This may still be plagarism, but here's some straightforward analysis on the giftings of the Spirit. It's from the APEST website, based on Alan Hirsch's book The Forgotten Ways. (I'm putting it in quotes and leaving a link at the end of the citation, just to give credit where credit is due!)
"APEST Descriptions
APOSTLES extend the gospel. As the “sent ones,” they ensure that the faith is transmitted from one context to another and from one generation to the next. They are always thinking about the future, bridging barriers, establishing the church in new contexts, developing leaders, networking trans-locally. Yes, if you focus solely on initiating new ideas and rapid expansion, you can leave people and organizations wounded. The shepherding and teaching functions are needed to ensure people are cared for rather than simply used.
PROPHETS know God's will. They are particularly attuned to God and his truth for today. They bring correction and challenge the dominant assumptions we inherit from the culture. They insist that the community obey what God has commanded. They question the status quo. Without the other types of leaders in place, prophets can become belligerent activists or, paradoxically, disengage from the imperfection of reality and become other-worldly.
EVANGELISTS recruit. These infectious communicators of the gospel message recruit others to the cause. They call for a personal response to God's redemption in Christ, and also draw believers to engage the wider mission, growing the church. Evangelists can be so focused on reaching those outside the church that maturing and strengthening those inside is neglected.
SHEPHERDS nurture and protect. Caregivers of the community, they focus on the protection and spiritual maturity of God's flock, cultivating a loving and spiritually mature network of relationships, making and developing disciples. Shepherds can value stability to the detriment of the mission. They may also foster an unhealthy dependence between the church and themselves.
TEACHERS understand and explain. Communicators of God's truth and wisdom, they help others remain biblically grounded to better discern God's will, guiding others toward wisdom, helping the community remain faithful to Christ's word, and constructing a transferable doctrine. Without the input of the other functions, teachers can fall into dogmatism or dry intellectualism. They may fail to see the personal or missional aspects of the church's ministry." -www.theforgottenways.org/apest/ (c) 2009 Leadership Vision Consulting, Inc.
Last week, I was running out on Bainbridge Island when God gave me a picture of my life: a ninja star. God made me with a discerning spirit, to know and proclaim His truth. He shows me His will in powerful, clear ways. His truth cuts to the heart of matters. The Bible describes His Word as "sharper than a double-edged sword" and it can even "pierce to the division of joints and marrow, of soul and spirit." (Hebrews 4:12). Sometimes God uses me to help people see His truth that clearly.
The rest of the conversation during that run, though, had to do with the ways God is still refining my heart. "Why, then, would I need to be gentle?" I asked, out of breath and sweating. Next, God placed in my mind the picture of a ninja star with jagged edges, metal burrs. My own judgement, harsh words, or quick temper can get in the way of razor-sharp truth. Without the gentle humility of Christ, the burrs of my life could get stuck in people's lives. I need to be refined in gentleness.
A verse that always fills my heart with hope is Psalm 18:35--"You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great."
Praying always for a clearer picture of His will. Asking, too, for gentleness to live out this sweet life of love and worship. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
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