Spiritual Gifts List and Definition
Key Texts: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31, 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-13; and 1 Peter 4:9-11
Prophecy - Those with the unique ability to proclaim the Word of God with boldness, bringing black and white application into cultural moments. This builds up the body and leads to conviction of sin. (Rom. 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:10)
Service/Helping - Those who find a unique joy in meeting practical needs. Often working behind the scenes. (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7)
Teaching/Knowledge - Those who have a unique ability to equip the saints in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:8, 28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).
Exhorting - Those who possess a unique ability to encourage others. Often good counselors and able to motivate others in faithfulness to God service (Rom. 12:8).
Giving - Those who have a unique ability and joy to give freely/fully to the work and mission of the body (Rom. 12:8).
Leading - Those who have a unique ability to direct the body of Christ to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church (Rom. 12:8).
Showing Mercy - Those who have a unique capacity for helping people who are hurting. Full of empathy and compassion they keep the body of Christ healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).
Wisdom/Discernment - Those with a unique ability to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ and apply His teachings into the lives of God’s people (1 Cor. 12:8).
Faith - Those who have a unique ability to trust God to do the unimaginable. Often marked by prayer, these believers encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9).
Healing* - Both terms are plural (lit., “gifts of healings”). It’s possible this suggests that God uses one person more than others to bring about healing or that different people have unique abilities regarding different kinds of healings (1 Cor. 12:9, 30).
Miracles* - The unique ability to work various kinds of miracles (unexplainable events), including but not limited to healing (1 Cor. 12:10, 29).
Distinguishing Spirits* - Those who have a special ability to distinguish between the influence of the Holy Spirit and the influence of demonic spirits in a person’s life (1 Cor. 12:10).
Tongues* - Those who have a unique ability to express prayers or praise to God in either A) A language the speaker doesn’t know and/or B) Is not a human language. Paul sees this gift as a means of expressing prayer or praise to God (1 Cor. 14:2, 14–17, 28; cf. Acts 10:46) in which the speaker’s human spirit is praying even though the speaker does not understand the meaning (see 1 Cor. 14:2, 11, 13–19, 23).
The normally unintelligible nature of tongues makes their interpretation necessary if the gathered community is to be edified by them (14:1–25) (See next gifting)
Interpreting Tongues* - (See above)
Apostles - Those who have a unique drive and ability for pioneering work. Apostles motivate the body of Christ to try new things and consider going to new places in a desire to carry out the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11).
Administration - Those who have a unique ability 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).
Evangelists - Those who have the unique ability to lead others to Christ effectively. This gift builds up the church by adding new members to the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11).
Pastors/Shepherds - Those who have the unique ability and capacity 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 pastors/elders or staff members (Eph. 4:11).
Leading Worship - Those who have the unique ability to lead others in singing praises to God. (1 Cor 14:26)