Service (Helps): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God’s work is fulfilled.

Biblical References: I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2. Pastoring (Shepherding): the gift that gives a believer the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers. Music–Instrumental: the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Music–Vocal: the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing. Mercy: the gift that motivates a believer to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need. Leadership: the gift that gives a believer the confidence to step forward, give direction and provide motivation to fulfill a dream or complete a task. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8 I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2. Knowledge: the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the Bible and faith. Intercession: the gift that enables a believer to pray with the certainty that prayer is heard and when requests are made, answers will come. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38. Hospitality: the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of food and lodging. Biblical References: II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4. Giving: the gift that enables a believer to recognize God’s blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously and sacrificially giving of one’s resources (time, talent, and treasure). Biblical References: Genesis 12:1-4a, Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10. Biblical References: John 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18, III John 5-8.įaith: the gift that gives a believer the eyes to see the Spirit at work and the ability to trust the Spirit’s leading without indication of where it all might lead. Biblical References: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.Įxhortation: the gift that moves the believer to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict of facing a spiritual void. Biblical References: John 16:6-15, Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.Įvangelism: the gift that moves believers to reach nonbelievers in such a way that they are baptized and become active members of the Christian community. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.ĭiscernment: the gift that motivates a believer to seek God’s will and purpose and apply that understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.Īrtistry: the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. The following is a typical list:Īdministration: the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to fulfill a purpose. The Bible lists only a few gifts (see 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and 12:1-11) and some assessments list far more. Some argue the gifts are given immediately and others believe they are given at baptism. One thing they all agree on is that these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to believers after they become Christians. It seems everyone has a different list of the gifts and even a different idea of how and when they are dispensed. In my defense, I had never even heard the term “spiritual gifts” until a couple of years ago because the Reformed churches I grew up in placed no emphasis on them.Īs I began to research them I found one strange thing: it seems no one can agree about these gifts. I had to admit, to my shame, that I had never taken time to study spiritual gifts and form a belief on what they are, how they are dispensed, and so on. I found that they just discovered the obvious (yes, I like to teach and no, I generally do not visit the elderly and widows).

I had taken these assessments in the past and, though I found them interesting, found they had little impact on my life. A friend recently asked me for my thoughts on spiritual gifts and particulary, on spiritual gift assessments.

Meaningful spiritual presents