Discover your gifts.

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to believers by God so that they can serve others and help them grow toward God. Spiritual gifts are given to every believer in Christ to be used in loving ministry for the common good of humanity and the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10). Without love spiritual gifts are useless and even dangerous (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). The purpose of spiritual gifts is always to serve God and bless others, they are how God empowers us to live out His calling in our lives.

The Bible includes several lists of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4), but none of them are comprehensive. According to the Bible spiritual gifts include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) leadership, discernment, knowledge, service, giving, administration, celibacy, faith, healing, mercy, pastoring or shepherding, exhortation, apostleship, artisan, hospitality, prophecy, teaching, wisdom, evangelism, tongues, miracles. While there are many different spiritual gifts, the Bible tells us that each of these separate gifts has equal value in God’s eyes (Romans 12:3-8). Spiritual gifts are not necessarily the same as natural abilities. A spiritual gift may enhance an existing natural ability or may be separate and distinct from the natural abilities and traits a believer was born with. Spiritual gifts are also not static. They may be given for a specific season and time (e.g. tongues or healing) and further gifts may be added to existing gifts (Matthew 25:14-30). The Bible makes clear that it is God who chooses the gifts we receive, and that He has not given all the gifts to any one person, but distributes them among His church (1 Corinthians 12:11, 18). It is only as we all use our varying gifts together that we can live as the complete body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-30 and Romans 12:3-8).

Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was the only one with all of the spiritual gifts? Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus had all of the spiritual gifts, which is why He was able to make disciples all by Himself. He was everything they needed. But none of us have all of the gifts, which is why it takes a community of disciples to make up the body of Christ and do what we did (Romans 12:3-5). Ever since the ascension, the church has been the body of Christ on earth. We must as a community work together in order to live as Christ’s representatives and do what He did. If we try to do it on our own we will come up short. But by working together, and the Spirit working in us, we can be used by God to do what Jesus did; disciple others so that their lives are transformed.

So how do we know what gift God has given us? And how can we know how He wants us to use it? The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us with gifts, and He is ready to guide us in their proper use if we ask. A heartfelt prayer for God’s guidance is always the first step. Some questions to ask and prayerfully reflect on are: What has God given me a passion for? What are times and moments when I experienced God working through me? Because sometimes we don’t always know ourselves well, or because maybe a gift is so natural to us that we don’t think about it, It can be very helpful to ask other Christians who know us, what gifts they see in us. The spiritual gifts assessment on this webpage can also be a useful tool. To get the most out of the assessment, fill it out for yourself, but also ask a few people who know you, to fill it out for you (answering the questions according to their perception of you and your gifts). Comparing the results of the assessments can help you to sense how God is working and leading in your life. Keep in mind that Spiritual gifts are not determined by a test we take, but are ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit equipping us to fulfill God’s calling in our lives.

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:28, Acts 6:1-7, Ex. 18:12-26

Description: The New Testament word for Administration literally means to pilot or steer a ship. The gift of Administration is the divine enablement to understand what makes an church, organization or ministry function, and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the church, organization or ministry.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals

• Assist ministries to become more effective and efficient

• Create order out of organizational chaos

• Manage or coordinate responsibilities to accomplish tasks

• Organize people, tasks, or events

Key Traits:

 Thorough

 Objective

 Responsible

 Organized

 Goal-oriented

 Efficient

 Conscientious

Cautions: People with this gift need to…

o Need to be open to adjusting their plans so that they don't stifle a leader's vision

o Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process

o Could fail to see God's purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a goal

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:28-29, Eph. 4:11-12, Rom. 1:5, Acts 13:2-3

Description: The New Testament word for Apostle literally means one who is sent out. The gift of Apostleship is the divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministries. NOTE: While the "office" of apostle that the original disciples and eyewitnesses of Christ held is unique and no longer exists, the "role" of apostle continues today and functions through the Spiritual Gift of Apostleship.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches

• Adapt themselves and core Biblical principles to different

surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware

• Desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries

• Have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches

• Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church

Key Traits:

 Adventurous

 Entrepreneurial

 Persevering

 Adaptable

 Culturally sensitive

 Risk-taking

 Cause-driven

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Should be aware that misusing their authority can quench the Spirit in others

o Need to be affirmed and sent by the church rather than go off on their own

o Can be demanding and pessimistic

o Should be careful to lead people to be devoted followers of Jesus rather than themselves

Key Texts: Ex. 31:3, Ex. 35:31-35, 1 Ki. 7:13-14

Description: The spiritual gift of Artisan is the divine enablement to use creative designs, artistry, and craftsmanship in order to glorify God and to lead others to a deeper knowledge of Him.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Works with creative mediums (art, drama, writing, music, or handiwork) to bless others or increase the effectiveness of others' ministries

• Can intuitively “see” an artistic expression before it exists

• Use variety and creativity to captivate, challenge, or inspire people and cause them to consider a spiritual message

Key Traits:

 Creative

 Imaginative

 Handy

 Resourceful

 Unconventional

 Expressive

 Focused

 Visionary

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Could fail to see that their gift is significant and one that makes a spiritual contribution to the body

o Should remember that the art they produce is just a means to the end and not the end itself

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 7:6-7, 25-35, Matt. 19:10-12

Description: The spiritual gift of celibacy allows someone to remain celibate and single (the Bible speaks against celibate marriages) in order to more fully focus on serving God and sharing the gospel. The gift of celibacy empowers the individual to maintain sexual purity and to find emotional, relational, and spiritual fulfillment while being single. Celibacy is not required by God, nor is it compulsory for Christian ministers. The gift of celibacy may be only for a period of time.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Feel a sense of urgency about spiritual things

• Avoid sexual temptation and compromising situations

• Use their freedom to serve God and his church better

Key Traits:

 Focused

 Disciplined

 Independent

 Self-Sacrificing

 Dedicated

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to be careful not to wear their celibacy as a badge of martyrdom or spiritual superiority

o Need to maintain appropriate boundaries and relationships so they don’t lead themselves into temptation

o Need to remember that celibacy is a gift for some not a requirement for all.

o Should remember that the calling to be celibate may be only for a season in their lives

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:10, 1 John 4:1, Acts 5:1-4, Matt. 16:21--23

Description: The New Testament word for Discernment literally means to separate, make a distinction, or discriminate. The gift of Discernment is the divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error. It is the ability to discern the spiritual forces working through individuals, actions, and words, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure

• Identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness

• Determine whether a testimony attributed to God is authentic

• Recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message or interpretation

Key Traits:

 Perceptive

 Insightful

 Sensitive

 Intuitive

 Decisive

 Challenging

 Truthful

Cautions: People with this gift...

o May struggle with how to express their perceptions, feelings or insights

o Could be harsh when confronting

others, instead of speaking the truth in love

o Need to confirm their perceptions before speaking

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8, Acts 11:22-24, Acts 15:30-32, 1 Thes. 2:11-12

Description: The New Testament word for Exhortation literally means to call someone to your side. The gift of Encouragement is the divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or call to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Come alongside those who are discouraged to encourage them

• Motivate, comfort, or confront others to help them to grow

• Help others change their behavior by applying Biblical truth

• Emphasize God's promises and to have confidence in

the Lord's will

Key Traits:

 Positive

 Motivating

 Challenging

 Tactful

 Comforting

 Supportive

 Trustworthy

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Can sometimes be overly optimistic, too simplistic, or too flattering

o Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need

o May want to just say "positive" things to others and avoid being confrontational when it's needed

Key Texts: Eph. 4:11, Acts 8:26-40, Luke 19:1-10

Description: The New Testament word for Evangelism literally means to bring good news. The gift of Evangelism is the divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Communicate biblical truth with clarity and conviction

• Seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters

• Challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ

• Adapt their presentation of the gospel to better connect with

each individual

• Seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers

Key Traits:

 Sincere

 Candid

 Respected

 Influential

 Spiritual

 Confident

 Commitment- oriented

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to remember that the Holy Spirit, not guilt, or social pressure is the motivator in a person's decision

for Christ

o Should avoid becoming critical

of others by remembering that we are all "witnesses," but we are not all "evangelists"

o Need to listen carefully, because the same approach is not appropriate for everyone

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:9, 13:2, Heb. 11:1-40, Rom. 4:18-21

Description: The New Testament word for Faith literally means to trust, have confidence, or believe. The gift of Faith is the divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill Divine purposes. It is also the ability to stir up or inspire bold faith in others.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same

• Act in confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles

• Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and promises

• Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward

when others will not

Key Traits:

 Prayerful

 Optimistic

 Trusting

 Assured

 Positive

 Inspiring

 Hopeful

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to act on their faith

o Should remember that those who speak with reason and desire to plan do not necessarily lack faith

o Should listen to and consider the counsel of wise and Spirit-filled believers

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8, 2 Cor. 8-9, Luke 21:1-4

Description: The New Testament word for Giving literally means to give part of, share. The gift of Giving is the divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask “How much money do I need to give to God?” but, “How much can I give? How much money do I need to live on?”

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give more of their resources away

• Meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur

• Provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God to provide

• May have a special ability to make money so that they

may use it to further God's work

Key Traits:

 Responsible

 Generous

 Resourceful

 Charitable

 Trusts in God

 Disciplined

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to esteem their gift, remembering that giving money and resources is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ

o Need to remember the church's agenda is determined by leaders, not by the giver's gift

o Need to guard against pride and greed

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:9, 28, 30, Acts 3:1-16, Mark 2:1-12

Description: The New Testament word for Healing literally means to restore to health. The word for the gift of healing in 1 Cor. 12 is actually plural, "healings," which may indicate that different kinds of healing are possible with this gift (i.e., emotional, relational, spiritual, physical, etc.). The gift of Healing is the divine enablement to be God's means for restoring people to wholeness.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Demonstrate the power of God

• Bring restoration to the sick and diseased

• Authenticate a message from God through healing

• Use it as an opportunity to communicate and glorify God

• Pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to others

Key Traits:

 Prayerful

 Optimistic

 Trusting

 Assured

 Positive

 Inspiring

 Hopeful

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to remember that it is not ultimately their faith or the faith of the sick that determines who is healed, but it is God who decides

o Should remember that even Jesus did not heal everyone who was sick or suffering while He was on the earth

Key Texts: Gen. 18:1-8, 1 Peter 4:9-10, Rom.12:13, Heb. 13:1-2

Description: The New Testament word for Hospitality literally means to love strangers or foreigners. The gift of Hospitality is the divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter. It is one of the qualifications required for an elder in the New Testament Church.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for

• Meet new people and help them to feel welcomed

• Create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop

• Seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships

• Set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings

Key Traits:

 Friendly

 Gracious

 Inviting

 Trusting

 Caring

 Responsive

 Warm

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Should avoid viewing their gift as just "entertaining"

o Need to use their gift for God’s purposes, asking God who they should befriend and serve

o Should be careful not to cause stress in their own family when inviting others into their home

o Need to remember that their relationships with guests are more important than the food, decor, etc.

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:8, Mark 2:6-8, John 16:12-13

Description: The New Testament word for Knowledge simply means to know but the spiritual gift is not just Knowledge it is the “word of Knowledge” (see 1 Cor. 12:8). This implies that this gift is not Knowledge kept to oneself but shared with others through words. Thus the gift of Knowledge is the divine enablement to bring truth to the body through Biblical insight.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Discover Biblical truth which enables them to better serve

• Search the Scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth

• Have unusual insight or understanding that serves the church

• Organize information for teaching and practical use

Key Traits:

 Inquisitive

 Observant

 Insightful

 Reflective

 Studious

 Truthful

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to be careful of this gift leading to pride ("knowledge puffs up")

o Should remember that it's God message, not theirs, when they share words of knowledge with others

o Need to remember that not all knowledge is helpful at all times (John 16:12-13)

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8, Heb. 13:17, Luke 22:25-26, Josh. 24:1-15

Description: The New Testament word for Leading literally means to stand before or stand in front of. (or lead the way). The gift of Leadership is the divine enablement to create vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Provide direction for God's people

• Motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities

• Present the "big picture" for others to see

• Model the values of the ministry

• Take responsibility and establish goals

Key Traits:

 Influential

 Diligent

 Visionary

 Trustworthy

 Persuasive

 Motivating

 Goal-setter

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Should realize their relational credibility takes time and is critical for leadership effectiveness

o Should remember that servant

leadership is the Biblical model, the greatest being the servant of all

o Do not need to be in a leadership "position" to use this gift

o Need to be good stewards of the confidence and trust other people put in them

Key Texts: Rom. 12:8, Matt. 5:7, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 10:25-37

Description: The New Testament word for Mercy literally means to have compassion. The gift of Mercy is the divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need (i.e. compassion moved to action).

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort for suffering people

• Address the needs of the hurting, poor, and marginalized

• Express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis

• Serve in difficult circumstances and do so cheerfully

• Concern themselves with individual or social issues in which people are treated unjustly

Key Traits:

 Prayerful

 Empathetic

 Caring

 Responsive

 Kind

 Compassionate

 Sensitive

 Burden-bearing

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to guard against feeling "unappreciated," since some of the people who they help may not show or express much appreciation

o Need to remember that to establish social justice and to alleviate suffering is not the final goal of the gospel

o Need to guard against allowing people to become overly (unhealthfully) dependent upon them

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:10,28-29, Luke 5:1-11, Acts 14:3

Description: The New Testament word for Miracles is powers. The spiritual gift of Miracles is called working of miracles and literally means to work or do something powerful. The gift of Miracles is the divine enablement to authenticate the ministry and message of God through unusual interventions that glorify the Lord.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Speak God's truth and may have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle

• Express confidence in God's faithfulness and ability to manifest Christ's presence

• Bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power

• Claim God to be the source of miracles and glorify the Lord

• Represent Christ and through their gift point people to a relationship with Christ

Key Traits:

 Bold

 Venturesome

 Authoritative

 God-fearing

 Convincing

 Prayerful

 Full of faith

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to be open to adjusting their plans so that they don't stifle a leader's vision

o Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process

o Could fail to see God's purposes being fulfilled in the process of meeting a goal

Key Texts: Rom.12:6, 1 Cor. 12:10,28, 13:2,2 Peter 1:19-21

Description: The New Testament word for Prophecy literally means to speak or declare before or in front of. The gift of Prophecy is the divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. A prophetic word may have immediate and/or future implications.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Expose sin or deception for the purpose of reconciliation

• Speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification

• See the truth that others fail to see and challenge them to respond

• Warn of God’s immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance

Powerfully proclaim both God’s justice and His mercy

Key Traits:

 Discerning

 Compelling

 Uncompromising

 Forthright

 Authoritative

 Convicting

 Confronting

 Visionary

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Should remember that discernment and Scripture must support and agree with each prophecy

o Need to be aware that listeners may reject the message especially if it is not spoken with compassion and love

o Need to avoid pride which will distort and warp the gift, turning it into something destructive

o That their purpose is to live and speak for God and not to please people

Key Texts: Eph. 4:11-13, Luke 15:3-7, Jn. 10:11-14, 1 Pet. 5:1-4

Description: The New Testament word for Pastor literally means to shepherd. The gift of Pastoring is the divine enablement to guide, spiritually nurture, and equip for ministry a group of Christians. In the New Testament the terms pastor, shepherd, overseer (or bishop), and elder are all used to describe the local elders and leaders of a congregation. The New Testament understanding of the pastoral role should not be confused with the modern vocation of pastoring, in the New Testament pastors were not paid ministers who were settled over a congregation but local elders who shepherded the church.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Has compassion for and helps struggling believers

• Can faithfully provide long term spiritual support for others

• Equips and empowers other Christians to live a life of ministry and service

• Patiently and firmly nurtures other believers in their growth

Key Traits:

 Personable

 Motivating

 Wise

 Nurturing

 Caring

 Self-Sacrificing

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to be careful not to misuse their influence for their own advantage

o Should remember that those outside of the fold are often those who need shepherding the most

o Need to not only operate in the giving role but should allow others to support them in their personal growth

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:28, Rom.12:7, Rom. 16:1-2, Acts 6:1-4,

Description: The New Testament words used to describe the gift of Service literally mean to aid or help (antilepsis see 1 Cor. 12:28) and to attend to (diakonos, this is where our word deacon comes from, see Rom. 12:7). The gift of Service is the divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which support, free-up for ministry, and meet the needs of others.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Willing to serve behind the scenes where needed

• See the tangible and practical things to be done and do them

• Sense God's purpose and joy in meeting everyday responsibilities

• Attach spiritual value to practical service

• Enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God

has called them to do

Key Traits:

 Available

 Willing

 Helpful

 Reliable

 Loyal

 Dependable

 Whatever it takes attitude

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to esteem their gift, remembering that doing practical

deeds is a spiritual contribution to the body of Christ

o Sometimes find it difficult to say "no", and can become overextended

o Need to be responsive to the priorities of leadership instead of setting their own agendas

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:10,28-30,13:1,14:1-33, Acts 2:1-11

Description: The gift of Teaching is the divine enablement to clearly understand and clearly and effectively present God’s word and spiritual truth in a way that not only makes sense to the mind but also moves the heart.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Can present deep spiritual truths in a such a way that they are clear and practical

• Are able to connect with and hold the attention of their audience

• Find joy in helping others to see the truth and beauty in God’s word

Key Traits:

 Love for learning

 Effective Communicator

 Patient Listener

 Adaptable

 Clear thinker

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Need to be patient with those who have different learning styles or speeds

o Need to stay humble and remember that their authority comes from God’s word and faithfully sharing it

o Should remember that because of their influence, they will be judged more strictly

o Should live in a way that their life supports rather than contradicts the biblical message they teach

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:10,28-30,13:1,14:1-33, Acts 2:1-11

Description: The New Testament word for the gift of Tongues literally means tongue or language. The gift of Tongues is the divine enablement (as in Acts 2) to have the sudden ability to speak a known foreign language one has never learned. It was a gift given to facilitate the spread of the gospel to various language groups. Note that in the New Testament, the gift of tongues is to reach those outside of the church and is not an ecstatic experience that confirms the presence of the Holy Spirit as it is often practiced in modern times (see 1 Cor. 14:22).

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Speak on behalf of God in a language they have never learned and do not understand

• Are able to understand and interpret a divine message given

another language that they have not learned or previously understood

Key Traits:

 Prayerful

 Responsive

 Faithful

 Spontaneous

 Receptive

 Bold

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Should avoid expecting others to manifest this gift which may lead to human impersonations of a divine gift

o Should remember that all the gifts, including this one, are to edify others and are not given for the purpose of spiritual ecstasy or confidence. The purpose of the gift of tongues is evangelism of other nationalities

o Need Should remain silent in the church if there is no interpreter

Key Texts: 1 Cor. 12:8, 1 Cor. 2:3-14, James 3:13-18, Matt. 13:54-56, Jer. 9:23-24

Description: In the New Testament the spiritual gift of wisdom is called the “word of Wisdom” (see 1 Cor. 12:8). This implies that this gift is not Wisdom kept to oneself but shared with others through words. The gift of Wisdom is the divine enablement to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a specific situation or person’s needs.

Distinctives: People with this gift…

• Focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take

• Penetrate into the heart of a matter, seeing the larger implications and relationship consequences of a situation

• Provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion

• Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways

Key Traits:

 Sensible

 Insightful

 Practical

 Wise

 Fair

 Experienced

 Have common sense

Cautions: People with this gift...

o Could fail to share the wisdom that God has given them

o Need to avoid having others develop a dependence upon them, which may weaken their faith in God

o Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift