Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and How They Function in Your Ministry

Every woman can attribute her success to one or more persons...

I attribute mine to the Holy Spirit, the family I was born into, and the few leaders I've come to call mentors.

Each person, based on their gifts and anointing, has imparted something into my life. My father taught me to forever reject the victim's mentality; my step mother taught me about the prophetic office and gifts; spiritual leaders like Dr. Myles Munroe and Dr. Creflo Dollar taught me about Kingdom principles and dominion; my birth mother introduced me to the world of publishing.

Each person had a part and share in the success I have today.

But none have been more instrumental in my growth and expansion than the Holy Spirit.

Too often, Believers think of the Holy Spirit as a force or a lesser being among the Triune Godhead. But the Holy Spirit is God, equal in power and strength; He is a spirit with a personality, and His desire is to have relationship with the sons and daughters of God to empower them to be effective agents of change in the earth.

Knowing the Holy Spirit and understanding the gifts He distributes to the Body are primary pillars of FKMinistries; and in this lesson, I want to teach you more about the gifts of the Spirit and how they empower women like you for the work of your virtual ministry.

The Gifts of the Spirit are to Attract the Unbelievers and Non-Believers Alike

Let's begin this teaching with a breakdown of the various gifts of the Spirit, which are still in operation.

What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn’t know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It’s different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say “Jesus be damned!” Nor would anyone be inclined to say “Jesus is Master!” without the insight of the Holy Spirit.

God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:
​
wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:4-11 MSG)

The Amplified version gives us greater understanding of the various gifts of the Spirit:

To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit;

To another [[b]wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;

To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight ([c]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.

All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. (I Corinthians 12:8-11 AMP)

In 1 Corinthians 14, we learn that one gift in particular -- speaking in tongues -- is a sign to unBelievers. To the contrary, the gift of prophecy is for Believers, for it brings with it encouragement and spiritual insight.

​You may have encountered a number of "spiritual leaders" who will tell you the gifts are no longer necessary. 

You may have encountered fellow Christians who call certain gifts "of the devil."

No matter the criticism, it behooves you to know that the gifts have not ceased because the Holy Spirit is still here in the earth. As long as He remains here, He will constantly be at work.

The Most Important Gift of the Spirit

I must admit: I have a bias when it comes to the Holy Spirit. I'm addicted to Him and obsessed with His presence.

I remember one time, one of my followers asked me why I constantly speak about the Holy Spirit and rarely teach about Yeshua or our Heavenly Father.

I told him, "It's because the Holy Spirit is the One who is in the earth today, and He will never brag about Himself. If I don't teach about Him, then you would hardly know about His presence and His essence."

Yeshua pointed to this as well:

I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. (John 16:12-14 MSG)

Very few spiritual leaders will point to the Holy Spirit as the Source and Power within Yeshua's ministry. They focus on His work, believing that because was the Son of God, this gave Yeshua the earthly right to perform miracles, signs, and wonders.

But that was not how Yeshua accomplished all He did.

It was through the power of the Holy Spirit.

​Like you and I, Yeshua was full of the Spirit; and anything He saw His Father do, He did. (This is a powerful lesson you must appreciate as you become more involved in your ministry and its administration.)

If you were to ask yourself, "What is the most important gift of the Holy Spirit," you will probably find passages that point to prophecy as being #1.

But I want to take it a step further.

I argue the most important gift is the ability to hear the Holy Spirit for yourself, and to be so intimately acquainted with Him, just as Yeshua was.

Far too many Believers lack this "gift." They spend most of their time looking for spiritual leaders who will tell them what the Lord is saying.

They look for signs and wonders, prophecies and words of wisdom, when instead, they need to simply approach the Holy Spirit directly.

I remember this one time, Aaliyah and I walked to the grocery store (as was our custom). On the way there, a psychic saw me and approached me. He said, "There's this light around you." He then proceeded to "tell me my fortune" and then asked if I wanted my palm read.

I politely responded, "No, thank you. I speak to the Holy Spirit, and He tells me everything I need to know about my future."

The man looked at me with bewilderment. I could read his thoughts, which asked, "How can she hear from a Higher Being? How can I get that kind of access?"

Such awe is not a foreign concept. Peter encountered a similar situation when he came across Simon the sorcerer: 

Previous to Philip’s arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry. He had them all, from little children to old men, eating out of his hand. They all thought he had supernatural powers, and called him “the Great Wizard.” He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.

But when Philip came to town announcing the news of God’s kingdom and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, they forgot Simon and were baptized, becoming believers right and left! Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. From that moment he was like Philip’s shadow, so fascinated with all the God-signs and miracles that he wouldn’t leave Philip’s side.
​
When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God’s Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn’t yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.

When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

“Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” (Acts 8:9-24 MSG)

People who practice the arts (magic or sorcery) often have more respect for the spirit world than Believers. They appreciate higher powers, because they see how so many people are fascinated with them.

Like Simon and the psychic from my story, they lust for money, which drives them to astound audiences with their spiritual gifts. They derive their power from dark spirits; and when they come across children of the light who also operate in spiritual gifts, they are astounded by what they see.

Yet many within the Body of Christ -- especially in the western world -- reject the gifts the Spirit, which He freely grants to anyone who desires them. This ought not be so.

When People Come to Your Ministry, They are Coming to Experience the Gifts

When you envision yourself standing before crowds, what are you doing? What gifts are you displaying? What talents and value are you bringing to your market?

These questions are important to consider, because they point to a valid principle: people come to experience gifts.

Think about your favorite influencer, spiritual leader, author, speaker, or singer.

Do you come to witness them talk about themselves and all the things they've accomplished? Or do you come to your favorite singer to listen to her sing? Your favorite author to hear her read excerpts from her book? Your favorite ministry leader because she teaches the word of God with simplicity?

The answer is simple: you come looking for their gifts.

Far too often, when new ministry leaders attempt to launch their works, they expect people to come to them simply because it's them.

For example, when working with new Christian Authors and Speakers, the majority assume they will succeed in their new business because God gave them the idea. They assume they will sell multiple books or have numerous speaking engagements just because it's them.

I've heard numerous times how authors complain that no one -- especially other Believers -- want to purchase their books.

But the people will only come when they discover the value and gifts you bring to them. People will only purchase your product or sign up for your speaking engagements when they discover that you have a gift that addresses their needs.

The same is true for those of us who operate in the gifts of the Spirit.

The Gifts that Operate within FKMinistries and Why They Continue to Draw the Masses

When I first launched FKMinistries in 2018, I questioned whether or not people would follow and join. After all, I'm just Felecia.

What I later discovered was that my gift of teaching and expounding on the Word of Truth drew men and women who wanted to learn more about the Scriptures.

What came naturally and instinctively to me didn't come to others in the same manner; and as such, listening to various teachings sparked a passion in my audience to know the Holy Spirit more.

But that's not all.

As I began sharing words of wisdom and knowledge to my virtual audience, the gifts attracted even more people, especially Believers. So many of them had not witnessed such Truth coming from a young voice. Some followers asked me, "Where did you study" or "Who taught you such things?" My response was, "My father and step-mother trained me in the prophetic gifts and knowing how to hear the Holy Spirit accurately." (Certainly, they were not the only ones, for my personal experiences taught me much about the power and workings of the Holy Spirit.)

The growth of my virtual ministry really skyrocketed when I started talking conservative politics and the role Believers had in engaging in national reformation.

Quite often, the Holy Spirit would give me a dream or vision of what was to come. I would hop on Facebook LIVE and share the word with the people. Most often, Conservatives (who primarily claim to be Christian) mocked the word because it didn't fit within their understandings; but then just days later, the prophetic word was confirmed.

Here's one example: Just days before Kamala Harris announced her bid for the 2020 presidency, I told my audeince, "Keep an eye out on Kamala. Pay attention to her message. Do not attack her character. Focus on addressing her message. Harris will be a formidable force against President Trump in 2020."

The Conservative base BLASTED me for such a word. They laughed and scorned me, and said I had no clue of what I spoke.

But then just a couple days later, news reports (including those on Conservative outlets) boasted of Kamala Harris; and within 24 hours, she had raised about a million dollars (or more) towards her campaign.

The same people who ridiculed me days prior came back and apologized. Some said, "I'm impressed with your ability to discern so well."

I told my following, "You can be this sharp in knowing what's happening, too, if you will take the time to know the Holy Spirit. He will tell you what's to come."

These are just a couple of examples to illustrate the primary gifts that operate in FKMinistries, and why they continue to draw the masses. People don't come because they like Felecia. They come to see and partake of the gifts.

Should Believers Profit from Operating in the Gifts of the Spirit?

For many Believers, this topic has been a source of contention. 

Should ministry leaders receive compensation for doing the work of ministry, in essence, profiting from using the gifts of the Spirit?

The answer is yes, depending on the gifts you're using. Here's what I mean.

Throughout Yeshua's ministry, you will discover much of His teachings focused on business and Kingdom expansion.

It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money. (Matthew 25:14-18 MSG)

Throughout this story, Yeshua illustrated the need for us to exercise our gifts and to generate profits so His Kingdom is expanded. Burying our talents or simply being afraid to use them is a form of disobedience; and each one of us will give an account for what we do with our gifts. (I teach more about this inside LiyahAmore University, particularly the class on Wealth and the Believer.)

Yet, there are other times when exercising a certain gift of God is to be given freely to others. Knowing the Holy Spirit helps you to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Having a relationship with Him also helps you discern when and when not to profit from the work you do.

For example, when Peter chastised Simon for wanting to profit from the spiritual gifts, Peter attacked Simon's bitterness. Simon's heart and motives went contrary to the Spirit.

In like manner, I personally do not believe a person who operates in the spiritual gifts such as prophecy and interpretation of tongues should position themselves to financially profit from the people.

Why? Because the Spirit distributes such gifts freely. In this manner, we ought to also give freely. Over the years, I've observed prophets tell the people, "Give $1,000, and I will pray over you and speak the word of the Lord to you." This is an example of a prophet for hire.

Such leaders will tell you that during the Old Testament, prophets received gifts for helping the people; and that is true. But pure prophets never put a price tag on delivering such word. Pure prophets don't have the luxury of delivering a message that appeases the people. We are obligated to give what the Holy Spirit instructs us to give, whether people like it or not.

Now, when I first began demonstrating the prophetic gift to my virtual audience, I wanted them to know that I was not in the business of being a "prophet for hire." In other words, I wouldn't charge people to give them a prophetic answer.

More often than not, I'm encouraging people -- through my teachings -- to exercise the prophetic gift themselves, because they can do it. Under the New Covenant, anyone can prophesy. Even Moses desired this ("I would that all God's people were prophets" - Numbers 11:29) , because when the Believers prophesy, they are intimately acquainted with the Holy Spirit. (They don't have need for others to constantly speak a word to them. They can go straight to the Source.)

With that said, I do not profit from prophesying. 

But when it comes to the gift of teaching (something the Holy Spirit distributed to me), I do profit from exercising it. I did as a high-school instructor, and I use this gift and talent to generate wealth through the business and ministry. I package my teachings inside FKMinistries and our school, LiyahAmore University; and I sell my coaching and consulting services to people and organizations who want to increase in the virtual space.

For individuals who want to go deeper in their business or ministry, I provide the systems and instruction (premium, costly services); but for individuals who simply want to understand the things of God, I give freely.

As a new ministry leader, and as one who is developing your relationship with the Holy Spirit, this distinction will become clearer. The more acquainted you become with His presence, the more the Holy Spirit will grant you wisdom to know when to generate a profit and when to give freely.

Identifying and Exercising the Gifts in You and Your Ministry

One of the things I love about the Holy Spirit is He has gifts to distribute to each person in the Body of Christ.

You will know the gifts that operate in you by examining which operation comes to you naturally and instinctively. As I shared above, my instinctive gift is teaching; and my ministry increases the more I display this gift and the prophetic one.

But your gift may be dream interpretation.

Your gift may be operating in healing and miracles.

Your gift may be the gift of extraordinary faith.

Whatever the gifts are, develop and cultivate them. Put them into practice. You will soon discover that as more people become aware of what you possess, they will instantly draw others to partake of it.

As more attention is drawn to your platform, always remember to acknowledge the Holy Spirit. Remember: He will not brag about Himself. But if you brag about Him and you teach others how He functions in this world, you will surely empower more people to walk in their own calling and to engage in this end-time revival and national reformation.

This is the kind of training we deliver to women like you inside our ministry, The Holy Ghost and You; and if you'd like to learn more about how to be a part of this national movement, continue reading.

Join Us Inside The Holy Ghost and You Ministry, Located in FKMinistries, and Receive Powerful Teachings from Our Ministry's Coaches

​The Holy Ghost and You is a branch of FKMinistries, whose mission is to train and equip women to build powerful virtual ministries that bring deliverance and healing to others using their stories. Our ministry focuses on women who were despised, rejected, humiliated, and scorned; and we empower them to walk in virtue, health, strength, and might.

As a member of FKMinistries and a partner in The Holy Ghost and You Movement, you will connect with other dynamic women of faith. You will also learn:

• what it takes to build a virtual ministry using your authorship from this year's experts (and you don't need a ministry license to operate in this calling);
• how to use your story to empower other people;
• how to break free from shame and guilt;
• how to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit, who will empower you for this work.​

Register today for The Holy Ghost and You Virtual Summit and Ministry Class

Special Guest Speaker & Ministry Class Coach, Angela Meer

Angela Meer is a former missionary and pastor. She runs the FireHouse, a community of prophets in southern Oregon. Currently, she is getting her Ph.D. in Religion and Theology. She feels called to equip believers in a supernatural lifestyle of prophecy, miracles, and healing. She is the author of the devotional #DreamWell, an interactive journal for those chasing their God-dreams. ​

During our virtual summit and ministry class, Angela will teach more about the gift of prophecy and the interpretation of dreams.

---

About Felecia Killings

Felecia Killings is an award-winning coach, speaker, trainer, and book-publishing expert. She is the Founder of FKMinistries, a virtual church that equips today's Believers to engage in this end-time revival and national reformation using the written and spoken word.

From 2011-2018, Felecia worked as a freelance ghostwriter and content editor to entrepreneurs and ministry leaders; and she delivered one-to-one coaching services to upcoming Christian Writerpreneurs. 

Today, Felecia travels the country, delivering actionable, empowering training sessions to upcoming leaders who want to increase their impact, influence, and power in today's world using storytelling and book publishing. She equips women ministers, conservative organizations, ministry leaders of small churches, and new writerpreneurs, empowering them for exponential growth in their business or ministry.