After recently forwarding links to web sites regarding praying for the upcoming Methodist General Conference, I was asked what my spiritual type was. For some reason, I had ignored the link to the “Spiritual Types Test” on that web site. Intrigued by the question and curious about what the test would say about me, I not only took that short test but also a “Spiritual Gifts Assessment.”
The Spiritual Types Test identifies 4 types of spirituality: Sage, Prophet, Lover and Mystic. The Sage, characterized by thinking or head spirituality, values responsibility, logic and order. The Prophet values competence and knowledge and experiences God by serving others. Since a prophet is good at leading and influencing others, the prophet is a good kingdom builder and is thus characterized by kingdom spirituality. The lover values freedom, independence and spontaneity and has a spirituality that is primarily based on emotions and the heart. The lover helps others have fun and experience beauty. The Mystic, valuing peace, harmony and inner silence, is known for imaginative and intuitive spirtiuality.
The Spiritual Gifts Assessment identifies six areas of strength from the following types of gifts: Administration, Apostleship, Compassion, Discernment, Evangelism, Exhortation, Faith, Giving, Healing, Helping, Interpretation of Tongues, Knowledge, Leadership, Miracles, Prophecy, Servanthood, Shepherding, Teaching, Tonques, and Wisdom. These twenty gifts are identified in various portions of Paul’s letters. Each of us have different primary and secondary gifts. These primary and secondary gifts help define who we are and how God has equipped us for ministry. No one can be strong in all areas, but a successful church requires strength in all areas. Thus, to be successful, a church must be composed of members willing to use his/her own spiritual gift in service to the church while respecting the different gifts of other members of the church.
What is your spiritual type?
What are your spiritual gifts?
Are you using your spiritual gifts to serve your church?
Faith Journey 