Spiritual Gifts and Ministry

Spiritual Gifts & Ministry

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4 KJV

At New Heights Apostolic Church, we believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active and operating in the Church today. The Holy Ghost was not given merely for us to feel His presence, but to empower believers for Christian living, witness, service, and ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

Spiritual gifts are given by God for His glory and for the edification of the body of Christ. They are not given to exalt individuals, create titles, or make one believer appear more spiritual than another.

The Gifts of the Spirit

According to 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, Scripture identifies manifestations of the Spirit including:

• The word of wisdom

• The word of knowledge

• Faith

• Gifts of healing

• Working of miracles

• Prophecy

• Discerning of spirits

• Divers kinds of tongues

• Interpretation of tongues

We believe these gifts remain available to the Church as the Holy Ghost chooses to operate through yielded believers.

1 Corinthians 12:11 KJV says, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

Therefore, spiritual gifts are not operated according to human will. The Spirit gives and operates the gifts according to His will.

The Five-Fold Ministry

We believe Jesus Christ established ministry gifts for the strengthening and perfecting of His Church.

Ephesians 4:11–12 KJV declares:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

We believe in and recognize the biblical ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each has a purpose in helping the Church mature, remain established in truth, and accomplish the work of the ministry.

Prophecy, Tongues & Interpretation

We believe in the biblical operation of prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues within the Church.

1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV teaches that prophecy speaks “unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”

We also recognize the biblical distinction between speaking with tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and the gift of divers kinds of tongues accompanied by interpretation for the edification of the assembled church.

All spiritual manifestations must remain subject to biblical order and never contradict the written Word of God.

Healing, Miracles & Deliverance

We believe Jesus Christ still heals, delivers, and performs miracles.

James 5:14–15 KJV instructs the sick to call for the elders of the church, who are to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

We also believe in biblical deliverance ministry and the authority believers have through the name of Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:17 KJV says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”

Deliverance should always point people toward Jesus Christ, never toward personalities or sensationalism.

Gifts Must Operate in Biblical Order

Being spiritual does not mean being disorderly. Scripture provides instruction concerning how spiritual gifts should function when believers assemble.

1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV says:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

We believe genuine manifestations of the Holy Ghost will agree with Scripture, glorify Jesus Christ, and edify His Church. Spiritual experiences should never be elevated above the authority of God’s Word.

1 John 4:1 KJV instructs believers to “try the spirits whether they are of God.”

Every Gift Is for God’s Glory

No gift makes one person greater than another. Every member of the body has a purpose, and every gift should be exercised with humility, love, accountability, and submission to God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 13:2 KJV reminds us that even if a person possesses tremendous spiritual gifts but does not have charity, “I am nothing.”

At New Heights Apostolic Church, we desire to be a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and biblically ordered church where the gifts of the Holy Ghost are welcomed, the Five-Fold Ministry is recognized, healing and deliverance are believed, Jesus Christ is glorified, and everything is governed by the Word of God.