If you have committed your life to Jesus, according to the Bible, the Holy Spirit has “gifted” you with spiritual gifts. These gifts are different from natural talents and abilities — although they may be similar. Why, how, and which gifts the Holy Spirit chooses to bestow on each follower of Jesus is, in large part, a mystery. If you’re unsure if you’ve decided to follow Jesus, the following assessment may not be helpful yet in your spiritual journey.

While disagreement exists among sincere followers of Jesus about the nature and function of certain gifts, there is enough clarity in the Bible that we know that gifts exist to benefit the church and to further the spread of the good news of Jesus in the world.

Using a type of assessment tool can help begin to determine your spiritual gifts, but, gifts are often discovered and observed as we begin to serve others and engage in authentic Christian community with other followers of Jesus.

This particular assessment includes all of the gifts listed in Paul’s teaching in Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-30, 14:26-33; and Ephesians 4:11 which are the major passages teaching on spiritual gifts as well as some other gifts implied throughout the Bible. While no believer has every spiritual gift, we are all called, in contrast, to display the fruit of the Spirit which Paul outlines in Galatians 5 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

Congratulations on discovering your spiritual gifts! God uniquely created you and gave you these gifts for a reason. Now that you’ve identified how he has gifted you, your next step is to learn how you can use those gifts for the purpose he has for you.

Below, you can learn about your spiritual gifts. It is important to note that at times, we are called to serve within our areas of gifting, and, at times, we are called to serve from our areas of weakness. Our gifts do not entitle us to any specific roles within the church, rather they are gifts from God that enable us to serve. Also, keep in mind that almost any gift can be used on almost any team at Gateway (we need administrative folks in small groups, in KidzTown, and helping with greeting).

A. Administration

The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks.

Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:28

B. Apostleship

The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing, and training.

Acts 15:22-35; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-14

C. Craftsmanship

The gift of craftsmanship is the divine strength or ability to plan, build and work with your hands in construction environments to accomplish multiple ministry applications.

Exodus 30:22, 31:3-11; 2 Chronicles 34:9-13; Acts 18:2-3

D. Discernment

The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood and to distinguish between right and wrong motives and situations.

Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6

E. Evangelism

The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to helpnon-Christians take the necessary steps to become Christ followers.

Acts 8:5-6, 8:26-40, 14:21, 21:8; Ephesians 4:11-14

F. Exhortation/Encouragement

The gift of exhortation is the divine strength or ability to encourage others through the written or spoken word and Biblical truth.

Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:24-25

G. Faith

The gift of faith is the divine strength or ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results in every arena of life.

Acts 11:22-24; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11

H. Giving

The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings to advance the Kingdom of God on earth.

Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:2-7

I. Healing

The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and through the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical and mental illnesses.

Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35, 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28

J. Helps

The gift of helps is the divine strength or ability to work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry.

Mark 15:40-41; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28

K. Hospitality

The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church.

Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:13, 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9

L. Intercession

The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace believing for profound results.

Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:9-12, 4:12-13; James 5:14-16

M. Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to understand and bring clarity to situations and circumstances often accompanied by a word from God.

Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:2-3

N. Leadership

The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.

Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; Hebrews 13:17

O. Mercy

The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way.

Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 9:41; Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

P. Miracles

The gift of miracles is the divine strength or ability to alter the natural outcomes of life in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and divine direction.

Acts 9:36-42, 19:11-12, 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28

Q. Missionary

The missionary gift is the divine strength or ability to reach others outside of your culture and nationality, while in most cases living in that culture or nation.

Acts 8:4, 13:2-3, 22:21; Romans 10:15

R. Music/Worship

The gift of music/worship is the divine strength or ability to sing, dance, or play an instrument primarily to help others worship God.

Deuteronomy 31:22; 1 Samuel 16:16; 1 Chronicles 16:41-42; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13, 34:12; Psalm 150; 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

S. Pastor/Shepherd

The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.

John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3

T. Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to boldly speak and bring clarity to scriptural and doctrinal truth, in some cases foretelling God’s plan.

Acts 2:37-40, 7:51-53, 26:24-29; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

U. Service

The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ.

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14

V. Teaching

The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and growth to other Christians.

Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14

W. Tongues (and Interpretation)

The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray or speak in a heavenly or earthly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.

Acts 2:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-14

X. Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to apply the truths of Scripture in a practical way, producing a fruitful outcome and the character of Jesus Christ.

Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8