Third year · Specialization Program · Trimester 1
Types and Gifts in Ministry
The call plus the gift or gifts equals ministry. This simple equation summarizes the whole course: before entering your function, you must discern what God has placed in you, and this course gives you the method.
The Church: a living organism with many functions
The course begins by redefining the Church: those who are called (Matthew 16:18), born of God, a living and dynamic organism, an army, a body with many parts and functions (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). It is in this body that gifts find their meaning: they are given for the good of all (1 Corinthians 12:7).
The four types of gifts
The teaching organizes gifts into four categories:
- Ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11): apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher
- Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
- Motivational gifts (Romans 12:6-8)
- Creative gifts of the Holy Spirit
The course's definition of a gift is enlightening: the talents and abilities with which God clothes you to meet people's spiritual and natural needs, and thereby glorify God. Abilities are given to help you fulfill your call.
Discerning your gifts and call
The most practical part of the course teaches a double discernment: you can discern your gifts based on your call, or discern your call according to your gifts. You will study the role of discipleship in shaping and perfecting gifts, and this humble truth: you cannot equip yourself. He is the One who equips.
The final equation: the call plus the gifts equals ministry in the local and universal church, with its vision, strategy, vessel, and fruit.
What you will discover in this course
- The four types of gifts and their characteristics
- How to discern your gifts, and your call
- The relationship between gifts, training, and function
- The gift of God in you: how to stir it up and deploy it
"Do not neglect the gift that is in you." — 1 Timothy 4:14
Who is this course for?
For students at the end of the program preparing their thesis project and entrance into ministry, and for every Christian, because every child of God has received gifts to discern and deploy (1 Corinthians 12:7). You do not need to aim for pastoral ministry to discover what God has placed in you. This course is a discernment tool for every disciple of Jesus.
This course is for you
If “Types and Gifts in Ministry” speaks to you, this may be your next step. This course is part of the third year (Specialization Program) at CFBK. You’ll join class online via Zoom every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Montreal time), in French or English — from wherever you are. Your seat is ready: register now.