The word Paul likes to use is charisma (plural, charismata) from charis, grace. You can read about 'grace-gifts' in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30; Ephesians 4:7-12. The following statements summarise very briefly what is important about spiritual gifts: (1) the gift (person) of the Holy Spirit is received when one becomes a Christian; (2) the gifts of the Spirit are special abilities every Christian receives to edify the church; (3) natural talents are given at birth (or conception), spiritual gifts are as a result of new birth: some amazing spiritual gifts operate through ordinarily-talented people sometimes; conversely, a multi-talented person isn't necessarily a mature Christian (so be careful in selecting people for office in the church); (4) spiritual gifts may be either miraculous or non-miraculous; (5) the operation of spiritual gifts in the church should promote unity and love: their use has to be monitored by the church's leadership to ensure these ends; (6) we must avoid two extremes - 'charisphobia' (avoidance of certain gifts on the basis of their miraculous or inexplicable nature), and 'charismania' (a fascination with or concentration on the miraculous gifts); (7) 'the Spirit bestows his charismata for the edification of the church, the formation of Christian character, and the service of the community. The reception of a spiritual gift [brings] serious responsibility; [it is] essentially an opportunity for self-giving in sacrificial service for others.' (15)

God our Father delights in giving gifts (Luke 11:9-13). He encourages us to ask, in Jesus' name (that is, for the glory of Jesus). 'Lord bless me,' you may ask. The Father replies: 'What specific blessing do you want?' 'Lord, give me a gift of love.' 'For whom?' 'Lord, I need power.' 'What sort of power, to do what?' Be specific! However, note that the Spirit is sovereign: we may ask, but he gives what is best for us and for others through us. So we should willingly receive whatever he gives us. Our attitude should be one of expectancy, availability and humility (1 Corinthians 12:11).

The English evangelist David Watson used to say 'The Holy Spirit is a gentleman!' He doesn't violate human personality. He gives gifts to the church so that Christ will be glorified, and the body of Christ become strong. There are varieties of gifts, so that the body, the church can function properly. These gifts are not given to some and not others: all may be recipients of the Lord's largesse. When a gift is given, it is not 'my' gift: it is the Spirit's gift, to the church, through me as a channel.

One of the beautiful things about a church open to all the spiritual gifts is the complementarity of ministries that result. Some gifts are private, some for public use; some are miraculous, others what we might call 'ordinary'. The dispensing of spiritual gifts should not produce feelings of superiority or inferiority: we do not need churches full of people with speaking or musical gifts, for example!

Finally a warning: Do some spiritual gifts split churches? No, the Holy Spirit is not destructive. People wanting to exercise improper power split churches. The presence or absence of a spiritual gift may be the occasion, never the cause of such dissension! Here are five guidelines for your church in this area: (1) Follow the clear guidance of Scripture. All the gifts are available to all the church for all time, but there are clear biblical rules for order in their public use (see 1 Corinthians 12-14). (2) Work hard to produce a loving church. Be willing to allow some to make mistakes. But, you ask, 'Isn't that dangerous sometimes?' Yes, but a 'dangerous' church is better than a dead one! (3) All spiritual gifts are expressions of the compassion of Christ; they are not given for some to display their superior spirituality. (4) Gifts are for sharing (eg. 1 Corinthians 14:26). (5) Encourage those who are a little tentative about exercising their spiritual gift. (6) Pray especially for gifts that will strengthen the church in love.

For more, see Appendix 4: Charismatic Renewal: Myths and Realities.

Exercise: Buy copies of Robert Hillman's 27 Spiritual Gifts, (Melbourne, JBCE, 1986) and try some of the Bible studies on pp. 134 ff.

Further Reading: Robert Hillman, 27 Spiritual Gifts, Melbourne: JBCE, 1986; David Watson, One in the Spirit, London: Hodder, 1975; Charles E. Hummel: Fire in the Fireplace: Contemporary Charismatic Renewal, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1978; David Watson, I Believe in the Church, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1978; Michael Cassidy, Bursting the Wineskins, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983; Donald Bridge and David Phypers, Spiritual Gifts and the Church, London, IVP, 1973; George Mallone, Those Controv- ersial Gifts, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983; David Pawson, The Normal Christian Birth, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1989.