Spiritual Gifts

1 PETER 4:10-11

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Discover Your Spiritual Gift

Do you have a spiritual gift? As a believer the Holy Spirit has graciously granted differing gifts or capacities to members of the body of Christ. Each gift is given for the purpose of carrying out the mission and ministry of the church. Paul sums up the meaning and place of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (NIV).

 

 

Upon discovering your gift(s), you will then be able to find your place in ministry at the church. Below you will find the gifts that we believe are still applicable today. There is also a download link that contains a series of questions that will identify your gift(s). Please allow about 45 min. to answer these questions. It is very important that you answer the questions accurately to get a true sense of your gifts.

 

Following are the gifts and their definitions as we believe are biblically applicable. Theses gifts are taken from Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10,28-30, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:9-11. To take the Spiritual Gift Test, please click on here to download the questionnaire.

The Gifts Explained

• Leadership - Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Romans 12:8).
  

 

• Administration - Persons with the gift of administration lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Administration enables the body to organize according to God-given purposes and long-term goals (1 Cor. 12:28).
  

 

• Teaching - Teaching is instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God's Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).

 

• Knowledge - The gift of knowledge manifests itself in teaching and training in discipleship. It is the God-given ability to learn, know, and explain the precious truths of God's Word (1 Cor. 12:28).

 

• Wisdom - Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and applies His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28).

 

• Prophecy - The gift of prophecy is proclaiming the Word of God boldly after receiving that Word from God through the Holy Spirit. This builds up the body and leads to the conviction of sin (1 Cor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6).

 

• Discernment - Discernment aids the body by recognizing the true intentions of those within or related to the body. Discernment tests the message and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body (1 Cor. 12:10).

 

• Encouragement - Possessors of this gift encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord. Members with this gift are good counselors and motivate others to service. Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching, teaching, and ministry (Rom. 12:8).

 

• Shepherding/Preaching - The gift of shepherding is manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member (Eph. 4:11).

 

• Faith - Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9).

 

• Evangelism - God gifts his church with evangelists to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11).

 

• Missionary - The church sends missionaries from the body to plant churches or be missionaries in the field. Missionaries motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11).

 

• Service/Helps - Those with the gift of service/helps recognize practical needs in the body and joyfully give assistance to meeting those needs. Christians with this gift do not mind working behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7).

 

• Mercy - Cheerful acts of compassion characterize those with the gift of mercy. Persons with this gift aid the body by empathizing with hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).

 

• Giving - Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift (Rom. 12:8).

 

• Hospitality - Those with this gift have the ability to make visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease. They often use their home to entertain guests. Persons with this gift integrate new members into the body (1 Pet. 4:9).