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GVNGifts. Vision. Next.

Glossary of terms

A little help with words used in the questionnaire.

Body of Christ

A way of describing the Christian community: people belong together and contribute in different ways.

Celibacy

Living without a sexual relationship and being content with that way of life.

Clergy

Ordained ministers and, in this questionnaire, commissioned Salvation Army officers.

Deliverance

Freedom from harmful spiritual influences.

God’s Kingdom

God’s rule and purposes at work in people’s lives and in the world.

God’s promptings

Thoughts or impressions you believe are God encouraging or guiding you.

God’s work

Activities that share Christian faith, support the church or serve others in God’s name.

Harmful spiritual influences

Spiritual influences that harm a person’s wellbeing or relationship with God.

Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit, whom Christians believe is present and active in people’s lives.

Intercession

Praying for other people and their needs.

Interpreting tongues

Explaining the meaning of a message spoken in tongues in a language others can understand.

Lay

A church member or ministry worker who is not an ordained minister or commissioned Salvation Army officer. This can include paid or voluntary roles.

Material poverty

Not having enough money or resources to meet everyday needs, such as food, housing and clothing.

Ministry / serving

Using your time and abilities to serve others and take part in God’s work. This can be informal or part of a recognised church role.

Miracle

An event believed to be God's action beyond normal human explanation.

Prophecy

Sharing a message God has given for other people.

Speaking in tongues

Speaking or praying in a spiritual language you have not learned. This may be prayer to God or a message shared with others.

Spiritual gifts

Abilities God gives people to serve others and help the church grow.

Spiritual guidance

Helping someone explore their faith, understand the Bible and consider how to follow Jesus.

Supernatural

Beyond normal explanation.

The apostle Paul

An early Christian leader whose letters are included in the New Testament. He wrote about the opportunities singleness can give people to serve God.

Voluntary poverty

Choosing to live in material poverty to serve God, even when you could afford a more comfortable life.

GVN

The GVN spiritual gifts questionnaire is based on the Wagner–Modified Houts Questionnaire.