Spiritual Gifts Descriptions

Administration
Allocating resources, time and attention to efficiently accomplish objectives (1 Corinthians 12:28). People with this gift know how to put things in order and keep them in order so that God's vision continues to be accomplished.

Discernment
Determining whether an influential statement originated from the Holy Spirit, the enemy, or selfish nature (1 Corinthians 12:10). People who have this gift have a deep love for God's Church and speak life into difficult situations as soon as they see the challenge or confusion and they usually see it before anyone else.

Encouragement
Often called “exhortation,” this is the ability to offer uplifting and inspiring words from God's Word so that others can see and fulfill God's vision and know the fullness of God's love (Romans 12:8). Those who have this gift constantly wonder about what God wants to say to another person through them.

Evangelism
Redirecting conversations toward God’s good news in a way that calls the hearer to understand what Christ has done for them and move towards knowing Him personally (Ephesians 4:11). People who have this gift are quite often fearless and ready to take on difficult situations to share Jesus.

Faith
Complete confidence and assurance that God accomplishes the best outcomes with the best methods in spite of the circumstances (1 Corinthians 12:9). People with this gift actively encourage other Christians to realize the promises of God.

Giving
Joyfully and sacrificially acting generously to meet the needs of others (Romans 12:8). People with this gift rarely think about how what was given away might do for themselves.

Helps
Perceiving the needs of others and act with a joyful heart to meet those needs even if it requires personal sacrifice (I Corinthians 12:28). People with this gift help to increase the effectiveness of how God has created them by making disciples of all people groups.

Hospitality
Making others feel invited, welcomed, wanted and loved (Romans 12:13). People who have this gift view their home and resources as a way of ministry and enjoy inviting into what God has trusted them with. God has enabled them with a longing to share their home, personal space, and resources without communicating a need for performance or an expectation of anything in return.

Knowledge
A deep sensitivity to the gleaning of wisdom from life lessons and the ability to articulate this knowledge to the growth and well-being of a person, family, or a body of believers at the right time (1 Corinthians 12:8). People with this gift can see a complicated situation and understand with Holy Spirit illumination what biblical truth applies to the situation to give clarity.

Leadership
The spiritual ability to serve, develop and empower others toward their fullest kingdom potential (Romans 12:8). People with this gift often cast vision, effectively communicate, and unify the diverse gifts of others to accomplish a common purpose for the glory of God.

Mercy
Empathizing with the pain, struggles, and suffering of others while comforting them with kindness, patience, and love of God (Romans 12:8). People who have this gift are drawn to people's hurts and want to walk with them through their pain.

Prophecy
Verbally declaring biblical truths by the Spirit of God that aligns with the Word of God and brings encouragement or conviction in a way that hearers must do something about it (1 Corinthians 12:8). People who have this gift are used to reveal the vision and heart of God to and for the people of God to follow and engage in.

Service
Cheerfully sacrificing time and making a personal investment that honors the needs, desires, and goals of others toward God's work (Romans 12:7). People with this gift are eager to do whatever needs to be done and can usually see what that is.

Shepherding
Serving, developing, and empowering an individual to be fully surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives as they are being transformed into the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:11). People who have this gift have the God-given ability to care, protect, and lead people to their ultimate and perfect shepherd -- Jesus Christ.

Teaching
Explaining biblical principles so that others understand and can apply God's Word to their lives (1 Corinthians 12:28). People who have this gift lead others to want to study, read, and meditate on God's Word more by helping them to see the value of knowing and living under its authority.

Wisdom
Offering knowledgeable counsel based on biblical truth in a variety of situations (1 Corinthians 12:8). People with this gift have incredible spiritual insight in helping people make better decisions in light of their past, current responsibilities, and future hopes.