“I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation” (Rom 15:20)
Some people call this gifting “apostolic gifting.” I will avoid that term because sometimes people hear it and think you are describing a person with the same authority as the apostles. Instead, I will say simply that this gift is a starter gift. These people provide the leadership to start works in the spiritual world. These people plant churches and start ministries. They are generally task-focused, can operate well alone, and enjoy the challenge of starting something new. These are the people who push the church to great heights. They see a vision and inspire the church to accomplish that vision. They are good networkers and connect with many people.
Importance
These are the catalysts of the church. These people expand the reach of the church and push the church to greater steps of faith.
Strengths
- usually have faith
- pray
- can see a big vision
- can mobilize people
- are focused
- can take criticism and move on
- are zealous to see God’s kingdom advance
- get things done
- inspire others
- are bold
Weaknesses
- can struggle with deeper relationships
- sometimes prioritize the job over the people
- can be or seem uncaring
- are sometimes impetuous
- can be workaholics
- can be proud
- can compromise doctrine or ethics to get things done
- sometimes rely on their energy and skills instead of on God
- can ignore constructive criticism
- can have difficulty being alone with God
Examples of People with the Spiritual Gift of Entrepreneurial Leadership
Caleb, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul, George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, Jonathan Goforth, George Verwer,
Good Roles for People with this Gift
church planter, pioneer missionary, leader of an organization focused especially on expansion of the kingdom, starting a new work of some kind: school, hospital, mission agency, ministry
