By Michael C. Mack

1. Share a time when your parent (or a parental figure in your life) encouraged you or affirmed your talents or gifts in some way. 

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. 

2. What was the context for Paul discussing spiritual gifts? What seems to have been going on in this church at the time? 

3. What point was Paul making in verses 4-6 about what things were different and what thing was the same in relation to spiritual gifts? 

4. Discuss what spiritual gifts are (also see Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 for background): Who are they given by? What do believers do to earn them? (The word for gifts comes from the same Greek root as grace.) What is their purpose? 

5. Spiritual gifts are distributed among the body of Christ (the Christian community) for the body of Christ. What examples have you seen of spiritual gifts being used in the church for the “common good”? 

6. Spend time affirming each person’s gifts that you’ve witnessed while serving together. Tell each person specifically how you’ve seen God use their gift for the common good. (Refer to the list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, but also Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and other passages.)

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).