Spiritual Gifts Test & Definitions by AssessME.org
GraceGifts, by AssessME.org, is the most advanced Spiritual Gifts Test available to the local church. Our complete list of Spiritual Gifts is found on the right sidebar of this page. GraceGifts is included as one of our integrated assessments intended to support personal ministry mobilization.
The Old and New Testaments Teach Three Forms of Giftedness:
-
OLD TESTAMENT SKILLS
In the Old Testament, God states that He is the one who gives us our skills (See Exodus 31:3). For this reason, GraceGifts includes the Old Testament skill-gifts of Creativity and of Music/Worship. Why? Because these skill-gifts are taken from roles God ordained by God for Temple Gatekeepers (See 1 Chronicles 23:5) and Craftsmen. In addition, AssessME.org also provides for organic Skills Tracking.
-
NEW TESTAMENT PRACTICAL GIFTS
The Practical Gifts comprise the majority of the gifts listed in the New Testament and included within our spiritual gift test. However, many Christians are unaware that these gifts are personality-dependent. Accordingly, how a gift is applied will depend upon the personality God gives each person. Therefore, the practical gifts, along with the two Old Testament skill-gifts, comprise our default spiritual gift list. Now, when we filter these gifts through personality, the results are what we call “Gift Expressions“. To this end, AssessME.org tracks each person’s practical gifts, as well as their related Gift Expressions. By default, only the practical gifts and their related “Gift Expressions” are tracked and reported within the GraceGifts spiritual gift assessment. See New Testament Revelatory Gifts for the optional gift categories that may be activated at no additional charge.
-
NEW TESTAMENT REVELATORY GIFTS
Revelatory gifts are sometimes referred to a “self-evident” gifts. We believe Revelatory gifts are works of grace which the Holy Spirit reveals through us. However, these gifts are not impacted by our personalities. So, for example, the Holy Spirit may inspire someone to pray over a sick person resulting in her healing. In this way, God “revealed” this gift of grace through the one who prayed. But, the personality of the one who prayed was not a factor in how the healing took place. Additionally, the Holy Spirit may never again use this person’s prayers to heal others. The Revelatory Gifts are listed below. These gifts may be activated within our GraceGifts spiritual gifts test, at no additional cost.
We consider the following gifts to fit within the Revelatory Gift category and so they are not included by default within the GraceGifts assessment unless the “Extended List” is activated within your ministry account:
- Exorcism
- Healing
- Interpretation of Tongues
- Prophecy (i.e., foretelling the future)
- Speaking in Tongues
AssessME.org Includes Gift Expressions
Our spiritual gifts assessment is very special. Only AssessME.org filters gift results through personality attributes. The result is a better understanding of how each person would best apply their spiritual gifts in actual ministry service. We call these filtered gift results, “Gift Expressions“. So, for example, AssessME.org enables you to search your database for the broad category of “teacher”, but you can also refine your search for related subsets such as: Small Group Leader, Classroom Instructor, Large Group Teacher, and Children’s Ministry Teacher, etc.
The GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Test by AssessME.org is one of the most advanced tests of its kind, and one of the most accurate. We encourage you to sign-up for an Individual Account to take the assessments for yourself, or for a Ministry Account if you wish to track your congregation’s spiritual gift results within a secure database. For ministry leaders, we offer a low-risk test drive for only $25 (5 Assessment Packs + 30 days access to NextSteps).
Common Spiritual Gift Questions
Do Baptists Believe in Spiritual Gifts?
The short answer is “yes”. But it is important to note that Spiritual Gifts are theologically divided into two categories:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test has possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different. Baptists generally support the practice and application of the Practical Gifts within their churches.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”. Baptists generally reserve prayers for healing to be the responsibility of the church elders according to James 5:14. While most Baptists would not say God can’t speak through others via tongues or interpretation of tongues, they discourage such practices within the local church service. Some Baptists, who hold to dispensational theology, believe that since the Bible is complete, the need for tongues and other Revelatory Gifts are no longer available to the Church.
Do Calvinists Believe in Spiritual Gifts?
The short answer is “yes”. But it is important to note that Spiritual Gifts are theologically divided into two categories:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test has possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different. Calvinists generally support the practice and application of the Practical Gifts within their churches.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”. Calvinists generally reserve prayers for healing to be the responsibility of the church elders according to James 5:14. While most Calvinists would not say God can no longer speak through others via tongues or interpretation of tongues, they discourage such practices within the local church service.
Do Methodists or Wesleyans Believe in Spiritual Gifts?
The short answer is “yes”. Methodist and Wesleyan denominations emerged as holiness-tradition churches who fought against slavery and negative social practices. Today, most churches in these categories do not practice the Revelatory gifts within their church services with the one common exception, they often hold “altar calls” for prayer following the Bible teaching. Prayer for emotional, psychological or physical healings may take place during these altar calls. Still, it is important to note that Spiritual Gifts are still theologically divided into two categories:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test has possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”.
Do Lutherans Believe in Spiritual Gifts?
The short answer is “yes”. But it is important to note that Spiritual Gifts are theologically divided into two categories:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test has possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different. Lutherans generally support the practice and application of the Practical Gifts within their churches.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”. Lutherans generally reserve prayers for healing to be the responsibility of the church elders according to James 5:14. While most Lutherans would not say God can no longer speak through others via tongues or interpretation of tongues, they discourage such practices within the local church service.
Do I Have Any Spiritual Gifts?
God has gifted all human beings with a personality, and with skills that naturally flow from our personalities. However, a Spiritual Gift exists only when an individual has become a follower of Jesus Christ by placing his/her faith in the shed blood of Jesus upon the cross, and upon his resurrection to life on the third day, as all sufficient atonement for his/her sins. The Bible teaches that every true Christ follower has received the Holy Spirit…God’s Spirit…to guide, teach, and empower the new believer to live a life worthy of Christ’s call, and to mold the believer’s character to better reflect that of Jesus Christ over time.
- EMPOWERMENT: is that aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work within the life of a new follower of Jesus Christ in which “Spiritual Gifts” are distributed. In most cases, the Holy Spirit enhances the believer’s natural giftings for use in Christian ministery service.
- CHARACTER: The process of the Holy Spirit molding the character of a new believer to better reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ, is called “Spiritual Fruit”.
Do Not Be Ignorant of Spiritual Gifts
In 1 Corinthains 12:1, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church that he does not want them to be ignorant of Spiritual Gifts. What does the Apostle Paul have in mind when he makes this statement? Well, at these two things:
- What are Spiritual Gifts?
- How are Spiritual Gifts to be properly used within church services?
Almost the entire book of 1 Corinthians involves the Apostle Paul rebuking the Corinth Church for their mis-understanding and mis-use of Spiritual Gifts, as well as for their mis-elevation of certain Spiritual Gifts as “proof” that some people were more spiritual than others. While the book deals with numerous spiritual gifts, the gift most under discussion for its abuse is the gift of tongues. Many people in the Corinthian church felt that if they could speak in tongues, then they were more spiritually blessed than the rest of the congregation. This attitude was not loving and was in fact, spiritually abusive. The Apostle Paul clearly asserts that the spiritual gifts that are less showy are the ones that are in fact more important. He discourages the use of speaking in tongues within a church service, unless someone is gifted and available to interpret the messages given in tongues. If no interpreter was available, then people possessing the gift of tongues ought to keep quiet during church services. In the middle of Paul’s teaching of Spiritual Gifts, he interrupts the instruction with Chapter 13, commonly called the “Love Chapter”. Paul’s intent is clear, anything that is not done in love, is not of the Lord Jesus Christ, and not honoring to Him nor His people.
Do Unbelievers Have Spiritual Gifts?
God has gifted all human beings with a personality, and with skills that naturally flow from our personalities. However, a Spiritual Gift exists only when an individual has become a follower of Jesus Christ by placing his/her faith in the shed blood of Jesus upon the cross, and upon his resurrection to life on the third day, as all sufficient atonement for his/her sins. The Bible teaches that every true Christ follower has received the Holy Spirit…God’s Spirit…to guide, teach, and empower the new believer to live a life worthy of Christ’s call, and to mold the believer’s character to better reflect that of Jesus Christ over time.
- EMPOWERMENT: is that aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work within the life of a new follower of Jesus Christ in which “Spiritual Gifts” are distributed. In most cases, the Holy Spirit enhances the believer’s natural giftings for use in Christian ministery service.
- CHARACTER: The process of the Holy Spirit molding the character of a new believer to better reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ, is called “Spiritual Fruit”.
Do Spiritual Gifts Change?
The short answer is “yes”. But it is important to note that Spiritual Gifts are theologically divided into two categories:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test as possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different. Since Practical Gifts are an outgrowth of our temperaments, our natural giftings emerge as we mature into young adulthood. The Holy Spirit may choose to enhance one or more of our natural giftings for use in ministry service over the course of our Christian life.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”. Since people cannot possess a Revelatory Gift, such gifts may change during the life of the Christian.
Do We Have Spiritual Gifts Today?
The short answer is “yes”. But it is important to note that Christians disagree whether all gifts within the following theological categories are still valid for the Church today:
- The Practical Gifts – These gifts are expressed through the individual’s personality-type. So, for example, two people may test has possessing the gift of teacher. One person is highly task-driven, so for that “teacher”, the content is very important to them…this teacher-type excels ins classrooms and lecture halls. Our second “teacher” may have a highly relational personality. As a result, they value the individual over the content. This type of teacher excels in serving small groups or in one-on-one mentorship. Both individuals have the gift of “teacher”, but the application of the gift is significantly different.
- The Revelatory Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts are called “Revelatory Gifts”. These gifts are the most controversial and are not expressed through an individual’s personality. In fact, it is questionable theologically speaking, whether an individual truly “possesses” such gifts, for they are revealed in the moment as God determines. So, for example, God may call you to pray over a sick individual and she is miraculously healed. However, God may never again use you to “heal” another person. God worked a miracle through you, but it is theologically inaccurate to say that you possess the “gift of healing”.
How Can I Determine My Spiritual Gifts
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Individual Account for only $14.95.
How Can I Discover My Spiritual Gifts?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Individual Account for only $14.95.
How Can I Find My Spiritual Gifts?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Individual Account for only $14.95.
How Can I Develop My Spiritual Gifts
It is very important that we develop and refine our spiritual gifts. One the most common ways of developing giftedness is by serving in support roles that enable you to practice your giftedness. Most churches do not offer an official gift training/equipping program, even though Ephesians 4:12 calls upon church leaders to “equip people for the works of service”. This is because there are at least twenty-two spiritual gifts, but many hundreds of gift applications. So, find a spiritual leader you respect, serving in a ministry role that matches your personal passions, and ask if you can help. This is how Christians have developed their spiritual gifts for the past two-thousand years.
How Can I Find Out What My Spiritual Gifts Are?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Indivdiual Account for only $14.95.
How Can I Identify My Spiritual Gifts?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Indivdiual Account for only $14.95.
How Can I know My Spiritual Gifts?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Indivdiual Account for only $14.95.
How Can We Discover Our Spiritual Gifts?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Indivdiual Account for only $14.95.
How Can You Discover Your Spiritual Gift?
Signup with AssessME.org to take the GraceGifts Spiritual Gifts Assessment. If you wish to take the assessment as part of your church, encourage your church leadership to setup a Test Drive Ministry Account. If you wish to take the assessment individually, apart from association with a church, you can setup an Indivdiual Account for only $14.95.
How Many Spiritual Gifts Are There?
AssessME.org offers a gift assessment consisting of twenty-four spiritual gifts. However, there is no clear listing of giftedness within the Bible. Nor does the Bible limit the quantity of potential spiritual gifts. Sadly, it is common for pastors to become dogmatic on this topic. Some pastors hold to five gifts, others nine gifts, still others claim their are thirteen gifts, still others hold to eighteen gifts, and even others hold to twenety-two gifts. In all these cases, they miss Old Testament “gifts” that include all “skills…in fact God takes credit for the creativity and craftsmenship skills He develops within us. An additional Old Testament gifting that God takes credit for developing within people, is musical/vocal worship. So, in short, be cautious when encountering any person who is dogmatic about a particular gift list.
How Should Spiritual Gifts Be Used?
How should our spiritual gifts be used? Let me explain by disecting the Greek words that make up the phrase, Spiritual Gifts. The Greek word we translate as Spiritual Gifts, is charismata. The root word is Chara, which means “joy”. Joy is the foundation for spiritual gifts…joy for those who serve, and joy for those who are served. A varient of Chara (i.e., joy) is Charis, meaning “grace”. Grace is favor given that is undeserved and cannot be earned. Charis-Mata literally equals GraceGifts…the label we use for our spiritual gifts assessment. So how do we use our gifts? As gifts graciously given to us, and for our joy, that we graciously share with others for their joy.
Should We Seek Spiritual Gifts?
1 Corinthian 12:27-31
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tonguesd]”>[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.