Learning and Knowledge Based Spiritual Gifts

Last time we took our went over the Faith and Prayer based Spiritual Gifts. This week we will be discussing the spiritual gifts or charisms that are related to Learning and Knowledge.

These charisms are:

Evangelization
Encouragement
Knowledge
Mission
Prophet
Teacher

For those of you scored high in these, here's what it means for you:

Evangelization

Is exactly what the word implies. It is the gift of being able to bring the word of God to others outside of a parish. It is made extraordinary, because someone with this charism, is able to share the Gospel in a way that others are brought closer to God. It involves a fearlessness and a willingness to share both the Gospel and your faith journey to others, sometimes even strangers.

You can find many ministries that involve Evangelization. Some examples could be: Prison Ministry. RCIA sponsorship. ACTS. Bible Study.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. - Mark 16:15 NIV

Encouragement

These aren't named all that creatively. This one is also what the word means. It means that if you have this charism, you have an ability to uplift your fellow human beings. You have the faith and courage to stand with them in the times when they need need your presence the most. You bring comfort, advice, and hope when others need hope to hold on to. It also involves challenging those who need a little extra push, and helping others reach their calling.

You can find many ministries that involve Encouragement. Some examples could be: Spiritual Counseling. Young Adult Ministry. Nursing Home Ministry. Spiritual Counseling.

When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. - Acts 11:23-24 NIV

Knowledge

Those of you who have this gift are the general intellectual types out there. You have a passion for learning and it shows. Now, here's where this is a difference between general knowledge and the charism: the knowledge you gain is used to build up Christ's church. You have a rather unique way of tying in everyday learning to your faith. You can see connections and facts between relationships, church history, scripture and traditions. I mean, how can we believe, if we don't even know what we believe?

You can find many ministries that involve Knowledge. Some examples could be: Social Justice Ministry, Pastoral Council, Adult Faith Formation, Bible Study.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7 NIV

Mission

This charism is about bringing the Gospel to those of other backgrounds and cultures. It is a gift to share the love of God with everyone, no matter what race, creed, customs, experience or financial background they come from. With this gift you listen as well as preach your faith. You compassionately show that God loves all his creations and people.

There are many ministries that involve Mission. Some examples could be: St. Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, International Missions, Communion for the Homebound/Elderly.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV

Prophet

This charism seems pretty much like the bible describes of the prophets. It is the gift of prophecy, meaning, God has given you the gift of either speaking, understanding, or interpreting his Word. This gift is one in which God's revelation is given to you in regards to situations that come up. This charism relies on a faith and trust in God and His promises. It involves a sense of surrender to allow God to use you as his messenger, and a duty to both God and those around you to share his Word and Will.

There are many ministries that involve Prophecy. Some examples could be: Lector, Small Faith Groups, Bible Study, Social Justice Ministry.

The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. - 1 Samuel 10:6 NIV

Teacher

Have you ever been in a class where the teacher just droned on and on, and you had to hold your eyes open to not fall asleep at your desk? That teacher did not have the charism of Teaching. Alternatively, have you ever been in a class that was engaging and you just seemed to retain the lessons? When you have a teacher like this, it stands out. Those with the gift of teaching, are able to impart knowledge in such a way that those being taught can easily learn. To those learning from someone with the charism of a Teacher, they have truly been given a gift.

There are many ministries that involve Teaching. Some examples could be: RCIA. Religious Education. Bible Study. Youth and Young Children's Ministry. Lectors.