God’s Word encourages us: 

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). 

The Holy Spirit has distributed at least one spiritual gift to every follower of Jesus. Spiritual gifts (or “charismata”) are Spirit-enabled abilities to do extraordinary things (such as praying in tongues) or to do more ordinary things (such as showing mercy) particularly well, all in service to God and His church. 

If you’re a follower of Jesus and are not certain what your spiritual gifts are, we want to help!

Below are descriptions of the spiritual gifts referred to in the Bible listed alphabetically with a reference to where each gift is mentioned. Read them over and prayerfully consider which ones describe you. Better yet, have some people who know you really well do the same and give you feedback. 

Consider also that the Bible encourages us to “earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31), which many believe are Apostleship, Prophecy, Evangelism, Shepherd/Pastor, and Teaching. Provided our motives are right and humble, it’s appropriate to ask God for these, then to let the Holy Spirit decide. 

Over time you may discover you have gifting you didn’t have before, or you may find that some gifts (such as healing) are given occasionally rather than continuously.

If you have any questions, consider talking to other mature Christians, including your Small Group Leader or a Pastor at WCC. When you are confident what your gifts are, prayerfully seek out ways to use them in service to God. We hope this helps you in your journey of following Jesus!

The gift of administration is the Spirit-enabled ability to plan and organize in order to support a ministry toward reaching its God-given goals (1 Corinthians 12:28).

The gift of apostleship is the Spirit-enabled ability to see opportunities for the Kingdom of God to expand, to establish and oversee new churches and ministries, and to train leaders (Ephesians 4:11).

The gift of craftsmanship is the Spirit-enabled ability to plan, build, and work with the hands for ministry in construction or art (Exodus 31:3).

The gift of discernment (or “discernment of spirits”) is the Spirit-enabled ability to identify what is true or false in a situation, to distinguish between good and evil spirits, to differentiate right and wrong in the spiritual realm (1 Corinthians 12:10).

The gift of evangelism is the Spirit-enabled ability to help non-Christians come to lasting faith in Jesus, becoming born again by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11).

The gift of exhortation is the Spirit-enabled ability to comfort and strengthen others, or to confront and urge others to Godly action, whether through spoken or written word, and with Biblical truth (Romans 12:8).

The gift of faith is the Spirit-enabled ability to believe in God for supernatural results in various situations of life, often for what may seem impossible to others. This gift is often exercised through intercessory prayer (1 Corinthians 12:9).

The gift of giving is the Spirit-enabled ability to generate wealth and give generously from that plenty for the purpose of advancing God’s Kingdom (Romans 12:8).

The gift of healing is the Spirit-enabled ability to be used by God as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and the laying on of hands for the healing of spiritual, mental or physical illness (1 Corinthians 12:9).

The gift of hospitality is the Spirit-enabled ability to be warm and friendly, and to provide a welcoming environment for others in places such as a home, office, or church building (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The gift of interpretation of tongues is the Spirit-enabled ability to understand the message communicated by the Holy Spirit through another Christian in a language—either earthly or heavenly—that is unknown to the speaker. In corporate settings the gift of tongues is to be accompanied by interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:10).

The gift of knowledge (or “word of knowledge”) is the Spirit-enabled ability to bring truth to a situation by supernatural revelation. This is often accompanied by a word from God (1 Corinthians 12:8).

The gift of leadership is the Spirit-enabled ability to influence people to move ahead as a group, while assisting them to see the big picture, vision, or idea (Romans 12:8).

The gift of mercy is the Spirit-enabled ability to have compassion and to care for those who are hurting (Romans 12:8).

The gift of miracles is the Spirit-enabled ability to be used by God as an intermediary for altering the natural outcomes of situations in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and God’s direction (1 Corinthians 12:10).

The gift of prophecy is the Spirit-enabled ability to communicate God’s revelation or will in a way that edifies people and/or brings conviction, always directing them to right relationship with God. Prophecy may come in the form of a word of knowledge or a prediction. True prophecy will never contradict God’s written Word, and true predictive prophecy will not go unfulfilled (Ephesians 4:11).

The gift of serving/helps is the Spirit-enabled ability to assist with small or large supportive tasks for the accomplishment of ministry, sometimes with the ability to see the need before others do (Romans 12:7).

The gift of shepherd/pastor is the Spirit-enabled ability to nurture and protect, providing spiritual care for others. This gift is one of the functions of Elders (Ephesians 4:11).

The gift of teaching is the Spirit-enabled ability to study the Scriptures and explain them to others with both understanding and relevance (Ephesians 4:11).

The gift of tongues is the Spirit-enabled ability to pray in a language—either earthly or heavenly—that is unknown to the speaker, in order to encourage the spirit and commune with God, whether individually or corporately. In corporate settings the gift of tongues is to be accompanied by interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:10).

The gift of wisdom (or “word of wisdom”) is the Spirit-enabled ability to bring understanding to a situation, always in a way that is consistent with the truths of Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:8).

We understand this can be new for many people and we don't want you to go through this alone. Reach out to the church office. One of the Pastors would love to get in touch with you and talk to you more about your Spiritual Gifts,