Journal of Christian Religious Studies

This study examines the purpose of ministerial gifts according to Ephesians 4:11-13 and explores corrective measures for addressing the misuse of spiritual gifts in some Pentecostal churches within Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative research design, combining exegetical analysis of Ephesians 4:11-13 with qualitative interviews conducted among selected pastors, church leaders, and members of Pentecostal churches in Kaduna Metropolis. The study investigates how ministerial gifts are understood and practised and identifies ways in which their misuse affects Christian life and church ministry. The exegetical analysis reveals that Christ gives ministerial gifts to equip believers for ministry, build up the body of Christ, promote unity and knowledge of the Son of God, and lead believers towards spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ. However, interview findings indicate that some Pentecostal churches experience practices such as compulsory manifestation of gifts, commercialisation of prophetic services, sensationalism, personality-centred ministry, and manipulation of members through prophetic pronouncements. These practices undermine the biblical purpose of ministerial gifts and may encourage spiritual dependency, exploitation, fear, division, and distorted Christian discipleship. The study recommends systematic biblical and theological training, pastoral accountability, ethical guidelines for spiritual-gift practices, responsible church leadership, and continuous teaching on the biblical purpose of ministerial gifts. The study concludes that restoring the Christ-centred and service-oriented use of ministerial gifts is essential for promoting spiritual maturity, unity, accountability, and healthy Pentecostal ministry within Kaduna Metropolis.

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