The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Scripture - Lesson V

Ministry Gifts - Part II

Suggested answers.
Be sure to answer the questions yourself first!
Then compare your answers to those listed here.

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Helpers

1. What is the difference between the gift of ministry and the gift of helpers (or gift of helps)?
Ministry – serving people in very practical ways (especially in the body of Christ) by supernatural power
Helps – assisting those who are ministering (possibly especially leaders)

2. How can we exercise the gift of helps?
Look for opportunities to help, ask where the needs are, offer to help

Apostles

3. What is an apostle?
Someone sent from Jesus, especially to exercise leadership or authority

4. How many apostles are named in the New Testament?
Over 15 – the original 12 plus Mathias, Paul, and Barnabas are clearly referred to as apostles
Andronicus and Junias are called apostles by Paul (Rm 16:7)
Silas, Timothy, and Titus probably could be considered apostles

5. Are there any apostles today? If so, who?
According to Catholic belief, the bishops are apostles and successors to the original apostles
People like Fr. Al Laur who found and/or oversee ministries might also be considered apostles

6. How can one distinguish false apostles from true apostles?
True apostles proclaim Jesus as Son of God, Savior, and Lord; false apostles may "preach another Jesus"
True apostles teach a gospel which conforms to scripture and the historical beliefs of the church; false apostles may teach unorthodox interpretations and claim new revelations
True apostles are united with Christ as shown by their lives; false apostles may claim exemption from some moral restrictions
True apostles receive their authority through the church; false apostles may be self-appointed as in the movie "The Apostle" (even Paul, who claimed to be appointed directly by Jesus as the original 12, was sent out by the church in Antioch and had his mission confirmed by the apostles in Jerusalem)

Administrators

7. Where is the gift of administration needed in the Church?
Arranging and carrying out ministry programs; taking care of business affairs; anywhere there is a need to promote order and avoid confusion

8. Where besides the Church might the gift of administration be helpful?
In religious orders and ministries like Presentation Ministries
Also in government, business, educational institutions, etc. etc.

Pastor-teachers

9. Who has the primary responsibility as pastor in the Catholic Church?
Pope John Paul II
Then diocesan bishops assisted by pastors of local parishes

10. What special responsibilities do pastors have?
Teaching, leading worship, guiding their people

11. Why do pastors need to be teachers as well?
They are charged to "feed the flock", especially with God’s Word, and to equip the faithful

12. What is our responsibility to our pastors?
To respect them, co-operate with them, make our gifts available to them, provide prayer support, give opinions or advice in our areas of competence

13. Must someone be ordained to be a pastor-teacher?
Of a parish: yes; otherwise: no (e.g. in a religious order, home group, covenant community, etc.

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