To help you better understand more about your spiritual gifts, below, we offer a FREE spiritual gift test as well as brief descriptions of each spiritual gift.

A spiritual gift is an “extra ability” given by the Holy Spirit to accomplish a ministry. Every Christian has at least one gift, and it’s possible to have several gifts, although one may be dominant. All the gifts should operate in love for the glory of God and the advancement of the church. The main purpose of a spiritual gift is to be used for the advancement of God’s church in this world. While many of the spiritual gifts could also be considered talents or gifts that could be used in a secular setting as well, we are particularly interested in using these gifts to edify and build up the church.

Ephesians 4:12-13 explain that all of us have a role in the church. The Apostle Paul says that those in church leadership are called, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

If Christ The Rock is ever going to live up to the fullest expression of Jesus, then every single person in our church needs to discover and put to use their spiritual gift(s). 

So, let’s do this! This Pastor Loves You!

Spiritual Gift Test

Here are quick descriptions of each spiritual gift. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Administration

The ability to help steer the church, or a ministry, toward the successful completion of God-given goals, with skills in planning, organization, and supervision.

Apostleship

A person sent to new places with the gospel. You may have heard of missionaries going to different countries to help spread the Word; they could be described as apostles. An apostle can also provide leadership to other churches or ministries and offer advice on spiritual matters.


Craftsmanship

A person who has a trade or craft that they can use for the good of the church. Typically this person enjoys serving with their hands to meet tangible needs and may be described as a “handy” person.

Discernment

The wisdom to recognize truth from untruth by correctly evaluating whether a behavior or teaching is from God or Not.

The spiritual gift of exhortation is often called the “gift of encouragement.” The Greek word for this gift is parakaleo. It means to beseech, exhort, call upon, to encourage and to strengthen. The primary means of exhortation is to remind the hearer of the powerful and amazing work of God in Christ, particularly in regard to the saving work of Jesus in the atonement. We see Paul commanding Titus to use this gift in Titus 1:9 and throughout chapter 2, particularly Titus 2:11-15. He also charges Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2.

The Spirit of God gives this gift to people in the church to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others as well as challenge and rebuke them in order to foster spiritual growth and action. The goal of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually building up the body of Christ and glorifying God. See also Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24; 14:21-22; 15:32.

The ability to successfully communicate the message of the gospel, especially to nonbelievers. They are able to do it in an appealing fashion that men and women become not just believers but followers of Jesus. (LOVE People)

Faith

People with this gift possess extraordinary confidence in the power and promises of God that they can stand firm in their belief, no matter what may try to shake them. They can also stand up for the church and for their faith in such a way as to defend and move it forward.

Giving

Those who have this gift are remarkably willing and able to share what resources they have with pleasure and without the need to see them returned.

Healing/Miracles

A capability God uses to heal others, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. They serve as human intermediaries through whom God performs powerful acts that others perceive to have altered the ordinary course of nature.

Hospitality

A natural ability to make people—even strangers—feel welcome in one’s home or church as a means to disciple or serve them.

Interpreting Tongues

The supernatural ability to interpret and make known to the public another language that has not been learned. This interpretation is done for the mutual edification of the church.

Knowledge

This is the gift of someone who actively pursues knowledge of the Bible. This person may also enjoy analyzing biblical data. They have the ability to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas that are pertinent to the growth and well-being of those in the church.

Leadership

This aptitude marks a person who is able to stand before a church or a ministry of the church, direct the body with care and attention, and motivate them toward achieving the church’s goals.

Mercy

This is the defining trait of a person with great sensitivity for those who are suffering. It manifests itself in offering compassion, empathy, and encouragement for Christians and non-Christians. That compassion often translates into giving practical help to someone in need.

Missionary

A person with this gift has a heart to share the Gospel in another culture. They work well with colleagues of different racial, cultural, religious, and sociopolitical backgrounds. They are typically willing to sacrifice the comforts of their environment to reach those in another community, culture, or even country. (Love People)

Music

This person is able to express their personal faith, provide inspiration and comfort through their musical ability. This could come in the form of a musical instrument, singing, or both. When they are involved in music, it provides encouragement, joy, and inspiration to others.

The Spirit-given ability to nurture and care for God’s people. Many times, this will include being able to use God’s Word to guide others into Christian maturity. This gift could be but is not limited to the office of pastor.  (Love God)

Prayer/Intercession

The ability to pray for extended periods regularly and see frequent and specific answers to prayers to a degree much more significant than that which is expected of the average Christian. They possess a gift of empathy towards others and believe in the power of God answering prayers. (Love People)

The ability to speak the message of God to others. This sometimes involves foresight or visions of what is to come. This skill should be used only to offer encouragement or warning.

Serving/Helping

Someone with this gift can support or assist members of the body of Christ so that they may be accessible to minister to others. A talent for identifying tasks needed for the body of Christ and using available resources to get the job done.  (Love People)

Speaking in Tongues

The supernatural ability to speak in another language (one that has not been learned) a message from God.

Teaching/Preaching

The skill to teach from the Bible and communicate it effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of others. (Love People)

Wisdom

The gift of sorting through facts and data to discover what needs to be done for individuals or the church. A person with this gift is often sought out for counsel and advice.

Spiritual Gifts Test