MulticalcSpiritual Gift Assessment
Discover your God-given spiritual giftsComplete Guide to Spiritual Gifts
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to believers for the purpose of building up the church and serving others. Unlike natural talents, which we're born with, spiritual gifts are supernatural endowments given by the Holy Spirit to empower us for ministry and service.
The Bible teaches that every believer receives at least one spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10). These gifts are not for personal gain or glory, but for the common good of the body of Christ and to advance God's kingdom on earth.
Biblical Foundation
Spiritual gifts are mentioned throughout the New Testament, with three primary passages providing comprehensive lists:
- Romans 12:6-8: Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy
- 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation, apostleship, teaching, helping, administration
- Ephesians 4:11: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
The 12 Spiritual Gifts Explained
1. Teaching 📚
Definition: The ability to explain, instruct, and communicate biblical truth in a way that helps others learn and grow spiritually.
Biblical References: Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11
How to Use It: Sunday school teaching, Bible studies, mentoring, writing educational materials, discipleship programs, academic instruction in Christian settings.
2. Prophecy 🔮
Definition: The ability to speak God's truth boldly, proclaim His message, and provide spiritual insight that calls people to righteousness.
Biblical References: Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10, Ephesians 4:11
How to Use It: Preaching, counseling, speaking truth in difficult situations, addressing injustice, calling people to repentance and spiritual growth.
3. Serving 🤝
Definition: The ability to identify and meet practical needs with joy, finding fulfillment in hands-on assistance and support.
Biblical References: Romans 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10-11
How to Use It: Hospitality, maintenance, event setup/cleanup, administrative support, practical assistance to those in need.
4. Giving 💝
Definition: The ability to share resources generously and joyfully, with special capacity to manage finances well and support God's work.
Biblical References: Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
How to Use It: Financial support of ministry, sponsoring missions, helping those in need, funding kingdom projects, strategic philanthropy.
5. Leadership 👑
Definition: The ability to set direction, motivate others, and organize people toward common goals with vision and strategic thinking.
Biblical References: Romans 12:8, 1 Timothy 5:17
How to Use It: Ministry leadership, team coordination, project management, vision setting, strategic planning, mentoring leaders.
6. Mercy ❤️
Definition: The ability to feel deep compassion for those suffering and provide comfort, support, and care with unusual empathy.
Biblical References: Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7
How to Use It: Counseling, hospital visitation, grief support, caring for the sick, ministry to marginalized, crisis intervention.
7. Wisdom 🦉
Definition: The ability to apply knowledge and spiritual insight to life situations, providing sound guidance and helping others navigate complex decisions.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:8, James 1:5
How to Use It: Counseling, advising leaders, conflict resolution, decision-making support, mentoring, providing perspective.
8. Knowledge 📖
Definition: The ability to discover, analyze, and systematize information, with love for learning and understanding truth deeply.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:8
How to Use It: Biblical research, theological study, writing, curriculum development, apologetics, academic ministry.
9. Faith ✨
Definition: Extraordinary trust in God's promises and power, believing Him for the impossible and inspiring others to trust.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 11
How to Use It: Prayer ministry, encouraging others in trials, pioneering new ministries, missions, inspiring faith in others.
10. Healing 🌟
Definition: The ability to be used by God to restore people physically, emotionally, or spiritually, with compassion for the sick.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, James 5:14-15
How to Use It: Prayer for the sick, hospital ministry, healing prayer teams, emotional healing ministry, wholeness ministry.
11. Miracles ⚡
Definition: The ability to be used by God to perform supernatural acts that demonstrate His power and intervention in impossible situations.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, Acts 6:8
How to Use It: Pioneering ministry, spiritual warfare, deliverance ministry, missions in difficult places, prayer for impossible situations.
12. Discernment 👁️
Definition: The ability to distinguish between truth and error, perceive spiritual realities, and sense what is truly happening in spiritual situations.
Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 John 4:1
How to Use It: Spiritual counseling, protecting from false teaching, prayer ministry, leadership advisory, evaluating doctrine.
How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
- Prayer: Ask God to reveal your gifts and how He wants you to use them
- Study Scripture: Learn what the Bible says about spiritual gifts
- Experiment: Try different areas of service to see where you're most effective
- Get Feedback: Ask mature believers what gifts they see in you
- Assess Results: Notice where God blesses your efforts with fruit
- Consider Passion: What ministry activities energize rather than drain you?
Developing Your Spiritual Gifts
Once you've identified your spiritual gifts, it's important to develop and use them:
- Practice Regularly: Use your gifts consistently in service to others
- Seek Training: Learn from others who have similar gifts
- Stay Humble: Remember gifts are from God, not personal achievements
- Work in Community: Gifts are meant to function within the body of Christ
- Remain Flexible: Be open to God developing new gifts in you over time
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of serving others and building up the church. They are distinct from natural talents, though God can sanctify and use our natural abilities as well. Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:7).
A: No. Natural talents are abilities we're born with (like musical ability or athletic skill), while spiritual gifts are supernatural endowments given by the Holy Spirit when we become believers. However, God often uses our natural talents in conjunction with spiritual gifts for His purposes.
A: Yes! While every believer has at least one gift, many have multiple gifts. The Bible doesn't limit how many gifts a person can have. It's common to have a primary gift and several secondary gifts that work together in your ministry.
A: While your core gifts typically remain consistent, God can develop new gifts in you as you grow spiritually and as ministry needs change. Additionally, gifts can become more refined and effective as you mature in faith and practice using them.
A: Develop your gifts through: (1) Regular use in service, (2) Study and training, (3) Mentorship from those with similar gifts, (4) Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, (5) Feedback from mature believers, and (6) Stepping out in faith to use them.
A: The Bible promises every believer has at least one gift (1 Peter 4:10). If you're unsure, try serving in different areas, ask mature Christians what they observe in you, and pray for God to reveal your gifts. Sometimes gifts become apparent through faithful service rather than assessment.
A: While spiritual gifts are given for building up the church, they can be used in any context where you're serving others and representing Christ—including your workplace, neighborhood, family, and community. The key is using them to glorify God and bless others.
A: Start by identifying opportunities that align with your gifts, serve with humility and love, work in community with other believers, stay dependent on the Holy Spirit, seek feedback and mentorship, and remember that effectiveness comes from God's power, not your ability.
A: This assessment is a tool for self-discovery, not a definitive diagnosis. Use it as a starting point for exploration. Confirm results through prayer, Scripture study, practical experience, and feedback from your faith community. Your actual gifts will become evident through faithful service.
A: No. While you should focus on developing and using your primary gifts, all believers are called to serve in various ways. You might help with tasks outside your gift area when there's a need, but your primary ministry focus should align with your gifts for maximum effectiveness and fulfillment.
Important Disclaimer
Please Read Carefully:
- This is a self-assessment tool designed to help you explore your spiritual gifts, not a definitive spiritual diagnosis.
- Results should be confirmed through prayer, Scripture study, practical experience, and feedback from your faith community.
- Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, not determined by a questionnaire. This tool is meant to facilitate discovery, not replace spiritual discernment.
- Use this assessment as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on your spiritual gifts.
- All believers are called to serve in various capacities, even outside their primary gift areas, as needs arise.
- The effectiveness of your gifts depends on God's power and your faithfulness, not just on identification.
- Seek guidance from mature believers and spiritual leaders as you discover and develop your gifts.
Spiritual Gifts
Discover your God-given abilities for serving others!
12 Spiritual Gifts
- 📚 Teaching
- 🔮 Prophecy
- 🤝 Serving
- 💝 Giving
- 👑 Leadership
- ❤️ Mercy
- 🦉 Wisdom
- 📖 Knowledge
- ✨ Faith
- 🌟 Healing
- ⚡ Miracles
- 👁️ Discernment