide the local church. It is significant that this ministry gift is included near the end of the list. Organization which is most effective is least visible.

8. TONGUES: Various languages/Must be tested

In the Bible, speaking in tongues was the ability to speak any language. All of the apostles were able to speak to anyone from anywhere and all could hear and understand them. That ability came with the Apostles and went out them. It will not return again until the last days.
Speaking in tongues means speaking in languages that actually exist. That is, the Apostles only spoke in known languages. Not some gibberish that many Charismatics have conjured up. Now it is impossible these days to speak every language as the Apostles did. Christ, after all, gave them this power by His hand. We can, however, know one or several different languages. Tongues is used when we interpret the Word to those of other languages.

THIS SERIES IS CONTINUED…