Finding Your Spiritual Gifts

God has given each Christian two vitally important gifts. The first is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, his work of
redemption, and thus forgiveness of sin. The second is the gift of one or more special abilities, which are to be
used for the purpose of unifying the body of Christ and for the growth of God's Kingdom. These abilities are
called spiritual gifts and they are received through our baptism.

Like other presents, it is impossible to fully appreciate and make use of our spiritual gifts until they have been
opened. This tool will help you begin to open your spiritual gifts by guiding you through the following three
activities:

Scripture Review: scripture references have been highlighted which both support the existence of
spiritual gifts and identify those which are commonly found in service today.

Self-Assessment: a list of 60 questions which will help you identify which gifts you have received in
greatest measure.

Exploration of Use: suggestions for the various types of ministry you might be most effective in
because of your spiritual gifts.

These three activities will begin to help you discover and employ your spiritual gifts. May the special abilities
God has given you be deployed in areas of ministry where they will be most effective for the good of the entire
church body. These gifts should also be affirmed by the body and utilized by the one who is gifted.

Scripture References

The Apostle Paul addresses the presence of spiritual gifts in three main sections of scripture:
Romans 12,
I Corinthians 12
Ephesians 4

Peter also verifies their existence in I Peter 4:10.

Through these sections of scripture, we learn that all Christians have been given at least one spiritual gift. The
purpose of spiritual gifts is twofold:
(1) to unify Christians in their faith and
(2) to produce growth within the church, both numerical and spiritual.
These gifts are to be used out of love for one another, and in service to one another.

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Spiritual Gifts
We do not choose which gifts we will receive. God bestows them upon us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Not all of the gifts identified in scripture are used in this inventory. The spectacular gifts (speaking in tongues,
healing and miracles, prophecy, bold proclamation of God) and some of the non-spectacular gifts (martyrdom,
celibacy) have not been included. Although these gifts exist, they are not commonly utilized in the mainstream
of parish life. Since the objectives of spiritual gift deployment are to unify and produce growth through service,
in today's church climate, only the service-related gifts have been included.

• Administration: the gift that enables a believer to formulate, direct, and carry out plans necessary to
fulfill a purpose. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 14:23.

• Artistry: the gift that gives the believer the skill of creating artistic expressions that produce a spiritual
response of strength and inspiration. Biblical References: Exodus 31:1-11, Psalm 149:3a.

• Discernment: the gift that motivates a believer to seek God's will and purpose and apply that
understanding to individual and congregational situations. Biblical References: John 16:6-15,
Romans 9:1, I Corinthians 2:9-16.

• Evangelism: 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: Matthew 28:16-20,
Ephesians 4:11- 16, Acts 2:36-40.

• Exhortation: 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 14:1, II Timothy 1:16-18,
III John 5-8.

• Faith: 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: Genesis 12:1-4a,
Mark 5:25-34, I Thessalonians 1:8-10.

• 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:
II Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 21:1-4.

• Hospitality: the gift that causes a believer to joyfully welcome and receive guests and those in need of
food and lodging. Biblical References: Romans 12:13, Romans 16:23a, Luke 10:38.

• 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: Matthew 6:6-15, Luke 11:1-10,
Ephesians 6:18.

• Knowledge: the gift that drives a person to learn, analyze and uncover new insights with regard to the
Bible and faith. Biblical References: I Corinthians 12:8; I Corinthians 14:6, Romans 12:2.
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• 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: Romans 12:8, John 21:15-17,
II Timothy 4:1-5.

• 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. Biblical References: Luke 7:12-15, Luke 10:30-37,
Matthew 25:34-36.

• Music--Vocal: the gift that gives a believer the capability and opportunity to present personal witness
and inspiration to others through singing. Biblical References: Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2,
Psalm 149:1-2.

• Music--Instrumental: the gift that inspires a believer to express personal faith and provide inspiration
and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument. Biblical References: Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150,
I Samuel 16:14-23.

• 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. Biblical References:
I Timothy 4:12-16, I Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-2.

• Service (Helps): the gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's
work is fulfilled. Biblical References: Luke 23:50-54, Romans 16:1-16, Philippians 2:19-23.

• Skilled Craft: the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain or repair items used within the
church. Biblical References: Exodus 30:1-6, Exodus 31:3-5, Ezekiel 27:4-11.

• Teaching: the gift that enables a believer to communicate a personal understanding of the Bible and
faith in such a way that it becomes clear and understood by others. Biblical References:
I Corinthians 12:28, Matthew 5:1-12, Acts 18:24-48.

• Wisdom: the gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts and thoughts in order to
determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers.
Biblical References: I Corinthians 2:6-13, James 3:13-18, II Chronicles 1:7-11.

• Writing: the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify,
instruct and strengthen the community of believers. Biblical References: I John 2:1-6, 12-14,
I Timothy 3:14-15, Jude 3.

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Self-Assessment Inventory

Instructions

For each of the 60 questions which follow, circle the number that corresponds with the response that most
closely matches how you perceive yourself.

4 = consistently true
3 = frequently true
2 = occasionally true
1 = infrequently true
0 = rarely true

You might also ask a person who is close to you to score the inventory with you and for you. Their perception
of your strengths may be useful in identifying the gifts with which you have been truly blessed. After
responding to each question, turn to the Scoring section to analyze your results.

Questions

1. When presented a goal, I immediately think of steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the
desired results.
43210

2. I express myself through artistic means.

3. My faith requires me to seek out God's will and purpose in all circumstances that arise in my life.
43210

4. I am able to convey the Gospel message to non-believers in ways that they are able to easily
understand.
43210

5. I am moved by those who through conflict or sorrow are wavering in faith.

6. I am certain of the spirit's presence in my life and the lives of others.

7. I am blessed by God each day and gladly respond to these blessings by giving liberally of my time and
money.
43210
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8. I enjoy meeting new people and becoming acquainted with them.
43210

9. I know that God hears and responds to my daily prayers.

10. I feel compelled to learn as much as I can about the Bible and faith.
43210

11. I am a take charge person. When others follow my direction, the goal or task will be completed.
43210

12. When I see a person in need, I am moved to assist them.

13. I love to sing and enjoy inspiring others through song.

14. I find joy and express myself by playing a musical instrument.

15. I am motivated to provide spiritual leadership to those who are on a faith journey.
43210

16. I like working behind the scenes to ensure projects are successful.
43210

17. I enjoy working with my hands in a trade or skill that required considerable experience to perfect.
43210

18. My great joy is to communicate biblical truth in such a way that it becomes real and understood by
others.
43210

19. When a challenge is presented, I am usually able to identify an appropriate solution.

20. I am able to take a thought or idea and put it into a clear and inspiring written form.
43210

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21. I enjoy organizing thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams into a specific plan of action.
43210

22. I can translate into artistic form what I first see in my imagination.
43210

23. I have assisted others as they sought to discern whether or not their personal decisions were helpful
and in accord with God's will for their lives.
43210

24. I enjoy being with non-believers and like having the opportunity to encourage them to faith and
commitment.
43210

25. When I know someone is facing a crisis, I feel compelled to provide support and care.
43210

26. My trust in the Spirit's presence, when I encounter times of personal crisis, is a source of strength for
others.
43210

27. I manage my time and money so that I am able to give much of it to the work of the church or other
organizations.
43210

28. I am often asked to open my home for small group gatherings or social occasions.
43210

29. I often become so absorbed in my prayer life that the doorbell or phone can ring and I will not hear it.
43210

30. Not one day would be complete without biblical study and thought.
43210

31. When I am in a group, others will often look to me for direction.

32. I feel an urgency to provide housing for the homeless, food for the starving, comfort for those in
distress.
43210

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33. I have sung before groups and felt a real sense of God's presence.
43210

34. By my playing a musical instrument, inspiration has been provided for both me and others.
43210

35. I have responsibility for providing spiritual guidance to an individual believer or group of believers.
43210

36. People tell me that without my willingness to do the unnoticed jobs; their work would be more
difficult.
43210

37. I am good at building, repairing, or restoring things and find satisfaction in doing so.
43210

38. I want to express my faith by assisting others to discover the truths contained in the Bible.
43210

39. People come to me for help in applying Christian faith and values to personal situations.
43210

40. I often feel moved to write about my thoughts and feelings so others may benefit from them.
43210

41. I have been successful in organizing, directing and motivating people to achieve a goal.
43210

42. My artistic work has given spiritual strength to both believer and non-believer.
43210

43. In the congregation, I am often asked if a direction being discussed is in accord with God's will and
purpose.
43210

44. I do not find it difficult to share what Jesus means to me with non-believers.
43210

45. Those who are struggling with life questions have come to me for guidance and help.
43210

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46. I can see great things happening in my congregation and am not derailed by the pessimism of others.
43210

47. When I receive money unexpectedly, one of my first thoughts is to share this gift through the church.
43210

48. I enjoy welcoming guests and helping them to feel at ease.

49. Believers have asked me to pray for healing in their lives, and have evidenced God's healing power.
43210

50. My study of the Bible has proven helpful to others in their faith journey.
43210

51. People have said they like to work with me because the task will be successfully completed.
43210

52. People have been surprised by how at ease I am while working with those who are suffering in mind,
body or spirit.
43210

53. I am grateful and humbled that my singing has provided inspiration and hope for others on their faith
journey.
43210

54. Others have told me they were moved by my playing a musical instrument.
43210

55. People have come to me for spiritual help and it has developed into a long-term relationship.
43210

56. When I turn out the lights, take tables down, work in the kitchen or put chairs away, I feel that I have
served the Lord.
43210

57. My knowledge of building, maintenance or repair has been a special value to the church and others.
43210

58. Students have told me that I can take the most difficult idea or concept and make it understandable.
43210
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 59. When direction is needed at work or in the congregation, I am generally asked for my opinion.
43210

60. My written work has been helpful to others in understanding life's truths.
43210

Scoring

Determine the number for each set of three questions related to the various gifts and then add up the
numbers. For example, in the category of Administration, the numbers 2+4+3 total 9.

The strongest gift(s) will generally have a total score of "7" or more. If you have more than one gift with a total
of seven or more, then all of these gifts can be referred to as your "gift cluster." Notice how each gift within
the cluster has the potential to compliment and support another. The gifts within the cluster will need to be
further explored to determine which ones you have truly been blessed with.

This inventory is designed to begin your journey toward spiritual gifts discovery. Keep in mind that it is not a
scientific instrument. Your perceptions will be validated by others and confirmed through prayer and by their
use over time. Identify your spiritual gift cluster, and then list the gifts in the gifts cluster.

Total
Administration
Questions 1, 21, 41 ____

Artistry
Questions 2, 22, 42 ____

Discernment
Questions 3, 23, 43 ____

Evangelism
Questions 4, 24, 44 ____

Exhortation
Questions 5, 25, 45 ____

Faith
Questions 6, 26, 46 ____

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Giving
Questions 7, 27, 47 ____

Hospitality
Questions 8, 28, 48 ____

Intercession
Questions 9, 29, 49 ____

Knowledge
Questions 10, 30, 50 ____

Leadership
Questions 11, 31, 51 ____

Mercy
Questions 12, 32, 52 ____

Music-vocal
Questions 13, 33, 53 ____

Music-instrumental
Questions 14, 34, 54 ____

Pastoring
Questions 15, 35, 55 ____

Service
Questions 16, 36, 56 ____

Skilled Craft
Questions 17, 37, 57 ____

Teaching
Questions 18, 38, 58 ____

Wisdom
Questions 19, 39, 59 ____

Writing
Questions 20, 40, 60 ____
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Spiritual Gift Cluster

Begin by identifying the gift with the highest score listing all of your spiritual gifts that have a total score of
seven or more. In the event of a tie, put those gifts on the same line. Decide which gift you believe that you
have used most effectively in the past, or the one you think you might be most effective in. Then continue
listing the next highest remaining gifts with a total of seven or more. This group of gifts is your gift cluster.

1. _________________________________________

2. _________________________________________

3. _________________________________________

4. _________________________________________

Which gifts have you truly been blessed with?

Discovering the answer to that question requires the following:

Prayer: Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance while evaluating your gifts.

Study: Become familiar with the scripture references, definitions, and how each gift functions within
the Body of Christ. This will provide you with a solid foundation from which to further evaluate your
gifts.

Self-Examination: Explore your feelings about each of the spiritual gifts in your cluster. Examples of
how each gift may be utilized in the church are provided below. As you read these examples, ask
yourself how you feel about the types of ministry activity identified for the gifts in your cluster. You may
expect to feel fulfilled through the use of your gifts.

Track Your Results: As you use your spiritual gifts, pay close attention to the results produced through
your efforts. You can expect to experience positive results from the use of your gifts.

Listen For Affirmation: As you use your spiritual gifts, listen for affirmation from other Christians. They
will recognize and confirm your spiritual gifts, through genuine expressions of approval and
thankfulness for a job well done!

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Putting Your Gifts to Use

All Christians are to work together, supporting one another. However, our gifts make us better prepared and
equipped to perform in some areas of ministry over others. A person, who is working within a ministry area
they are gifted for, will be more effective in that ministry than one they not gifted for.

What types of ministry will you be most effective in? A brief list of ministry examples follows. These examples
have been provided merely as thought starters and should not be considered an exhaustive list. Use them as a
starting point in exploring the possibilities for putting your gifts to use within your congregation and in your
community.

Administration
Congregation Council, Finance Staff, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Coordinator,
Business Manager

Artistry
Banner Making, Drama Club/Clown Ministry/Puppetry, Film/Photography Work, Crafts/Handicrafts,
Decorating Team, Set/Props Design Team

Discernment
Congregation Council, Long Range Planning Team, Social Ministry Team, Peer Counseling, Support
Group Facilitator

Evangelism
Prospective Member Visitation, Evangelism Team, Advertising and Marketing, New Member Sponsor,
Community Visitation

Exhortation
Mutual Ministry Team, Hospital/Home/Institution Visitation, Telecare Ministry, Peer Counseling, Small
Group Leader

Faith
Congregational President, Stewardship Team, Long Range Planning Team, Teacher/Bible study leader

Giving
Capital Campaign Steering Team, Stewardship Team, Volunteer Coordination, Giving Personal Testimony

Hospitality
Greeter/Usher, New Member Sponsor, In-Home Bible Study Host, Visitor Welcome/Information Center,
Banquet Server, Fellowship Hour Host/Server
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Intercession
Prayer Chain, Prayer Partner, Prayer Families/Prayer Circles

Knowledge
Parish Resource-Library Coordinator, Nominating Team, Long Range Planning Team, Congregation
Council

Leadership
Sunday School Superintendent, Committee Chairperson (all types), Fellowship Activity Coordinator,
Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Congregational President, Speaker-Special Events

Mercy
Home/Hospital/Institution Visitation, Transportation to Worship/Bible Study, Social Ministry Team,
Support Group Leader, Telecare Minister

Music-Instrumental
Band Leader/Member, Choir Pianist, Special Event Music, Substitute Organist, Vacation Bible School-
Music Program

Music-Vocal
Church Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Sunday School Song Leader, Vacation Bible School Song Leader

Pastoring (Shepherding)
Adult In-Home Bible Study Leader, New Member Sponsor, Young-Adult Counselor, Small Group Leader,
Telecare Minister

Service (Helps)
Computer Programmer/Data Entry, Newsletter Collation, P.A./Sound System Technician, Tape Recording
Worship Services, Child Care, Building/Grounds Upkeep, Kitchen Cleaning Team, Providing
Transportation

Skilled Crafts
Building Maintenance/Upkeep, Electrical/Masonry/Plumbing/Roofing, Mechanical
Repair/Maintenance, Audio/Visual Operator, Computer Maintenance, Web-Page Developer

Teaching
Adult Bible Class Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Teen Bible Class Teacher, Vacation Bible School
Teacher, Conference/Seminar Leader

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Wisdom
Long Range Planning Team, Congregation Council, Peer Counselor, Support Group Leader, Mutual
Ministry Team

Writing
Newsletter Article Writer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations/Publicity Committee, Letter Writing

For Further Thought

Contextual Gift Ideas for Use:

At home - with family

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. __________________________________________

At work - with colleagues

1. ___________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

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Within your community

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. __________________________________________

This document was originally written by Neal Boese and Patricia Haller and produced by the Division for Congregational Ministries,
ELCA.

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