Click one of the spiritual gifts below to learn more about it.
Administration (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others.
The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Pastor, elder, worship service leader, department leader, long-term planning.
Possible weaknesses
A constant danger to all leaders is spiritual isolation. Many leaders don’t have anyone who can see them as they really are and hold them accountable.
Apostle (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to exercise general leadership or oversight over a number of churches with an authority in spiritual matters, which is readily recognized. In the strict sense this gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does, however, give this title to a number of others, e.g. Romans 16:7 and Acts 14:14. It is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, inspire, and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine.
The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Church planting, church consulting, long-term planning, regional/denomination responsibilities, foreign missions.
Possible weaknesses
Not everyone with an apostolic gift has the gifts of leadership and organization. This can lead to a lack of structure in their ministry.
Discernment / Distinguishing of Spirits - The special ability God gives to some to know with assurance whether certain behavior or teaching is from God, Satan, human error, or human power.
The divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error, to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Public relations, counseling, deliverance ministry, church board member, evangelistic campaigns, preaching, prayer team ministry, long-term planning, ministry to the underprivileged.
Possible weaknesses
Some people with this gift tend to develop a “spirit of criticism” that can cause them to criticize almost everything.
Encouragement (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to offer comfort, words of encouragement, hope, and reassurance to discouraged, weak, or troubled Christians in such a way that they are consoled.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Integrating new Christians, hospital ministry, counseling team, gift consulting, prayer team, challenging passive Christians, substance abuse counseling, family counseling, seniors ministry, telephone counseling, prison ministry, hospice ministry.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians who can identify with and show sympathy toward others lack the necessary directness and firmness to deal with the root problems.
(See also Exhortation)
Evangelism / Evangelist - The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of Christ through conversion to Christianity.
The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Preaching, open houses, visitation ministry, counseling, radio ministry, foreign missions, church planting team, ministry to the underprivileged, evangelistic home groups, music or band ministry, children’s evangelism, ministry to internationals.
Possible weaknesses
Some evangelists are so preoccupied with “decisions for Christ” that the process of integrating new believers into a local church is neglected.
Exhortation (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to help strengthen weak, faltering, and fainthearted Christians in such a way that they are motivated to be all God wants them to be.
The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting, and guiding.
The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Integrating new Christians, hospital ministry, counseling team, gift consulting, prayer team, challenging passive Christians, substance abuse counseling, family counseling, seniors ministry, telephone counseling, prison ministry, hospice ministry.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians who can identify with and show sympathy toward others lack the necessary directness and firmness to deal with the root problems.
(see also Encouragement)
Faith - The special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of God's power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction.
The divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill his purposes.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Prayer group leader, church board member, long-term planning, church planting, creative ideas team, denominational leadership, church leadership for missions, evangelism.
Possible weaknesses
Some people with this gift are not able to admit when their goals or vision have not been realized.
Giving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously, sacrificially, and cheerfully giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure) without thought of return.
The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, "How much money do I need to give to God?" but "How much money do I need to live on?"
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Finance committee member, supporting missionaries, treasurer, full-time financial adviser, tithe coordinator, assisting in crises, supporting special projects.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians with this gift believe that giving money toward certain projects is all that they need to do.
Healing (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human instrument through whom it pleases Him to cure illness and restore health (physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually) apart from the use of natural means.
The divine enablement to be God's means for restoring people to wholeness.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Counseling, prayer team, visiting the sick.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians believe that when someone is not healed after much prayer, it must be due to a lack of faith. This misconception sends many sincere Christians into a spiritual tailspin.
Helps / Serving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. The special ability God gives to some to serve the church in a supporting roll or to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body enabling them to increase their effectiveness.
The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Telephone ministry, supporting leaders, secretarial help, helping families move into new homes, custodial service.
Possible weaknesses
There is a danger that people with the gift of helps may express their concern for others to such an extent that those in need actually become co-dependent.
Hospitality (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to provide an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging, and fellowship. It involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home (or church) for the sake of the Gospel.
The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Odd jobs, gardening, caring for guests, cooking and baking, maintenance, typing/computer work, tape ministry, babysitting.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians with this gift have a tendency to take on the ministry tasks of others, which could make these persons co-dependent.
Intercession / Prayer (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian.
The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.
People with this gift:
Knowledge (Speaking Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to understand in an exceptional way the great truths of God's Word and to make them relevant to specific situations in the church. Also, the desire to seek out and learn as much about the Bible as possible through gathering much information and the analysis of that data.
The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or Biblical insight.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Church growth research, seminar preparation, writing, long-term planning, Bible study, journalism, theological studies, creative evangelistic outreach.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians with this gift have an underdeveloped view of practical ministries. This is particularly true of those who don’t have the gift of teaching as a part of their gift mix.
(See also Wisdom)
Leadership (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to set goals in accordance with God's purpose and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish these goals for the glory of God.
The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Pastor, elder, worship service leader, department leader, long-term planning.
Possible weaknesses
A constant danger to all leaders is spiritual isolation. Many leaders don’t have anyone who can see them as they really are and hold them accountable.
(See also Administration)
Mercy / Compassion (Serving Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering (physically, mentally, or emotionally) so as to feel genuine sympathy for their misery, speaking words of compassion, but more so caring for them with acts of love that help alleviate their distress.
The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need by putting compassion into action.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Counseling sessions, intercessory prayer, ministry to the underprivileged, prison ministry, foreign missions, ministry to single mothers/fathers, ministry to the handicapped, hospital/sick calls, ministry to the chemically dependent.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians with this gift are so sensitive to injustice that they tend to have an overly negative view of the world.
Miracles (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human intermediary through whom He pleases to perform acts of supernatural power that are recognized by others to have altered the ordinary course of nature and authenticated the divine commission.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Foreign missions, spiritual warfare, prayer ministry.
Possible weaknesses
Some Christians with this gift tend to exaggerate in retelling their experiences.
Missionary (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in another culture.
Those with this gift find it easy or exciting to adjust to a different culture or community. Missionaries find great joy working with minorities, people of other countries, or those with other distinct cultural differences. Those with this gift have a stronger-than-average desire to be a part of the fulfillment of the Great Commission around the world.
People with this gift:
Music - The gift that gives a believer the capability to present personal witness and inspiration to others through instrumental music, singing, or dancing.
The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through music in such a way as to enhance the worship experience of other believers. It gives the believer the desire and capability to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument, singing, or dancing. The spiritual aspect of the gift is revealed as the gift bearer gives witness to love and praise for the Lord, and thus glorifies God. Those listening or watching become inspired to feel the presence and majesty of God when music, song, or dance uplifts their soul in a manner that brings them closer to their Lord.
People with this gift:
Pastor / Shepherd - The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for leadership and the spiritual care, protection, guidance, and feeding (teaching) of a group of believers.
The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.
The collective (plural in Greek) ministry of the Elders to “shepherd” an individual or community of Christian believers. This gift is a special passion and empowering to lead people into green pastures, steer others away from danger, fight off predators, and bind up wounds.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Pastor, gift consultant, children’s church, small group leader, youth ministry, assimilating new Christians, training programs.
Possible weaknesses
Pastors with this gift may have difficulty leading a church of more than 150–200 believers. They want to maintain a close relationship with every member, but it is not possible with more than 150–200 people.
Prophet / Prophecy (Special Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers and the convincing of unbelievers. The special gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God's revelation in a given situation.
The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications.
Note: The primary ministry in this gift is not prediction, but in confronting people with the truth about God and humankind—with conviction and repentance as the result.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Pastor, foreign missions, evangelistic events, long-term planning, outreach to the underprivileged, worship team, prayer team, small groups, counseling, prayer chains.
Possible weaknesses
Anyone exercising this gift must acquire a solid biblical foundation in order to better distinguish between divine inspiration and one’s own favorite ideas.
Teaching / Teacher - The special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. To instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth.
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christ likeness in the lives of listeners.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Small group ministry, seminars, training courses, Bible studies, new members/baptism class, church growth training.
Possible weaknesses
Some teachers can communicate certain truths extremely well, but don’t practice what they teach.
Tongues (interpreting) - The special ability God gives to some translate the message of one who speaks in tongues.
If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Prayer groups, worship service team, spiritual warfare.
Possible weaknesses
This gift is not to be used in large gatherings if it has not first been confirmed in smaller circles.
Tongues (speaking) - The special ability God gives to some to speak prayer or praise in a language they have never learned or to communicate a message from God to His people. The special ability God gives to some to speak in a language not previously learned so unbelievers can hear God's message in their own language.
If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Prayer ministry, spiritual warfare.
Possible weaknesses
Some of the groups which understand speaking in tongues as the trademark of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” belittle the spiritual authority of Christians who don’t have this gift.
Wisdom (Speaking Gift) - 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. The ability to apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite relevant and practical in proper decision making and daily life situations.
The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Counseling, conflict resolution, prayer team, career consulting, training courses, gift consulting, seminars, church consulting.
Possible weaknesses
Christians with this gift must guard against patronizing or browbeating others. It is important for them to allow those under their influence enough freedom to experiment and fail from time to time.
(See also Knowledge)
Word Of Knowledge - A word of knowledge is a definite conviction, impression, or knowing that comes to you in a mental picture, a dream, through a vision, or by a Scripture that is quickened to you. It is supernatural insight or understanding of circumstances, situations, problems, or a body of facts by revelation; that is, without assistance by any human resource but solely by divine aid.
People with this gift:
Possible tasks
Possible weaknesses
This gift can be confused with subjective feelings. It is important to learn & discern between feelings stemming from emotion, and the Word of Knowledge as rooted in Scripture. Pride can also cause a person with this gift to flaunt all kinds of “instruction” to others, many times all the while not listening or humbling themselves to instruction themselves. This person must be “quick to listen and slow to speak”.
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.
The special God-given ability to formulate thoughts and ideas into meaningful written forms so that the reader will find courage, guidance, knowledge, or edification through the words shared with them.
The Bible was written by people with this gift.
People with this gift: