DISCOVERING YOUR SERVICE GIFTS
Perry R. Roberts
SERVICE GIFTS ANALYSIS
for
Name:_______________________________________ Date:_____________
INTRODUCTION
Every Christian has received from the Holy Spirit a certain gift or gifts. As Paul states in Romans 12:16 “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” In this way, the Holy Spirit
displays God’s power through each of us as a means of building the entire church. It then becomes our Christian duty to put these gifts into action for the benefit of the Kingdom.
Before taking this analysis, you should understand four fundamental prerequisites for gift discovery. To definitely identify your service gift(s) you must:
1. Be a Christian. You must be a committed member of the Body of Christ.
2. Believe in Service Gifts. You must accept the fact that God has blessed you with one or more gifts.
3. Be Willing to Work. You must intend to do the job for which your spiritual gift(s) has equipped you. God will not show you your gift(s) just to satisfy your curiosity.
4. Pray. You must pray before, during, and after this process. Since God wants you to discover your gift(s), He certainly will guide and direct you as you attempt to identify them.
As you begin the process of discovering your service gift(s), keep in mind that the results will show you how you are equipped to serve the Lord, helping to build up the church, the Body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity … to the point of being filled full with Christ.
STEP 1 … SERVICE GIFTS ANALYSIS — PAGE ONE
The Service Gifts Analysis is an exercise to help give you a handle on what your gift(s) might be. It is adapted from a questionnaire that was originally designed by Richard F. Houts (Eternity, May 1976, pp. 18-21) and later revised by C. Peter Wagner of Fuller Evangelistic Association.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Go through the list of 85 statements on the Service Gifts Analysis (pp. 2-7). For each one, say to yourself:
This statement has been experienced in my life …” and then check the appropriate box: “Much,” “Some,” “Little,” or “Not At All.”
2. When you are finished, follow the directions for scoring the questionnaire given on page 8.
3. Next, looking at the “Total” column of the Gifts Chart on page 8, enter below in the “Dominant” section the three gifts on which you received the highest scores. Then enter in the “Subordinate” section the next three highest-scoring gifts. This will give you a tentative evaluation of where your gifts may lie.
Dominant: 1. ____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
Subordinate: 1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
SERVICE GIFTS ANALYSIS
(3) (2) (1) (0)
“This statement has been satisfactorily Not experienced in my life:” Much Some Little At All
1. Easily delegating important responsibilities to other people _____ _____ _____ _____
2. Taking pleasure in drawing and/or designing various objects. _____ _____ _____ _____
3. Finding it easy to repair and maintain things in my environment. _____ _____ _____ _____
4. Leading other people to full Bible salvation. _____ _____ _____ _____
5. Speaking words of encouragement to those who are troubled, discouraged, or not sure of themselves. _____ _____ _____ _____
6. Being conscientious about managing money will so that I can give liberally to the Lord’s work. _____ _____ _____ _____
7. Assisting key leaders to relieve them of detail work so they can get back to their main job. _____ _____ _____ _____
8. Providing food and/or lodging graciously and willingly to people who are in need. _____ _____ _____ _____
9. Praying for other people and often losing track of the time. _____ _____ _____ _____
10. Frequently discovering new Bible truths for myself. _____ _____ _____ _____
11. Persuading other people to accomplish preset goals and objectives. _____ _____ _____ _____
12. Working joyfully with and helping those people who are ignored by the majority of those around them. _____ _____ _____ _____
13. Joyfully singing praises to God either alone or with other people. _____ _____ _____ _____
14. Giving others pleasure by playing a musical instrument effectively. _____ _____ _____ ____
15. Enjoy the fact that I am called on to do special jobs. _____ _____ _____ _____
16. Helping other people learn Biblical facts and principles which aid in the building up of their lives. _____ _____ _____ _____
17. Formulating my thoughts and ideas into effective written forms. _____ _____ _____ _____
18. Organizing ideas, thing, time, and people for more effective results. _____ _____ _____ _____
19. Finding joy in painting pictures or making handcrafted objects. _____ _____ _____ _____
20. Manually working with various items and receiving enjoyment from it. _____ _____ _____ _____
21. Sharing joyfully with unbelievers how Jesus has brought me to Himself. _____ _____ _____ _____
22. Enjoying helping others resolve complicated problems in their lives. _____ _____ _____ _____
23. Giving my money liberally to the Lord’s work. _____ _____ _____ _____
24. Helping others in ways that are often behind the scenes. _____ _____ _____ _____
25. Enjoying having guests in my home and sharing with them what I have. _____ _____ _____ _____
26. Finding myself praying when I could be doing other things. _____ _____ _____ _____
27. Having confidence that the insights I possess and share will bring changes in attitude and conviction to my fellow Christians. _____ _____ _____ _____
28. Leading other people toward accomplishing specified tasks. _____ _____ _____ _____
29. Talking cheerfully and compassionately with the elderly, the shut-in person, or those in jails or prisons. _____ _____ _____ _____
30. Leading others in singing songs of praise to God or for pure enjoyment. _____ _____ _____ _____
31. Taking part in a church, school or local instrumental or choir music presentation. _____ _____ _____ _____
32. Enjoying routine work at church that would seemingly bore other people. _____ _____ _____ _____
33. Enjoying the times I share with children and/or adults my knowledge about learning and applying God’s word. _____ _____ _____ _____
34. Feeling secure in the fact that the words I write will be of benefit to those who read them. _____ _____ _____ _____
35. Enjoying working with facts and figures in order to complete a project successfully. _____ _____ _____ _____
36. Experiencing fulfillment through gardening, landscaping, and other similar projects. _____ _____ _____ _____
37. Finding joy in lawn care and other outside maintenance. _____ _____ _____ _____
38. Enjoying meeting unbeliever and sharing with them the joy and peace which Jesus and His love have given me. _____ _____ _____ _____
39. Applying truth to my life effectively on a day-to-day basis, no matter what kind of crisis or conflict may arise. _____ _____ _____ _____
40. Consistently giving much to the Lord for all that He has done and is doing for me. _____ _____ _____ _____
41. Performing such tasks as typing, filing, or recording information for the Lord’s work. _____ _____ _____ _____
42. Having guests and/or visitors in my presence and making them feel welcome and a part of things. _____ _____ _____ _____
43. Feeling secure in the fact that my prayers continually work miracles in my life and in the lives of other people. _____ _____ _____ _____
44. Acquiring and mastering new facts and principles which can be applied to given situations to aid others in their growth and stability. _____ _____ _____ _____
45. Having others follow me and the examples I set because I have knowledge which contributes to the building of my church. _____ _____ _____ _____
46. Visiting in hospital, retirement homes or with the disadvantaged and knowing that my presence has helped to comfort and cheer those people with whom I have come in contact. _____ _____ _____ _____
47. Joyfully singing familiar Gospel songs alone or with groups of fellow Christians. _____ _____ _____ _____
48. Using my instrumental music talents to bring glory to God and joy to other Christians. _____ _____ _____ _____
49. Using my instrumental music talents to bring glory to God and joy to other Christians. _____ _____ _____ _____
50. Teaching children and/or adults about the love of Jesus and knowing that their faith is strengthened through my leadership. _____ _____ _____ _____
51. Composing and/or arranging newspaper, newsletter or other articles in an efficient, meaningful style. _____ _____ _____ _____
52. Planning and administering programs which will be of benefit to my fellow Christians. _____ _____ _____ _____
53. Enjoying the times that I am able to make beautiful items, especially when they benefit others. _____ _____ _____ _____
54. Finding joy in maintaining and repairing things which others my not have been good stewards of. _____ _____ _____ _____
55. Seeking out unbelievers in a continual manner in order to win them for Jesus. _____ _____ _____ _____
56. Counseling effectively those people who are perplexed or confused, guilty or addicted. _____ _____ _____ _____
57. Feeling deeply moved when I am confronted with urgent financial needs in the work of God’s Kingdom. _____ _____ _____ _____
58. Distributing tracts, Gospel literature, or other papers in my neighborhood and surrounding community. _____ _____ _____ _____
59. Willingly opening my home to guests and/or strangers even when it is not convenient. _____ _____ _____ _____
60. Knowing that when I am asked to pray for others my prayers will have tangible results. _____ _____ _____ _____
61. Reading and studying a great deal in order to build myself up in the understanding of Biblical truths. _____ _____ _____ _____
62. Leading small or large groups of people in decision-making processes. _____ _____ _____ _____
63. Joyfully helping disadvantaged people even though those whom I have helped will do little, if anything, in response to my help. _____ _____ _____ _____
64. Finding much joy and pleasure in the seemingly routine practice of singing hymns and other Gospel selections. _____ _____ _____ _____
65. Knowing that my ability to perform instrumental music has helped others grow and given me much satisfaction. _____ _____ _____ _____
66. Being content to take orders rather than give them. _____ _____ _____ _____
67. Presenting and discussing Biblical stories with other people and knowing that, through the power of the Word of God, those lessons edify people. _____ _____ _____ _____
68. Finding much pleasure in composing and writing paragraphs and stories for the edification of others. _____ _____ _____ _____
69. Setting goals and objectives and making plans to reach and accomplish them. _____ _____ _____ _____
70. Deriving much joy and satisfaction when I creatively work with my hands. _____ _____ _____ _____
71. Realizing that my knowledge of building or repairing objects gives me satisfaction when it benefits others. _____ _____ _____ _____
72. Conveying the Gospel of salvation to unbelievers and persuading them to respond. _____ _____ _____ _____
73. Helping people choose, from several Biblical alternatives, an option which usually aids in comforting or directing them. _____ _____ _____ _____
74. Being content to maintain a lower standard of living in order to financially benefit God’s work. _____ _____ _____ _____
75. Finding joy in being an aide to someone whose ministry can utilize my practical help. _____ _____ _____ _____
76. Making strangers, visitors, and guests feel at home when they are with me. _____ _____ _____ _____
77. Regarding prayer as one of my favorite spiritual exercises. _____ _____ _____ _____
78. Distinguishing key and important Biblical truths and facts that benefit myself and others as members of the Body of Christ. _____ _____ _____ _____
79. Motivating others in a positive manner, to accomplish the goals of the group. _____ _____ _____ _____
80. Doing things to comfort people during sickness or times of problems and/or anxiety. _____ _____ _____ _____
81. Knowing my singing has been a spiritual encouragement for myself and others. _____ _____ _____ _____
82. Finding pleasure in playing a musical instrument, either alone or with a group of people. _____ _____ _____ _____
83. Gladly responding when others express a need for my help. _____ _____ _____ _____
84. Sharing my knowledge of the love of Christ with children and/or adults in an effective and meaningful manner. _____ _____ _____ _____
85. Knowing that my literary skill will aid other people and that they will be built up and informed because of it. _____ _____ _____ _____
GIFTS CHART
INSTRUCTIONS
In the grid below, enter the numerical value of each of your responses next to the number of the corresponding statement on pages 2-7:
Much = 3 Some = 2 Little = 1 Not At All = 0
Now add up the five numbers that you have recorded in each row, placing the sum in the “Total” column.
ROWS | VALUE OF ANSWERS | TOTAL | GIFT |
———————————————————————-
ROW A |1 |18 |35 |52 |69 | | Administration |
———————————————————————-
ROW B |2 |19 |36 |53 |70 | | Crftmshp.(artistic)|
———————————————————————-
ROW C |3 |20 |37 |54 |71 | | Crftmshp. (manual) |
———————————————————————-
ROW D |4 |21 |38 |55 |72 | | Evangelism |
———————————————————————-
ROW E |5 |22 |39 |56 |73 | | Exhortation |
———————————————————————-
ROW F |6 |23 |40 |57 |74 | | Giving |
———————————————————————-
ROW G |7 |24 |41 |58 |75 | | Helps |
———————————————————————-
ROW H |8 |25 |42 |59 |76 | | Hospitality |
———————————————————————-
ROW I |9 |26 |43 |60 |77 | | Intercession |
———————————————————————-
ROW J |10 |27 |44 |61 |78 | | Knowledge |
———————————————————————-
ROW K |11 |28 |45 |62 |79 | | Leadership |
———————————————————————-
ROW L |12 |29 |46 |63 |80 | | Mercy |
———————————————————————-
ROW M |13 |30 |47 |64 |81 | | Music (vocal) |
———————————————————————-
ROW N |14 |31 |48 |65 |82 | | Music (instrument) |
———————————————————————-
ROW O |15 |32 |49 |66 |83 | | Serving |
———————————————————————-
ROW P |16 |33 |50 |67 |84 | | Teaching |
———————————————————————-
ROW Q |17 |34 |51 |68 |85 | | Writing |
———————————————————————-
STEP 2 … REVIEW GIFT DEFINITIONS AND SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
The following four pages (9-12) contain suggested definitions of the service gifts covered by this analysis. While not meant to be dogmatic, these definitions and their supporting Scriptures do
correspond to characteristics of the gifts as expressed in the Service Gifts Analysis.
A. ADMINISTRATION. The gift of administration is the special ability to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ, and to devise and execute
effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.
Scriptural I Corinthians 12:5 I Timothy 5:17
References: I Corinthians 12:28 Proverbs 24:3-4
Acts 6:1-7 Romans 12:8
Acts 15:7-12
B,C. CRAFTSMANSHIP. The gift of craftsmanship is the special ability to use your hands, thoughts, and mind to further the Kingdom of God through artistic, creative means. People with this gift may also serve as leaders for others in forming their abilities in this area. The gift may also be used in the areas of maintenance, care, and upkeep for the benefit and beautification of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Scriptural II Chronicles 34:9-13 Acts 16:14
References: Exodus 30:22-25 Acts 18:3
Exodus 31:3-11
D. EVANGELISM. The gift of evangelism is the special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women become disciples of Jesus and responsible members of the Body of Christ.
Scriptural II Timothy 4:5 Acts 5:42 Acts 11:20
References: Ephesians 4:11 Acts 8:5-6 Acts 13:32
Romans 10:15 Acts 10:36 Acts 21:8
E. EXHORTATION-WISDOM. The gift of exhortation-wisdom is the special ability to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and uplifted. A person with this gift has insight and understanding of life situations which arise, perceiving what to do and how to do it.
Scriptural I Corinthians 2:1-13 Acts 6:3-10
References: I Corinthians 12:8 Acts 14:22
II Corinthians 9:2 Romans 12:8
I Timothy 4:13 Hebrews 10:25
II Peter 3:15
F. GIVING. The gift of giving is the special ability to contribute material resources to the work of the Lord with great joy, eagerness, and liberality.
Scriptural Mark 12:41-44 Luke 18:12
References: Malachi 3:10 Romans 12:8
II Corinthians 8:1-7;9:2
G. HELPS. The gift of helps is the special ability to invest one’s talents in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling the persons helped to increase their effectiveness in the
use of their gifts.
Scriptural I Corinthians 12:28 Mark 2:3-4
References: I Timothy 6:2 Acts 9:36
I Peter 4:9-10 Romans 16:1-2
H. HOSPITALITY. The gift of hospitality is the special ability to provide open house and warm welcome for those in need of food and lodging, to care for those not in the immediate family with joy and effectiveness.
Scriptural Acts 16:15 Romans 12:9-13
References: Acts 21:16-17 Romans 16:23
Hebrews 13:1-2 III John 5-8
I. INTERCESSION. The gift of intercession is the special ability to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis, and also to see frequent and specific answers to one’s prayers to a degree much greater than a fellow Christian who does not have an intercessory gift.
Scriptural Colossians 4:12 Acts 12:1-17
References: I Timothy 2:1-8 Acts 16:25-31
James 5:14-16
J. KNOWLEDGE. The gift of knowledge is the special ability to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas that are pertinent to the growth and well-being of the Body.
Scriptural I Corinthians 12:8 Romans 15:14
References: I Corinthians 13:8
K. LEADERSHIP. The gift of leadership is the special ability to set goals in accordance with God’s purpose for the future, and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they
voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish these goals for the glory of God.
Scriptural Acts 6:2-4 Romans 12:8
References: Acts 7:10 Hebrews 13:17
Acts 15:7-12
L. MERCY. The gift of mercy is the special ability to feel genuine concern and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional
problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds that reflect Christ’s love and alleviate their suffering.
Scriptural Acts 9:36 Luke 10:33-35
References: Acts 16:33-34 Romans 12:8
I Thessalonians 5:14
M, N. MUSIC. The gift of music is the special ability to use one’s voice in the singing of praises and joy to the Lord for the benefit of others, or to play a musical instrument to the praise of the Lord
and for the benefit of others.
Scriptural I Chronicles 16:41-42 I Samuel 16:16
References: II Chronicles 5:12-13 Deuteronomy 31:22
II Chronicles 34:12
O. SERVING. The gift of serving is the special ability to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired goals.
Scriptural II Corinthians 8:19-20 Romans 12:7
References: II Timothy 1:16-18 Luke 22:22-27
P. TEACHING. The gift of teaching is the special ability to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members (children and/or adults) in such a way that they will learn and be edified.
Scriptural I Corinthians 12:28 Romans 12:7
References: I Timothy 3:2 Acts 18:24-28
Ephesians 4:11 Acts 20:20-21
Q. WRITING. The gift of writing is the special ability to formulate thoughts and ideas into meaningful written forms so that the reader will find courage, guidance, knowledge, or edification through the words shared with them.
Scriptural Acts 15:19-20 Psalms 45:1
References: Philippians 3:1 Jude 3
I Timothy 3:14-15
STEP 3 … DISCOVER YOUR SERVICE GIFTS
You have now just begun a process of discovering your service gifts. As you reflect on the gifts you have tentatively identified through the Service Gifts Analysis, try to discern which ones truly are, or are not, your gifts. To do so, follow this five-step approach:
1. Explore the Possibilities. Read through the three key chapters in Holy Scripture dealing with spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4). Learn what the gifts are, what characterizes them, and how they function in the Body of Christ, so that you can have something concrete to look for as you move ahead.
2. Experiment with as Many Gifts as Possible. The gifts analysis which you have just completed has helped you experiment with different gifts. Your feelings, reactions, and general outlook on the gifts were measured as you worked through the statements on pages 2-7. Now you need to experiment further with the gifts you pinpointed in the analysis, i.e., the “dominant” and “subordinate” gifts listed on page 1. Unless you try the gifts this analysis has revealed, you will have a hard time knowing whether you really have them or not. Get involved in a ministry activity that will let you try out these gifts.
3. Examine Your Feelings. Since God has put the Body together, you will feel fulfilled when functioning in the proper area. Thus, if you enjoy your attempts to use a particular gift, that is a good sign that you possess that gift. If, however, you dislike the service activities associated with a certain gift, that is a fairly good sign that you do not have that gift.
Take time to examine your feelings regarding the gifts you identified through this questionnaire, both in the dominant and subordinate clusters. Are you comfortable with them? Do you feel that they are true reflections of yourself? Do you feel secure in the fact that you will be able to put your gifts to work in the Lord’s Kingdom? Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help and discernment as you examine your feelings concerning these gifts.
4. Evaluate Your Effectiveness. Since service gifts are designed to benefit others, you should see positive results as you use your gift(s). If you do not see results when you experiment with a
particular gift, you probably do not have that gift. But it could be that you did not give the gift a fair try, or that it will simply take time for you to learn to use the gift effectively. As you evaluate,
pray for the courage to be honest with yourself and with your Lord.
5. Expect Confirmation from the Body. No gift can be discovered, developed, and used all on your own. Gifts are given to build up other members of the Body. If you have a gift, other Christians will recognize it and give you confirmation of it. If you feel that you have a particular gift but no one wise agrees with you, then you should take a closer look at yourself and re-evaluate.
And remember, in all these five steps, the key is prayer. The Lord will lead you to an accurate discovery of your gift(s) if you allow Him to guide and direct you in all your endeavors.
(The above material was published by the Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth in Pasadena, CA.)
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