Spiritual Gifts, Permanent

There are two general categories of spiritual gifts - permanent and temporary. Permanent spiritual gifts function during both the Pre-Canon period (from 30 to 96 AD) and the Post-Canon period (from 96 AD to the Rapture) of the Church Age. Temporary spiritual gifts operated only from 30 to 96 AD. After 96 AD, all temporary spiritual gifts ceased to function as a grace operation because their purpose had been fulfilled. If you have personally believed in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you have a permanent spiritual gift. There are no exceptions. Every believer is given a permanent spiritual gift at salvation.

Categories of Permanent Spiritual Gifts

There are three categories of permanent spiritual gifts based on the means of their identification. The first category includes the two permanent communication gifts of pastor‑teacher and evangelism which must be identified early because they demand maximum preparation. Identification is not simple because it demands persistence in the perception of Bible doctrine. It is not connected with emotion. No feeling should lead or guide those with the identification of their gift. They must recognize the gift from Bible doctrine in their souls and have confidence from that epignosis knowledge.

The second category includes the spiritual gift of administration that the pastor of a local church must identify among members in his congregation. This gift must be possessed by church officers and some deacons, especially the chairmen of standing committees.

The third category are spiritual gifts include teacher, service, helps, exhortation, showing mercy, giving, and faith. They function automatically with spiritual growth and they can function without identification by the possessor. In other words, you can have a spiritual gift that will function without your awareness. Once the believer reaches a certain stage of spiritual growth, the gift functions automatically without identification. These spiritual gifts function with maximum effectiveness when the believer attains spiritual maturity.

No matter what spiritual gift the Holy Spirit gives to you at salvation, you are not to feel superior because you have a leadership gift - it is still a gift. You didn't earn nor deserve it. You are not to feel inferior either because you have a gift that functions in the background. They are all powerful gifts in building up the Body of Christ which is the purpose of all permanent spiritual gifts.

Listing of Permanent Spiritual Gifts

The order of merit or importance of the permanent spiritual gifts is based on the authority and responsibility given with the gift. It is also based on their effect on the building up and edification of believers in the local church and the Body of Christ. Below is a list of the permanent spiritual gifts. The gifts of pastor-teacher and evangelism are the primary communication gifts for the Church Age with great responsibility associated with them. The third communication gift of teacher is given by the Holy Spirit to some and is important to the growth of believers in the local church. Eph. 4:11-13.

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13, NASB)

The gifts of administrations and service are listed next as they deal with the administration and function of the local church. Believers given the gifts of helps, exhortation, giving, showing mercy, and faith affect and edify other believers in the Body of Christ both within and outside the local church.

Permanent Spiritual Gifts

1. Pastor-Teacher

2. Evangelism

3. Teacher

4. Administration

5. Service

6. Helps

7. Exhortation

8. Giving

9. Showing Mercy

10. Faith

Pastor-Teacher

The spiritual gift of pastor-teacher is God’s means for the communication of the mystery doctrine of the Church Age to every believer. The gift of pastor-teacher is a spiritual gift sovereignly bestowed by the Holy Spirit at salvation totally apart from any human merit or ability. This is true for all spiritual gifts in the Church Age.

This gift enables the trained and prepared pastor-teacher to go directly to the Canon of Scripture and dig out divine policy himself, grow spiritually based on his personal study of the Word of God, and communicate Bible doctrine in public after proper preparation. Thus, the Body of Christ grows spiritually. Only the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher has both authority from God and ability from the spiritual gift to provide the necessary doctrinal information for the believer to learn of and fulfill God's plan for their life.

The gift of pastor-teacher is one of three permanent communication spiritual gifts provided by God the Holy Spirit at salvation. The other permanent communication spiritual gifts are evangelism and teacher. The gift of pastor-teacher and evangelism are given to a small percentage of male believers only. The gift of teacher is given to both males and females and functions inside and outside the local church under the authority of the pastor-teacher.

All kinds of different personalities receive the gift of pastor-teacher. No one type of character or personality should be stereotyped as that of a pastor-teacher. Only with spiritual growth can the believer come to the knowledge that he has this important communication spiritual gift.

Pastor-teacher is the highest communication gift for the Church Age and is designed to function only within the local church. The spiritual gift of pastor-teacher will function only for the Church Age. After the Rapture of the Church, this gift of pastor-teacher will cease on earth.

The pastor is not an administrator. He is a policy maker. A pastor is a pastor by virtue of his spiritual gift. He didn’t earn it or deserve it. These are given out by the decree of God and it is based on His sovereign plan. Eph. 4:11; Eph. 3:7-10; Rom. 12:7. See category on Pastor-Teacher, Spiritual Gift.

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," (Ephesians 4:11, NASB)

"of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. " (Ephesians 3:7-10, NASB)

"if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;" (Romans 12:7, NASB)

Evangelism

The permanent spiritual gift of evangelism is the second of the three communication gifts conveyed by God the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation. The gift of evangelism is given to only a few male believers in the Church Age. God does the choosing and is according to God’s plan in eternity past. In Ephesians 4:11, evangelist is εὐαγγελιστής (euaggelistēs) in the Greek and means a messenger of good news.

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," (Ephesians 4:11, NASB)

This communication gift gives the evangelist the ability to gain the attention of crowds. He goes from place to place, town to town, preaching the Gospel. People get saved through the function of this gift. The evangelist gives people the Gospel, then basic Bible doctrine and moves on to a new area. The evangelist must accurately and clearly present the issue of the Gospel, otherwise gaining the attention of the crowd becomes spiritually meaningless.

While the gift of pastor-teacher communicates the whole realm of Bible doctrine inside the local church, the gift of evangelism communicates the Gospel and related Bible doctrine outside the local church. The evangelist is to be conversant with the whole counsel of God. The evangelist must be able to give an explanation of basic Bible doctrines to the new believers they encounter.

The purpose of the gift of evangelism is to bring the Gospel to all nations. The scope of the gift means the evangelist is responsible for pre-evangelism, evangelism, and post evangelism up to and including the doctrine of water baptism. Upon performing the function of water baptism, the evangelist turns the new believer over to his pastor-teacher in the local church. Matt. 28:19-20. See category on Evangelism, Spiritual Gift.

" "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." " (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB)

Teacher

The spiritual gift of teacher is given to both males and females and functions inside and outside the local church under the authority of the pastor-teacher.

While every believer ought to grow to a maturity status that will equip them for teaching, those with this gift who are growing into a teaching position of responsibility in a local church must pay heed to the accountability warnings. 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Rom. 12:7; Heb. 5:12; James 3:1.

“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-29, NASB)

“if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;” (Romans 12:7, NASB)

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (Hebrews 5:12, NASB)

“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1, NASB)

Believers with this particular gift, however, manifest the Holy Spirit through an extraordinary grace enablement that communicates the Word of God with power. Such believers would have teaching ministries within and outside of the local church. 1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:5.

“which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” (1 Corinthians 2:13, NASB)

“for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, NASB)

Administration

The gift of administration or administrative leadership is sometimes called the gift of governments because it has delegated authority from the pastor-teacher. This gift is given to male believers only. In Romans 12:8, “administrations” is the present middle participle of προΐ́στημι (proistēmi) and means to stand before, to attend to, thus to lead. Romans 12:8 presents leadership with diligence which relates to authority while 1 Corinthians 12:28 mentions “administrations” which can also be translated as “governments.” Therefore, the gift of administration involves both authority and leadership in the local church.

"or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:8, NASB)

"And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues." (1 Corinthians 12:28, NASB)

This spiritual gift is held by the deacons in the local church who hold leadership positions such as the chairman and vice chairman of the deacon board. Some believers may serve as deacons without this gift, but must possess the gift of service. The spiritual gift of administration is also held by those who hold positions on missionary boards, leaders of Christian service organizations, and those who manage training of children in the local church. The gift of administration is, therefore, linked to the operations of the local church. See category on Administration, Spiritual Gift.

Service

The permanent spiritual gift of service is given to both men and women believers. This gift functions in the administration of the local church. This spiritual gift is strictly administrative without the leadership function. The Greek noun διακονία (diakonia) found in Romans 12:7 means ministry or service and does not refer to the office of deacon in the local church. Those who have the gift of service should serve on committees and in specific administrative functions in the local church, on mission boards, and in Christian service organizations. The deacon, however, who should be the chairman of local church committees, should have the gift of administration. Those who serve on the committees should have the gift of service. The combination of the gifts of administration and service provide the effective administrative function in the local church. See category on Service, Spiritual Gift.

"if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;" (Romans 12:7, NASB)

Helps

The permanent spiritual gift of helps functions by helping and visiting the sick, those in hospitals, the disabled, and those unable to care for themselves. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, “helps” in the Greek is ἀντίληψις (antilēpsis) and means to aid, to help. The gift of helps is possessed by a great many believers, both men and women, and is conveyed at the point of salvation. This gift is very important because it is the most sustaining gift and provides stability in a local church. This is the spiritual gift that really supports all the other spiritual gifts. See category on Helps, Spiritual Gift.

Exhortation

The spiritual gift of exhortation is the permanent gift of exhorting, encouraging, comforting, warning, and advising. Believers with the gift of exhortation manifest the Holy Spirit through an extraordinary grace enablement as they come alongside a fellow believer as only the Paraclete could, the Holy Spirit. John 14:16.

“"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;” (John 14:16, NASB)

In Romans 12:8, the Greek word for “exhortation” is παράκλησις (paraklēsis) and means exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace, that which affords comfort or refreshment. Although mutual exhortation or encouragement has always been the responsibility of all believers, this spiritual gift provides a far greater ability to advise and exhort others from Bible doctrine in their souls. Rom. 1:12; 1 Thess. 5:14. See category on Exhortation, Spiritual Gift.

"or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:8, NASB)

"that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine." (Romans 1:12, NASB)

"We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NASB)

Giving

The spiritual gift of giving appears to be conveyed to relatively few believers. This gift is not synonymous with every believer's responsibility to give as unto the Lord as we are worshiping the Lord in the confines of the worship service. Believers are to give something from their finances based on whatever they are able to give as God has prospered them. This is for all believers. Giving is to be an expression of our love for the Lord and as a commemoration of God's grace toward us.

This spiritual gift is giving with liberality, which means above and beyond normal giving. Those with this gift love to give of their finances to the work of the Lord. They do it above and beyond what the universal priesthood is able to do. Rom. 12:8. See category on Giving, Spiritual Gift.

"or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:8, NASB)

Showing Mercy

The gift of showing mercy is a permanent spiritual gift and is found in Romans 12:8. Showing mercy is an expression of unconditional love for all believers, but the spiritual gift of showing mercy is quite different. Romans 12:8 implies that the believer that has been given the gift of mercy will automatically show mercy, but only if there is virtue love in their soul through spiritual advancement. See category on Showing Mercy, Spiritual Gift.

"or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:8, NASB)

Faith

The gift of faith is a permanent spiritual gift. Believers with this particular gift manifest the Holy Spirit through an extraordinary “proportion” of faith enabling them to come alongside and help other believers who may be weak in faith. 1 Cor. 12:9.

"to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit," (1 Corinthians 12:9, NASB)

A believer with the gift of faith is able to demonstrate faith in a group which is under great adversity. While other believers would be complaining about some situation or circumstance, this believer would exercise great faith in the deliverance of God and encourage that group of believers to depend on the Lord. This person would exercise their gift of faith to comfort them with promises and Bible doctrine. This was the faith that “removes mountains” in 1 Corinthians 13:2. See category on Faith, Spiritual Gift.

"If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2, NASB)

These are a few of the permanent spiritual gifts extent today. This does not imply that these are all of them. Unless you have the gift of pastor‑teacher or evangelism, you do not have to know what your gift is. In fact, you may not ever discover your gift until there is spiritual growth in your life. You will know your spiritual gift by the time you reach spiritual adulthood, because by that time it should be functioning and operational. Without spiritual growth, your spiritual gift will not function.