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Spiritual Gift Definitions & Descriptions

A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church. Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9-11 contain representative lists of gifts and roles God has given to the church. A definition of these gifts follows. A spiritual gift is Jesus pursuing his mission through the members of his church.

 

Leadership - Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Rom. 12:8). The ability to give direction, guidance, and organization to the people of God to accomplish God's distinct plan for the local church.

 

Administration - Persons with the gift of administration lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Administration enables the body to organize according to God-given purposes and long-term goals (1 Cor. 12:28). The ability to give direction, guidance, and organization to the people of God to accomplish God's distinct plan for the local church.

 

Teaching - Teaching is instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11). The ability to comprehend and communicate Biblical truth in a clear and relevant manner with a result of understanding and application.

 

Knowledge - The gift of knowledge manifests itself in teaching and training in discipleship. It is the God-given ability to learn, know, and explain the precious truths of God’s Word. A word of knowledge is a Spirit-revealed truth (1 Cor. 12:28). The ability to research, learn, and communicate the truths of God's Word for the purpose of helping other people.

 

Wisdom - Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and applies His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28). The ability to have insight into people and situations with an understanding of what to do and how to do it.

 

Prophecy - The gift of prophecy is proclaiming the Word of God boldly. This builds up the body and leads to conviction of sin. Prophecy manifests itself in preaching and teaching (1 Cor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6).The spirit-prompted ability to speak God’s word into a situation and may be mixed with error.

 

Discernment - Discernment aids the body by recognizing the true intentions of those within or related to the body. Discernment tests the message and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body (1 Cor. 12:10). The ability to recognize whether people, ideas, or events are from God or Satan.

 

Exhortation - Possessors of this gift encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord. Members with this gift are good counselors and motivate others to service. Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching, teaching, and ministry (Rom. 12:8). The ability to encourage, strengthen, advise and comfort others so they mature in Christ.

Shepherding - The gift of shepherding is manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member (Eph. 4:11). The ability to care and nurture the spiritual well-being of people.

 

Faith - Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9). The ability to perceive what God wants to do and trust Him to accomplish it.

 

Evangelism - God gifts his church with evangelists to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11). The ability to lead lost people to Christ effectively and enthusiastically.

 

Apostleship - The church sends apostles from the body to plant churches or be missionaries. Apostles motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). 

 

Service/Helps - Those with the gift of service/helps recognize practical needs in the body and joyfully give assistance to meeting those needs. Christians with this gift do not mind working behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7). The ability to joyfully help and serve others in day-by-day, unnoticed ways.

 

Mercy - Cheerful acts of compassion characterize those with the gift of mercy. Persons with this gift aid the body by empathizing with hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).The ability to be exceedingly compassionate toward hurting and suffering people.

 

Giving - Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift (Rom. 12:8). The ability to generously and joyfully give beyond what is required to support the work of the Lord.

 

Hospitality - Those with this gift have the ability to make visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease. They often use their home to entertain guests. Persons with this gift integrate new members into the body (1 Pet. 4:9). The ability to recognize whether people, ideas, or events are from God or Satan.

 

Healing - The ability to pray to God to heal the sick through supernatural power for the purpose of revealing God.

 

Tongues - This gift is found in scripture 2 ways. As a private prayer language (1 Corinthians 14). And proclaiming the Gospel in a language that may be unknown to the speaker but understood by the general audience.

 

 

God has gifted you with an expression of His Holy Spirit to support His vision and mission of the church. It is a worldwide vision to reach all people with the gospel of Christ. As a servant leader, God desires that you know how He has gifted you. This will lead you to where He would have you serve as part of His vision and mission for the church.

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