A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers believers and gives them the capacity and desire 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.
Leadership – The Spirit-given capacity and desire to aid the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the vision and mission of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Rom. 12:8).
Administrator - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to 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). .
Teaching - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to instruct 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).
Knowledge - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to know God’s word through intensive study and then explain to others the truths discovered (1 Cor. 12:28).
Wisdom - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and apply His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28).
Prophecy - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to proclaim 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).
Discernment - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to aid 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).
Exhortation - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to 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).
Shepherding - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to 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).
Faith - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to trust 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).
Evangelism - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11).
Apostleship / Missions - The Spirit-given capacity and desire 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 - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to 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).Mercy - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to aid the body by showing compassion to hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).
Giving - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to 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).
Hospitality - The Spirit-given capacity and desire to make 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).
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. These descriptions are adapted from material written by Gene Wilkes, Lifeway Christian Resources, and Dr. Larry Gilbert, Your Gifts, Church Growth Institute.