What are spiritual gifts as they relate to the mission of Christ?

Spiritual gifts, as they relate to the mission of Christ, are understood as the specific abilities granted to individuals by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving God and the community within the context of the church. These gifts are not merely natural talents or skills that one might develop through personal effort, education, or experience; they are divinely imparted strengths that empower believers to fulfill roles within the body of Christ.

Each spiritual gift serves a particular function that contributes to the overall mission of the church, such as teaching, healing, prophesying, or serving. The unique aspect of these gifts lies in their origin – they are seen as a manifestation of God’s grace, intended to build up the body of believers and enable them to carry out the work of Christ effectively in the world. Thus, understanding spiritual gifts as abilities given by the Holy Spirit emphasizes their supernatural nature and importance in nurturing the community of faith and advancing the mission of spreading the Gospel.