1. 1 1
Entrepreneuring For Christ
Class Presents:
Understanding Natural Talents,
Learned Skills
And
Spiritual Gifts
By Skip Elmore

2. UNIQUENESS
Today you are you;
that is Truer than Truethat is Truer than True..
There is no one alive
who is Youer than You!

3. UNIQUENESS
Many go to their grave
without ever having
graced the world with
the genius within
them!!!

4. UNIQUENESS
However,
If you spend your life
trying to be good at
everything, you will
never be “Great” at
anything!!!

5. Talents, Skills and Spiritual Gifts
Natural Talents Learned Skills Spiritual Gifts
Genetic from birth Education / Practice To fulfill God’s Purposes
Natural talents are abilities we inherently possess without explanation.
LearnedLearned skills may be similar to natural talents in many ways. They may
both be self gratifying or for serving the needs of others.
Spiritual Gifts are to glorify God and serve His Kingdom purposes.
Characteristics:
Natural Talents: Provide unique logic, awareness, perception or ability in
particular areas.
Learned skills: Developed attributes as a result of processing knowledge
and perfecting abilities - usually in particular areas.
Spiritual Gifts: Awarded as a result of faith – Many times their revelation
surprises the one who possesses them when they suddenly discover an
ability to demonstrate a manifestation during a time of need. Predisposed
motives are not usually involved in the discovery of Spiritual Gifts.

6. Talents, Skills and Spiritual Gifts
They are NOTNOT the same.
Innate talents are not the same as instinctive behavior either.
Talents are the result of genetics and / or experience.
Talents and abilities may sometimes enhance Spiritual Gifts.
Spiritual Gifts always enhance talents and abilities.
Serving promotes the discovery of passions and purposes.
Do our Talents and Gifts fit an Entrepreneurial agenda???
Talents and Gifts promote focusing on and filling needs.
Spiritual Gifts will always promote achieving God’s agenda,
taking on a “debt of love, “servanthood.”
Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding except the debt to
love one another; whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Spiritual Gifts involve God’s Supernatural
Provisions; talents do not.

7. Natural talents and
innate inclinations
They are usually observed at an early age.
They usually focus on and stimulate interest
and attraction in particular areas of activity.
They may prevail even without environmental
influences to stimulate interest, focus or
encouragement.
They frequently thrive and develop without
the aid of academic teaching or influence.

8. Natural talents and
innate inclinations
Too much academic influence may even
hinder the development of creative motives
and the inclination to think “outside the box”.
Also, too many unrelated distractions or
forced acceptance of traditional absolutes
may bring frustration and cause dysfunctional
behavior and even symptoms of depression
to a special purpose driven personality.

9. Natural talents and
innate inclinations
Intrinsic Motivation:
Driven by an interest or enjoyment of activities and projects more than
from the stimulation of external pressures or influence.
We are more likely to be intrinsically motivated if we:
1. Attribute results to factors we can create or control.
2. Believe we can be the effective agents in reaching desired goals.
3. Find interest in projects and goals more than academic achievements.
Extrinsic Motivation:
Stimulated by outside influences. Common extrinsic motivations are
rewards like money and grades, or coercion and threat of punishment.
Competition is generally extrinsic because it encourages winning to beat
others more than enjoying the intrinsic rewards of the activity. A crowd
cheering an individual or trophies are also extrinsic incentives.
Extrinsic motivation may become internalized if a task happens to fit the
values and beliefs within a person’s basic psychological needs.

10. Natural talents and
innate inclinations
Some talents are innate within us.
Some develop in response to environmental influence.
Some are a combination of the innate further developing.
Here are a few broad based examples of talent passions:
Music / drama
Art / aesthetics
Science / physics
Technical aptitudes
Sports / athletics
Academic processing
Literature / writing
Many other variations
Motives may be self serving or for the blessings of others.

11. Natural talents and
innate inclinations
Trying to emulate another person’s talents
and inclinations may be a productive learning
experience, however doing this may possibly
lead to two potential risks.
1 - Choosing a career that is not who you are.
2 - Never developing into the real “You”.
However, short term needs, assignments or
circumstances may be temporary exceptions.

12. Natural Talents, Innate
Inclinations & Learned Skills
The Four Domains of Leadership Strength
From “Strength Based Leadership” – By Tom Rath & Barry Conchie
Executer Influencer Relationship Builder StrategicThinker
Achiever Activator Adaptable/Flexible Analytical
Arranger Commanding Developer Context oriented
Belief agent Communicator Connector Futurist
Consistent Competitor Empathy Ideation
Deliberator Maximizer Harmony Input
Disciplined Self-assured Includer Intellection
Focused Significance Individualizer Learner
Responsible Woo Positively Strategizer
Restorer Relater
“Woo Strength” leaders enjoy difficult people challenges:
Winning trust; Showing compassion; Providing stability; Creating hope
and leading others into the “Woo” type leadership strength.

13. Spiritual Gifts
There are 3 categories of spiritual gifts:
1- Motivational 2 - Ministry 3 - Manifestation
1 Corinthians 12:4 – 7
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit
distributes them. There are different kinds of
service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds
of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is
the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is
given for the common good.

14. Spiritual Gifts
There are 7 Motivational Gifts
1. Prophecy 2. Service 3. Teaching
4. Exhortation 5. Giving 6. Leadership
7. Mercy
Spiritual Authority is introduced through motivational
gifts. The Greek word from which “operations” is derived is
“energema” - in English - energy.
Motivational gifting (The Entrepreneurial Spirit) is revealed by
observing the needs of others.
Ephesians 4:11–13 So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the
prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip
His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ
may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the
knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

15. Spiritual Gifts
Of the 7 Motivational Gifts, we all excel in one.
They are the work of “grace” distributed to provide the tools
to help us encourage and motivate each other.
They are not to make us more self-sufficient.
Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace
given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy
in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it
is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, give
encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to
lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

16. Spiritual Gifts
Ministry
1 Peter 4:10-11
There are 8 and we may have several.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to
serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its
various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one
who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they
should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all
things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be
the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
“Christ” – The Title assigned to God’s “Creative SpiritSpirit”.
“Jesus” – The Name to the “PersonificationPersonification” of that Spirit.

17. Spiritual Gifts
Ministry continued
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
All gifting will work together in harmony.
You are the body of Christ, each a part of it. God has placed
in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third
teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of
guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles?
Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do
all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all
interpret? Go eagerly and desire the gift that works for you.

18. Spiritual Gifts
Manifestation
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
We may have several Manifestation gifts.
Wisdom, Knowledge and Faith plus many others:
Each manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common
good. To one there is a message of wisdom, to another a
message of knowledge. To another faith, to another gifts of
healing. To another miraculous powers, to another
prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to
another speaking in different tongues, and to still another
the interpretation ofof tongues. All these are the work of one
Holy Spirit who distributes to each as He determines.

19. Spiritual Gifts
Manifestation continued
As God gives authority to release Spiritual power to
implement our “motivational” gifts, the effects
energize manifestations of the Spirit.
“PEACE” is not the absence of conflict; we will
always have that. Real peace is experiencing the
application of our spiritual gifts as we engage in
life’s purpose. Then, even in the midst of threatening
conflicts, we will maintain an inner peace!
Servanthood will help us discover grace. Grace will
motivate us toward servanthood.
Obedience and discipline will take us much further
than our talents and abilities ever could!!!

20. SPIRITUAL GIFT BREAKDOWN
1 Corinthians 12:12
Just as our body has many parts, so it is with
our unity in Christ. We were all baptized by
one Spirit to be given Spiritual unity. Though
we are many, each with a specific purpose,
we function as a unit within Christ’s purpose.
Unity of Spirit with Purpose Driven Diversity

21. SPIRITUAL GIFT BREAKDOWN
1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit,
especially prophecy.
Frequently the application of one Spiritual Gift will
initiate the employment of others.
“Motivational” gifts are sometimes applied during
the delivery of “Ministerial” or “Manifestation” gifts.

22. SPIRITUAL GIFT BREAKDOWN
Motivation - (GRACE) Ministry Manifestation
1. Prophecy 1. Apostle 1. Words of Wisdom
2. Serving 2. Prophecy 2. Words of Knowledge
3. Teaching 3. Teacher 3. Words of Faith
4. Exhorting 4. Miracles/Anointed 4. Healing
5. Giving 5. Healing 5. Miracles
6. Organizing/Leadership 6. Helping/Assisting 6. Prophecy
7. Mercy 7. Governing/Leading 7. Discerning Spirits
We will have at least one 8. Tongues 8. Various Tongues
Romans 12:3-9 May possess several 9. Interpretation
1 Cor. 12:27-31 May possess several
1 Peter 4:10 &11 1 Cor. 12:7-11
An application example with #4 Motivational Exhorting gift:
An “Exhorter,” exercising a “Teaching” gift, may “Discern” a need to
purge guilt within a group. The “Motivation – Exhorting” gift will move to
clear one or more troubled consciences within the group before the
exhorter regains comfort in continuing to teach and develop.

23. SPIRITUAL GIFT BREAKDOWN
The Exhortation Gift
As an “Exhorter” exercises a Motivational gift
through accompanying Ministry and Teaching gifts,
any or all “Manifestation” gifts may be initiated in
the listener’s subconscious intellect.
The wisdom and counsel of God’s Holy Spirit may
typically be released as the teacher exercises this
special exhorting gift.
Note: This may all seem supernatural to our finite
minds, but very natural to the person experienced
in applying this Exhortation gift.

24. TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF
MANIFESTATION GIFT EXPERIENCES:
Discernment of Wisdom
Forgiveness from God’s point of view might be seen for the first time.
Discernment of Knowledge
How grace can clear our conscience may be understood for the first time.
Discernment of Faith
A new vision might be released as a clear conscience allows it to occur.
Healing
Physical health might be regained as guilt or anger is removed.
Discerning Spirits
A root of bitterness might be recognized for the first time.

25. MORE TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF
MANIFESTATION GIFT EXPERIENCES:
Miracles
Experiencing supernatural events may be realized by a clear conscience.
Prophecy
A deeply convicted person might come to repentance as they see their
destructive condition being exposed for the first time.
Discerning Spirits
A root of bitterness might be recognized for the first time.
Various Tongues
Some might begin understanding the prerequisites of glorifying God
through language, talent or an unfolding vision, perhaps seeing
possibilities and potential for the first time.

26. OBSERVING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Please note: All Spiritual Gifting is observed in the
personification of the Christ Spirit, God’s Creative Agent,
when that Spirit became the Manifestation in Human form
and given the Name “Jesus” (Christ = title; Jesus = Name).
We, of course, do not possess all of them, however, we may
have more then we realize. We will discover them developing
as we mature in our spiritual walk.
Also note: A study should be observed to understand the
negative side of Spiritual gifts. They can provoke destructive
behavior or even be influenced by demonic input.
How may we be sure we won’t inadvertently employ
a negative spin on our gifts rather then authentically
demonstrating them in a constructive way?
Just HOW can we be sure???

27. God did not make the question
difficult to answer!!!
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, "`you must love the Lord your God with all
your heart, all your soul, and your entire mind. This is the
first and greatest commandment. A second is equally
important: `Love your neighbor as yourself. 'All the other
commandments and all the demands of the prophets are
based on these two commandments.“
Always remember this:
Real “love” is a VERB, not an emotional feeling!!!
So, how do we know God’s will is in all that we do?
Follow Matthew 22:37-40, then go do as you please –
that will always be God’s will!!!

28. The Positive & Negative potential of
MOTIVATIONAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
PROPHECY Best Biblical example: Peter
A prophet must have a clear conscience to exercise this gift.
Romans 12:9 Love without hypocrisy, abhor evil; cling to what is good.
Characteristics: Misuses:
A need to reveal discernment Exposing without restoring
Quickly discerning impressions Jumping to conclusions
Alertness to dishonesty Reacting harshly to sinners
Desire for justice An unforgiving attitude
Open about revealing faults Condemning and judging
Wholehearted involvement Being impetuous
Loyalty to truth vs. pleasing people Cutting off those who fall short
Willingness to suffer for right Lacking tactfulness
Persuasive in defining truth Dwelling on the negative too much
Articulates truth well Repeats situations too often

29. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
SERVING Best Bible example: Timothy
Recognizing authority is essential to exercising this gift
Romans 12:10 Kind affection, brotherly love, honor toward others
Characteristics: Misuses:
Seeing / meeting practical needs Giving too much – enabling others
Frees others to achieve Overlooking unintended results
Disregarding weariness Working beyond physical limits
Finds it difficult to say “No” Thinking everyone needs them
Discerns likes and dislikes Reacting to others too much
Likes seeing projects completed Medaling in the schedules of others
Putting extra touches to jobs Being frustrated with time limits
Jumps to meet needs quickly Interfering with God’s timing

30. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
TEACHINGBest Bible example: Luke
Meditation is essential to quality teaching
Romans 12:11 Diligent research, fervent in Spirit, serving God
Characteristics: Misuses:
Needs to validate information Becoming proud of knowledge
Checks qualifications of teachers Despising the lack of credentials
Relies on established resources Depending on human reasoning
Presents truth systematically Criticizing practical applications
Gathers many facts Shows off research skills
Requires thoroughness Rejecting Scripture presuppositions
Uneasy with subjective truth Putting mind above the Holy Spirit
Perseveres with accepted teachers Taking teachings to extremes
Clarifies misunderstandings Arguing over minor points
Meditates on scriptural truth Spiritualizes too much

31. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
EXHORTING: Best Bible example: Paul
Understanding that God’s sovereignty is essential.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, constant readiness
for prayer.
Characteristics: Misuses:
Committed to Spiritual growth Presents facts before healing hurts
Sees root problems quickly Looking to self for solutions
Sees steps of action Taking pride in visible results
Raises hope for solutions Starting projects prematurely
Turns problems into benefits Treating people as projects
Desires to be transparent Sharing private illustrations
Gains insight through experience Presenting insight out of balance
Urgency to act on clear direction Setting unrealistic goals
Desires to share face to face Gives up on uncooperative people

32. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
GIVING: Best Bible example: Matthew
Understanding the principle of ownership allows freedom to
hear direction.
Romans 12:13 Giving to the needs of Christians. Practice hospitality.
Characteristics: Misuses:
Able to see and create resources Hording resources without plans
Invest self first, then the gifting Using giving to control others
Wants to give the best possible Forcing higher living standards
Hopes gifts are answer to prayer Feels guilty about personal assets
Desires to give anonymously Gives only for self observed needs
Concerned - wrong giving corrupts Ignores family needs for others
Exercises personal thriftiness Giving only to projects vs. people
Uses gifts to multiply giving Causes people to see them as God

33. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
ORGANIZING / LEADERSHIP Bible example: Nehemiah
The experience of struggling enhances this gift
Romans 12:14 Bless persecutors and do not wish curses on others
Characteristics: Misuses:
Able to visualize final results Viewing people as mere resources
Develops loyalty in associates Manipulates loyalty / favoritism
Able to delegate Delegation to avoid responsibility
Withstands push-backs well Unresponsive to appeals of others
Makes assignments easy and clear Places projects ahead of people
Very alert to details Overlooks people’s serious faults
Completes tasks efficiently Fails to explain or praise
Has ability to be decisive Pushes blame on to others
Involves others in cleanup Loses interest in finished jobs
Godly motives Becomes self righteous

34. The Positive and Negative side of
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
MERCY Best Bible example: John
Moral freedom will protect this gifting from improper relationships
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weeping with those who
weep.
Characteristics: Misuses:
Deeply loyal to friends Take offences, shows favoritism
Needs deep friendships Becomes possessive, controlling
Empathizes with hurting people Tolerates wrong to keep peace
Makes decisions based on needs Fails to be firm and protect truth
Sensitive to loved ones Depends on emotions vs. reason
Attracts people in distress May become a destructive enabler
Desires to remove others hurts Reacts wrongly to cause & effect
Desires authentic relationships Doesn't see relationship differences
Attracted to prophets Not tolerant of undiscerning people

35. The purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Glorify God in His Church – 1 Peter 4:10-11
Build up the body of Christ – Ephesians 4:12
Promote unity of the body – Ephesians 4:13
Develop maturity of the body – Ephesians 14:14
Promote growth of the body – Ephesians 14:16
Promote the common good for all – 1 Corinthians 12:7
We are created for the specific PURPOSE and JOY of sharing
relationships with our Creator and with each other!
1. Relationships include love (a verb) – dedication to service.
2. Relationships include mutual needs, each for the other.
3. Relationships include “JOY” derived from the experience.
(Read “Joy – Our Foundational Purpose”)