The Wait is Over: “Empowered” is Here!
I can hardly contain my excitement as I write these words: “Empowered – Discovering and Developing Your Spiritual Gifts” is finally here! After months of writing, editing, and anticipating this moment, I’m thrilled to share this passionate project with you. This isn’t just another book—it’s a message I believe the Church desperately needs to hear right now.
Why This Book Had to Be Written
For over forty years, I’ve pastored alongside my wonderful wife Jeannie. In that time, I’ve witnessed something both heartbreaking and hopeful: countless believers living far below their spiritual potential, not because they lack passion or commitment, but because they don’t understand the incredible gifts God has placed within them.
I’ve watched brilliant Christians sit on ministry sidelines, convinced they have nothing significant to offer. I’ve seen gifted individuals struggle with inadequacy whilst the very power that raised Christ from the dead dwells within them. I’ve observed churches operating at a fraction of their potential because members don’t recognise or deploy their spiritual gifts.
This reality compelled me to preach a series on spiritual gifts at IKON Church—eventually expanding to nine teachings. The response was great. People identified gifts they never knew they possessed. Ministries emerged organically as individuals stepped into their calling. Our church atmosphere is shifting as people move from spectators to participants in God’s kingdom work.
As I shared these messages at churches across the UK and abroad, at conferences and festivals, the same enthusiasm for transformation occurred everywhere. People were being empowered. Lives were changing. Churches were awakening to their true potential. This message needed to reach far beyond any single venue.
The Crisis of the Uncommissioned Church
Here’s what I’ve discovered: we’ve created a culture where spiritual gifts are either misunderstood, misused, or completely ignored. Many believers have abandoned spiritual gifts altogether, either because they’ve seen them abused for personal gain, or because they seem too “weird” for our rational world.
Others feel excluded entirely. They see gifts exercised on public platforms and wonder, “What about me? Do my gifts matter?” The answer is a resounding yes! Every believer has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for kingdom purposes.
But here’s the tragedy: whilst we’ve become excellent at teaching spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible study, worship, service—we’ve largely neglected spiritual gifts. We’ve created a generation under-empowered Christians. As I often say:
If it’s not a spiritual gift, it’s a spiritual discipline.
Both are essential, but gifts provide supernatural empowerment that disciplines alone cannot supply.
The New Testament response to misuse isn’t non use—it’s right use. Paul didn’t tell the Corinthians to abandon their gifts; he taught them proper usage. When spiritual gifts operate in love and order, they build up the church and demonstrate God’s power to a watching world.
Jesus: Our Ultimate Model
What excites me most is that this message isn’t merely theoretical—it’s modelled perfectly by Jesus himself. Though fully God, Jesus chose to live as a fully human man, completely dependent on the Holy Spirit for ministry. From His baptism, when the Spirit descended upon Him, throughout His public ministry, Jesus shows us Spirit-empowered living.
He healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, and preached good news—all in the Holy Spirit’s power. And here’s His incredible promise:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12).
This isn’t hyperbole. It’s a promise from the Son of God. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t meant to end with His ascension; it was meant to multiply through every believer empowered by the same Spirit.
What You’ll Discover in “Empowered”
This book takes you on a discovery and activation journey. Part One lays foundations by exploring what spiritual gifts actually are, how they work, and why Jesus is our perfect model for Spirit-empowered ministry. We’ll examine the church as the Spirit’s community—where gifts are meant to flourish.
Part Two dives deep into the gifts themselves, organised into three categories:
The Love Gifts express God’s heart and character, demonstrating His compassion and care.
The Word Gifts communicate God’s truth and revelation, providing guidance, encouragement, and prophetic insight.
The Power Gifts demonstrate God’s supernatural power, showing our God is powerfully present and engaged.
Each gift is explored with biblical foundation, practical application, and real-life examples. You’ll discover that spiritual gifts aren’t mystical experiences for a spiritual elite—they’re practical tools for everyday ministry.
Part Three focuses on living a Spirit-filled life practically. We’ll explore recognising the Spirit’s person, presence, and power in your life, cultivating deeper relationship with Him, and integrating spiritual gifts into your daily walk with God.
This Book Will Transform How You See Yourself
I’m confident about this book’s impact because I’ve seen its message transform lives repeatedly. When people discover their spiritual gifts, everything changes. They move from feeling useless to understanding they’re essential. They shift from consuming ministry to contributing. They transition from living in their own strength to operating in supernatural power.
You’ll learn to distinguish between natural talents, developed skills, and spiritual gifts—understanding why all three matter but only spiritual gifts provide supernatural empowerment. You’ll discover that every believer, regardless of personality, background, or perceived ability, has been uniquely gifted by God for kingdom purposes.
A Personal Invitation
As you read “Empowered,” I want you to expect transformation. Approach each chapter with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal your gifts and show you how to develop them. Don’t be surprised if you discover gifts you never knew you possessed.
This book includes practical exercises and reflection questions designed to help you identify and activate your spiritual gifts. I encourage working through them thoughtfully, perhaps with a small group or mentor providing feedback and encouragement.
The Church We’re Called to Be
My ultimate vision extends beyond individual empowerment. I envision churches where every member knows their spiritual gifts and operates confidently in them. Imagine worship services where gifts flow naturally. Picture small groups where people minister to one another through their gifts. Envision outreach efforts empowered by supernatural demonstrations of God’s love and power. Imagine gifts being honed, expressed and used in the workplace, family and everyday life.
This isn’t a pipe dream—it’s the New Testament norm. The early church operated this way, and there’s no reason we can’t recover this reality today. When spiritual gifts, spiritual disciplines, and godly leadership work together cohesively, they reflect God’s ultimate purpose for His church.
Your Empowered Future Starts Now
“Empowered” isn’t just a title—it’s a promise. God has already placed within you everything needed to make significant kingdom impact. The gifts are there, waiting to be discovered and developed. The Holy Spirit is ready to empower you for supernatural ministry.
I’m praying that as you read this book, you’ll experience the same awakening I’ve witnessed worldwide. May you discover gifts you never knew you had. May you develop neglected gifts. May you deploy gifts with confidence and effectiveness.
The wait is over. Your empowered future begins now. Welcome to the adventure of discovering and developing your spiritual gifts.
Click here to get the book on Amazon
Paul Benger 