Applying Spiritual Gifts to Deacon Ministry

Written by Edward H. Hammett

Deacons and church members today are discovering that God has called them to ministry, and that calling is lived out through the spiritual gifts that God provides (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4). God never calls someone to do something that He does not first equip and empower him or her to perform.

How might the various spiritual gifts be applied to different aspects of deacon ministry?

Spiritual Gifts: A Practical Guide to How God Works Through You

We're glad you asked.

• The gift of encouragement is best seen in Barnabas, the "son of encouragement." Without his presence and encouraging words, Paul's ministry might never have bloomed. Encouragement is the heart cry of many. A deacon can write a note, give a genuine word of affirmation or encouragement, plan a time of fellowship or recognition.
  
  
• The gift of teaching is seen in the lives of Christ, Paul, Peter and the other disciples (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4). Communicating the truth of the good news is highly challenging these days and can be manifested in many forms. The gift can be employed in classroom teaching, counseling, mentoring relationships in the workplace, marriage and community leadership roles.
  
  
• The gift of helps is seen in so many places in the life of Christ and the Scriptures. Lydia (who helped Paul), Ananias and John the Baptist are helpers. They provide assistance to make others' journey easier. A person with the gift of helps does what needs to be done and finds fulfillment in the opportunity to serve.
  
  
• The gift of administration and visionary leadership is not just administrating a budget, staff or building, although those are necessary. This gift is critical in today's rapidly changing world when many churches are experiencing a leadership void. Not that leaders aren't present, but they're often afraid to lead for fear of making others mad or jeopardizing harmony. They need deacons who are not afraid to dream a new dream and verbalize it, who can rally the troops so that Christians and churches might begin to penetrate the world with the good news. We need administrators and visionary leaders with the focus to move the church toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
  
  
• The gift of evangelism is sharing the gospel with those who need Jesus. The mission of an evangelist manifests itself through witnessing, one-on-one counseling, writing, speaking, singing, drama or even communicating through the Internet. A deacon may plan a block party to build relationships with the unchurched or use the Internet to create venues for assisting churches.
  
  
• The gift of hospitality is seen in the ministry of Lydia and Martha and Mary in the Scriptures. In today's mobile society where people have trouble connecting and making friends, this gift is much needed. It might be manifested through a deacon who creates an opportunity for newcomers to the community to gather at a Saturday morning coffee or an evening barbecue to meet their neighbors. It means offering a supportive, loving atmosphere where others can heal and bloom.
  
  
• The gift of mercy is a prevalent and needed gift in our world of hurting, grieving and angry people. The person with this talent offers a safe place, a listening heart and the gift of presence to those in emotional, physical or spiritual pain and suffering. It may be the deacon who regularly visits those who are grieving, hospitalized or infirm. The need for this ministry might also exist among the homeless, the abused, and those in distress due to financial or physical tragedy.

Edward H. Hammett is Discipleship/Leadership Consultant for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This article is excerpted from a previously published article. Used by permission.