The New Testament, in various passages, refers to a number of gifts, or charismata-gifts of proclamation, service, special power, and prayer. But these gifts, if they are to be properly used, must work together with the ministries ordained for the church. If the gifts are exercised without the ministries, Bittlinger contends, dangerous confusion may result; on the other hand, if the ministries are fulfilled with no regard for the gifts, the result will be an efficient organization that moves nowhere. In either instance, the Kingdom will not be furthered.
Bittlinger here examines the New Testament concept of ministries, and the gifts that equip Christians for willing service in them. His accomplishment is to provide a needed insight into the nature of the church, and a better understanding of how the Spirit works through the structures of the Institution to accomplish its purposes.