The four major lists of gifts are found in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 27-31; Eph. 4:11-12; & 1 Peter 4:9-11.

  • As you read through this list, go with your initial impression concerning yourself.
  • Remember all believers have at least one gift and may have several but none of us have them all.
  • The temporary “sign gifts” given to establish the early church were limited to the apostolic age (Heb. 2.1-4; 1 Cor.12.4-7).

Gifts That Communicate God’s Word

PREACHING (“Prophecy”) (1 Cor. 14:3)
The ability to publicly communicate God’s word in an inspired way that convinces unbelievers and challenges and comforts believers.

EVANGELISM (Acts 8:26-40)
The ability to communicate the Gospel to unbelievers in a positive, non-threatening way & lead people to respond with faith.

MISSIONS (1 Cor. 9:19-23, Acts 13:2-3)
The ability to adapt to a different culture in order to reach unbelievers and help believers from that culture.

Gifts That Educate God’s People

TEACHING (Eph. 4:12-13)
The ability to educate God’s people by clearly explaining and applying the Bible in a way that causes them to learn. It’s the ability to equip and train other believers for ministry.

ENCOURAGEMENT (“Exhortation”) (Acts 14:22)
The ability to motivate God’s people to apply and act on Biblical principles, especially when they are discouraged or wavering in their faith. It’s the ability lo bring out the best in others and challenge them to develop their potential.

WISDOM (1 Cor. 2:1, 6-16)
The ability to understand God’s perspective on life situations and share those insights in a simple, understandable way explaining what to do 8. how to do it.

DISCERNMENT (1 John 4:1-6)
The ability to distinguish right from wrong, truth from error, and to give an immediate evaluation based on God’s Word.

Gifts That Demonstrate God’s Love

SERVICE (Acts 6:1-7’; Romans 8:7)
The ability to recognize unmet needs in the church family, and take the initiative to provide practical assistance quickly, cheerfully, and without a need for recognition.

MERCY (Luke 10:30-37)
The ability to detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering & provide support.

HOSPITALITY (1 Peter 4:9-10)
The ability to make others, especially strangers, feel warmly welcomed, accepted, and comfortable in the church family as well as the ability to coordinate factors that promote fellowship.

PASTORING (“Shepherding”) (1 Peter 5:2-4)
The ability to care for the spiritual needs of a group of believers, helping them grow spiritually as well as equipping them for ministry.

GIVING (2 Cor. 8:1-7)
The ability to earn, manage & contribute money (or other resources) to support the ministries of others.

LEADERSHIP (Romans 12:8)
The ability to envision & chart the course to the most effective way of carrying out the commission of Christ in a particular cultural setting.

Gifts That Celebrate God’s Presence

MUSIC (Psalm 150)
The ability to celebrate God’s presence through music, either vocal or instrumental, and to lead the church family in worship.

ARTS & CRAFTS (Exodus 31 :3-11)
The ability to build, maintain, or beautify the place of worship for God’s glory.

INTERCESSION (Col. 1:9-12)
The ability to pray for the needs of others in the church family over extended periods of time on a regular basis.