Motivational Gift: Exhorter

The Motivational Gift of the Exhorter characterizes an uplifting and encouraging spirit. Exhorters inspire others to grow spiritually, persevere through challenges, and embrace their God-given potential. They have a natural ability to motivate people, offering practical advice and hope in difficult situations.

Exhorters often focus on the positive aspects of life and faith, pointing others toward God’s promises and solutions. However, their optimism can lead to oversimplifying problems or avoiding hard truths if misapplied. When used with discernment and sincerity, this gift reflects.

Correlated Symbols

  • Days of Creation: Day 4 – Sun, Moon, Stars

  • Tabernacle Furniture: Golden Lampstand

  • Compound Name of God: Jehovah-Shalom – “The Lord is My Peace”

  • Letter to the Churches: Thyatira

  • Last Saying on the Cross: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Personality Snapshot

  • Core Motivation: To encourage growth and maturity in others, guiding them into God’s peace.

  • Inspiration and Hope: Like the sun, moon, and stars lighting the night sky, Exhorters bring illumination and positivity. 

  • Strong Communicators: Skilled at motivating others to apply truth in daily life.

  • Reconciliation and Peace-Building: Representing Jehovah-Shalom, they help people find spiritual and emotional rest in God.

  • Emotional Swings: Their sociability can overwhelm them, especially when people do not respond positively.

  • Superficial Solutions: Can sometimes rush into “cheering up” without addressing deeper roots.

  • Scriptural Echo: The Golden Lampstand brought light inside the Tabernacle, illustrating the Exhorter’s gift for shining hope where there’s darkness.

  • Practical Trait: High energy, always offering practical steps or solutions for improvement— “Try this!” or “You can do it!”

  • Life Application: Exhorters exemplify perseverance in times of apparent forsakenness, reminding others (and themselves) that God’s peace is still available even when circumstances feel dark.

Biblical Examples

Moses

  • Biblical Snapshot: Chosen to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery (Exodus–Deuteronomy). Known for persistent intercession on behalf of the Israelites.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: Though initially reluctant, Moses consistently encouraged the Israelites to trust God, repent of sin, and move forward. He interceded fervently, often urging them to grow in faith.

  • Lesson for Today: Encouragement sometimes means walking with people through their most challenging seasons. Your words and prayers can help others see beyond their current struggles to God’s promise.

Paul

  • Biblical Snapshot: Formerly Saul, a Pharisee turned apostle (Acts 9). He wrote many New Testament letters filled with exhortation and practical guidance for the Church.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: Paul combined doctrine with heartfelt encouragement. Whether correcting errors or inspiring believers to press on, he always pointed to spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.

  • Lesson for Today: True exhortation balances correction and hope. Challenge people to transform, but always root your words in the life-giving power of the gospel.

Historical Examples

  • Tony Robbins (b. 1960): Famous for his motivational seminars, Tony Robbins energizes individuals to take action, grow, and transform their lives—classic Exhorter traits.

  • Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954): Through her talk shows, book clubs, and philanthropic efforts, Oprah consistently empowers and encourages people toward self-improvement and hope.

  • Zig Ziglar (1926–2012): A legendary motivational speaker and author whose core message focused on positivity, personal development, and “You can do it!” enthusiasm.

Fictional Examples

  • Coach Carter (Coach Carter): Demands excellence and discipline from his basketball team, inspiring them to rise above limiting circumstances.

  • Princess Leia (Star Wars): Constantly rallies the Rebel Alliance with her determined, hopeful leadership, urging others not to give up.

  • Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso): An American football coach turned soccer manager who relentlessly encourages his team, focusing on belief, positivity, and personal growth.

For Employees

Key Traits

  • Enthusiastic and Motivational: Able to ignite energy and optimism among team members.

  • Positive Problem-Solving: Focuses on possibilities rather than roadblocks.

  • People-focused: Genuinely interested in the personal and professional growth of colleagues.

  • Boost Morale and Engagement: Exhorter leaders naturally lift spirits, helping teams stay resilient through challenges.

  • Promote Team Cohesion: Their knack for personal connection encourages open communication and mutual support.

  • Drive Proactive Improvement: They inspire continuous development, urging coworkers to set goals and celebrate incremental wins.

Development Plan for Leadership and Management

  • Structure Your Encouragement: Offer specific, actionable steps along with motivation. This combination turns “feel-good” pep talks into tangible results.

  • Practice Active Listening: Because you enjoy speaking life into people, cultivate the habit of hearing their concerns deeply. A true Exhorter leads by understanding first.

  • Celebrate Progress Publicly: Recognize both team and individual milestones. Positive reinforcement cements a thriving culture of achievement and gratitude.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overpromising: Stay realistic. Excessive optimism without factual grounding can lead to disillusionment if things don’t pan out.

  • Emotional Overdrive: Trying to personally “lift” everyone all the time can lead to burnout. Set boundaries for your emotional energy.

For Entrepreneurs and Companies

Key Traits

  • Inspirational and Motivational: They excel at encouraging transformation and personal development.

  • Community and Engagement: Typically build loyal followings; members/customers feel personally uplifted.

  • Solutions-Oriented: Exhorter-led ventures often provide practical steps, programs, or tools for improvement.

Entrepreneurial Development Plan

Craft an Uplifting Brand Message

  • Exhorter companies rely on positive, forward-looking messaging. Position your brand as an advocate for customer growth.

  • Storytelling that highlights real-life transformations resonates deeply.

Provide Clear Actionable Steps

  • Offer systematic roadmaps—coaching guides, progress trackers, or supportive digital tools to help people achieve goals.

  • Gamify or reward achievements to keep morale and motivation high.

Foster Community and Belonging

  • Encourage user groups, forums, or live events so customers can celebrate each other’s progress.

  • Customer success becomes the best marketing strategy by inspiring new participants.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overpromising: Motivational messages can set unrealistic expectations if not balanced with real-world applications.

  • Shallow Solutions: Ensure your programs have substance and depth, not just hype.

Purchase the Application Manual to Learn:

  • How the Exhorter gift relates to the other gifts.

  • Personal development reflections.

  • How to pray for Exhorter individuals.

  • How the Exhorter relates to God, the Father.