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Every Christian is given spiritual gifts to be used in ministry. If you have committed your life to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has “gifted” you. Specifically, the Bible says that your spiritual gifts are supposed to be used to build up the church. When we use our gifts together, the church grows and we all benefit. It’s important for Christ-followers to discover what their spiritual gifts are so they can use them in ministry.
Not sure what Scripture says about giftings? Start by reading about the Biblical basis and principles behind each spiritual gift.
Three specific lists of spiritual gifts occur in the New Testament, all in Paul’s letters:
Four other possible references to spiritual gifts are cited in other passages:
Four principles underlie the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts and provide guidance for studying and using gifts to serve God and others.
Answers to the most common questions about spiritual gifts, provided by the Basden-Johnson Gift-Based Ministry.
A. None of the three primary gift-lists is identical to the other two. In fact, only the gifts of prophecy and teaching are found in all three lists. Moreover, five or six new gifts are introduced in at least four other passages. It’s not hard to see why many people believe that there may be other gifts
A. This question has been debated in the church for the last several decades without being resolved, so no answer will please or satisfy everyone. The four “sign” gifts—healings, miracles, tongues and interpretation of tongues—are not included in this spiritual gift analysis for two reasons: first, their exercise has often resulted in more division than unity (more heat than light) within the church; and second, their practice has often been glamorized and elevated over the speaking and serving gifts in a way that is unhealthy and unbiblical. So in order to minimize the risk of turning a positive exercise into a divisive debate, we have omitted these gifts from this instrument.
A. The Bible doesn’t exactly answer this question, but here is what we think. First, spiritual gifts are different from natural talents in terms of distribution and purpose—spiritual gifts are given only to believers, whereas all people possess talents; and spiritual gifts are to be exercised for the building up of the church, not for selfish or personal use. At the same time, spiritual gifts are similar to natural talents—God is the author of both and desires both to be used for His glory
A. The gifts of the Spirit refer to unique service capacities
A. God wants us to continue doing in the world the work which Jesus began when he was on earth. Since Jesus is now physically absent from the world, He wants His purpose to be fulfilled through the church, His body on earth. The Spirit gives at least one spiritual gift to every member of the church, to be used faithfully in God’s service. Each gift, when exercised in love, underscores an aspect of Christ’s ministry. For example:
When all of the gifts are operative in a group of believers, Jesus’ ministry is accurately and faithfully reproduced to a world in need.
But the Spirit also endows believers with gifts in order to build up the church. For example:
When all of the gifts are lovingly exercised in a local congregation, the church is built up and thus functions faithfully, effectively and efficiently.
A. Absolutely! Remember: the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts is neither systematic nor fully developed. Therefore you shouldn’t be surprised when Christians disagree on some of the details. If your view on spiritual gifts differs from what is presented here, you can adapt the analysis to your personal view. For example, if you do not view music or hospitality as a spiritual gift, you can regard the responses related to them merely as indicators of talents to be used in the church’s ministry.
God has given each believer one or more spiritual gifts to be used for ministry. In the New Testament, Paul stated in Romans 12:3 and Ephesians 4:7 that Christ gives each disciple a measure of spiritual gifts
For example, one with the gift of evangelism would be effective in personal witnessing. But one who is gifted both in evangelism and leadership would be
The only gift-blend mentioned specifically in the New Testament is the shepherd/teacher (Eph. 4:11). This gift-mix presumably referred to the dual roles assigned to the pastor in the early church, but this particular combination of gifts is vitally important for all kinds of Christian ministry. As churches grow larger making it impossible for the pastor alone to shepherd, leaders are needed to shepherd small flocks within the church. Understandably, then, a Bible study teacher or small group minister who has the twin gifts of pastor and teacher will probably be effective at shepherding a small flock
The ability to plan and coordinate the gifts and talents of a ministry team to reach certain objectives. Essentially it is the capacity to organize persons and resources to meet specific goals.
1 Cor. 12:28
The ability to adapt to a different culture in order to share the gospel. Essentially it is the missionary gift whereby one is enabled to share one’s gifts and calling cross-culturally.
1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11
The ability to determine whether certain teachings or actions originate from God, humanity, or Satan. Essentially it is the unique capacity to distinguish truth from error.
1 Cor. 12:10
The ability to introduce Jesus Christ to unbelievers clearly and with a frequent positive response. Essentially it is the desire and capacity to share the gospel effectively with those who are seekers and skeptics.
Eph. 4:11, Acts 21:8
The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting and guiding. Essentially it is the gift of coaching others to become all that God wants them to be.
Romans 12:8
The ability to see God’s purpose in a situation and to trust his wisdom and power to accomplish that purpose. Essentially it is the gift of vision which enables one to believe God for what seems impossible.
1 Cor. 12:9, 1 Cor. 13:2
The ability to comprehend the financial requirements related to the growth of God’s kingdom and to fulfill those requirements by contributing eagerly and generously. Essentially it is the joyful compulsion to give sacrificially to the Lord’s work.
Romans 12:8
The unique capacity to welcome individuals or groups into one’s home in order to share community, meals and/or lodging. Essentially it is the desire and willingness to open one’s home to others.
1 Peter 4:9
The ability to pray often and with unusual perseverance, with the result that answers to prayer requests are experienced in a remarkable way. Essentially this is the gift of being a “prayer warrior.”
I Cor. 14:15
The ability to gain profound insight into biblical truth by means of careful research and serious study. Essentially it is the capacity to uncover the great principles of God’s Word.
1 Cor. 12:8, 1 Cor. 13:2
The ability to discern God’s purpose for a group of believers, to set goals to accomplish that purpose and to challenge others to fulfill those goals. Essentially it is the capacity to inspire others with a vision of God’s will.
Romans 12:8, 1 Tim. 5:17
The ability to feel sincere compassion, beyond normal Christian sympathy, for those in distress and to provide practical support to meet their needs. Essentially it is cheerful ministry to the undeserving and to those in crisis situations.
Romans 12:8
The ability to use the vehicle of music to share one’s relationship with God and to lead others to worship God. Essentially it is the capacity to communicate God’s love through music.
1 Cor. 14:15, 1 Cor. 14:26
The ability to communicate God’s Word with power, conviction, and clarity, and to apply it to the specific situation of the hearers. Essentially it is inspired preaching.
Romans 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 1 Cor. 14:24-25, Eph. 4:11
The ability to recognize practical needs and to meet them joyfully and efficiently, thereby freeing other Christians to perform their ministries. Essentially it is providing behind-the-scenes assistance to support the mission of the church.
Romans 12:7, 1 Cor. 12:28, 1 Peter 4:10-11
The ability to care for a specific group of Christians by guiding, nurturing and protecting them. Essentially it is assuming the overall care for a group of believers.
Eph. 4:11, 1 Peter 5:1-3
The ability to grasp and communicate biblical truths so that people comprehend them clearly. Essentially it is the unusual facility to explain God’s Word to others.
Romans 12:7, 1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11, Acts 13:1
The ability to understand how to apply biblical principles to difficulties or opportunities that people or organizations face. Essentially it is a divine insight into the relationship of Scripture to life.
1 Cor. 12:8
Spiritual Gifts DefinitionsAlready completed the survey? We are beyond excited that you are striving to find your ideal place of service in order to build up the church and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Click the button below to learn more about your gifts! |
Discover Your Spiritual GiftsThe Basden-Johnson Spiritual Gift Survey consists of 110 questions and should take 10-15 minutes to complete. |
