Rating: Summary: This book was the best book I've read on motivational gifts. Review: After taking a class on spiritual gifts at my church, I was still longing for more information and purchased this book. This is the BEST information I have seen so far on the subject of spiritual gifts. It is easy, concise and truly helps you find your spiritual "niche" in life. Since purchasing this book, I have read other material, but Don and Katie REALLY know how to explain the gifts and their tests are much better than those I've seen. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is confused about spiritual gifts or wants more information.
Rating: Summary: One of the BEST sources for learning about spiritual gifts Review: After taking a class on spiritual gifts at my church, I was still longing for more information and purchased this book. This is the BEST information I have seen so far on the subject of spiritual gifts. It is easy, concise and truly helps you find your spiritual "niche" in life. Since purchasing this book, I have read other material, but Don and Katie REALLY know how to explain the gifts and their tests are much better than those I've seen. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is confused about spiritual gifts or wants more information.
Rating: Summary: Every one needs to read this book-- pick it up now! Review: Don & Katie Fortune's book, "Discovering Your God-Given Gifts" is a tremendous asset in the library of every spiritual seeker, server and leader. There are a lot of "gift" books out there and as a teacher, I probably have all of them in our library. This one is great because it presents a clear case for how different lists of gifts serve their unique purpose in corporate worship and life. It is easy to understand and share with others-- you'll want to go through it together in your Bible study group. All of us wonder from time to time where we fit in when it comes to ministry gifts and service. The Fortunes have hit it on the head when it comes to helping us identify our motivational gifts. This book is especially useful for ministry teams, small groups and any setting where a variety of people have to relate or serve together. The very first benefit of reading it, is the insight you'll gain to seeing how each of us in our gifts are needed to work together in balance. Of course, the thing you will love about this are the surveys included that help you determine your primary and secondary motivational gifting. I also recommend that you order directly from the Fortunes several of the supplemental tests that can be used with children, secular audiences etc. You'll love it. I give it my highest recommendation.
Rating: Summary: Every one needs to read this book-- pick it up now! Review: Don & Katie Fortune's book, "Discovering Your God-Given Gifts" is a tremendous asset in the library of every spiritual seeker, server and leader. There are a lot of "gift" books out there and as a teacher, I probably have all of them in our library. This one is great because it presents a clear case for how different lists of gifts serve their unique purpose in corporate worship and life. It is easy to understand and share with others-- you'll want to go through it together in your Bible study group. All of us wonder from time to time where we fit in when it comes to ministry gifts and service. The Fortunes have hit it on the head when it comes to helping us identify our motivational gifts. This book is especially useful for ministry teams, small groups and any setting where a variety of people have to relate or serve together. The very first benefit of reading it, is the insight you'll gain to seeing how each of us in our gifts are needed to work together in balance. Of course, the thing you will love about this are the surveys included that help you determine your primary and secondary motivational gifting. I also recommend that you order directly from the Fortunes several of the supplemental tests that can be used with children, secular audiences etc. You'll love it. I give it my highest recommendation.
Rating: Summary: Built on a flawed foundation Review: I applaud the Fortunes for doing a great job of encouraging people to discover and develop their spiritual gifts. Many of their tidbits and applications are very helpful and motivating. However, I have a problem with some of their foundational assumptions. First, the idea that the "motivational" gifts of Romans 12 are of a different nature than the "manifestational" gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 is, in my opinion, not defensible. While Paul uses a variety of terms, the key word "charisma" is present in both passages. Also, the Fortune theory requires that the gift of "prophecy" in 1 Cor 12 be given a different definition than the gift of "prophecy" in Rom 12 even though the word is the same in both passages and there is no compelling contextual reason for two different definitions. Is it my personal suspicion, based on my study, that at the root of the "motivational vs manifestational" dichotomy is (in part) the desire to avoid dealing with the more "phenominal" gifts of 1 Cor 12 (tongues, miracles, etc.). Please note that I do not adhere to charismatic or pentecostal theology. However, I also don't find any Biblical warrent to exclude the 1 Cor 12 gifts from today's church. Second, the practical result of this dichotomy is that the Fortunes must find a way for every believer to have not only a spiriutal gift, but specifically a Rom 12 gift ... significantly narrowing the field of variety of gifts. Third, the Fortunes don't seem to distinguish clearly enough between spiritual gifts - gifts given by the Holy Spirit when He enters your life; and given specifically for the building up of the Church - and natural talents (God-given abilities that can be used in all facets of life). Yes, spiritual gifts and natural talents will often correspond closely, since ultimately they both come from our Creator God. However, the clear Biblical purpose of spiritual gifts is not to find a job you like, but to advance God's Kingdom. I admit that not all "God's work" happens within the walls and programs of the organized church, but to link spiritual gifts to finding a job is, in my opinion, weak theology. There are some good nuggets in the Fortunes' book. Unfortunately, the flawed foundation points the reader in a less-than-ideal direction. A better basic perspective on spiritual gifts is C. Peter Wagner's little book "Discover Your Spiritual Gifts".
Rating: Summary: This book was the best book I've read on motivational gifts. Review: I had been searching for a good book that could be used as a study guide for my church, Bethel A.M.E. in Baltimore, MD. This book was a blessing. It clear, easy to read and explained the motive gifts in wonderful way. The surveys included in each chapter were great! The results brought about some surprises to my students who thought they knew their gifts. Don and Katie Fortune were careful to not only teach but to give real life examples that gave "legs" to their teaching.
Rating: Summary: This book's evaluations can help you find your niche... Review: I learned more about myself while studying this book than I have over the course of my 40 years. I now teach this topic at our church in Chicago... and, I am looking for God to do tremendous things in the lives of those who discover their God-given gift(s).
Rating: Summary: A real eye-opener Review: I learned more about myself while studying this book than I have over the course of my 40 years. I now teach this topic at our church in Chicago... and, I am looking for God to do tremendous things in the lives of those who discover their God-given gift(s).
Rating: Summary: Great self discovery tool Review: I really appreciate the Fortunes putting their knowledge into book form, even though a few of the terms need to be better defined (what is a "tremendous capacity to give love?" for example) But all in all a good tool for those who want more practical, illuminating insights to their own personalities.
Rating: Summary: Discover who you and others are Review: This is the best resourse and discovery book on the subject! I have been using it as a teaching tool for about 6 years. I have seen in others and also recieved great insight, healing and encouragement from the teaching and discovery. There is a test to help you discover your gifts and teaching. Everytime I read it again, I receive encouragement and healing. Some questions I feel the book addresses are: 1. Why do I think and respond the way I do? 2. Why do THEY think and respond the way they do? 3. What did God give to me and how do I use it? 4. How can I understand and work better with others? 5. What are some example of bible character with these gifts? 6. What careers might fit me better? Well, there is much more. Of all the books on my shelf on this subject, I feel this is the most helpful. I am very passionate about this book and I read it often. Read it and share it with a friend!
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