Discovering your Spiritual Gifts

DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
People sometimes wish that they could become more involved in the life of the congregation and wider church, but are uncertain as to what they might have to offer. This Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool may prove helpful in discovering where to begin. Understand that this is not a scientific instrument; it is only a tool to jog your prayerful introspection. It applies your interests and perceived strengths to a list of biblically based spiritual gifts. This document seeks to help you make some practical sense of the results. Follow the steps below to self-­‐administer, score and interpret this tool.

1. Before printing this document, go to the ELCA website and take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment by following this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Faith-Practices/Spiritual-Renewal/Assessment-Tools

(NOTE: On a mobile device, or if this link doesn’t direct you to the ELCA website, you will need to copy this address and paste it into your web browser.)

2. Once you have completed the assessment, click the button at the bottom, labeled “Score!” and print out the resulting graph.

3. Now print this document to aid in the interpretation of your results. Determine the 3 or 4 gifts on which your score is the highest.

The results of this assessment aren’t absolute; they are relative. Everyone has been given gifts and your gifts are likely to be in those areas in which your score is the highest. See if you agree with the gifts that the assessment has isolated for you. If you do not, you may want to take the assessment over. Since responses are subjective, they will undoubtedly vary somewhat each time you take the assessment.

Putting Your Gifts To Use: Once you are satisfied with your results, the following list will help you apply your gifts to the ministry of the church. The examples in the following list are merely thought starters and should not be considered an exhaustive list.

Use them as a starting point in exploring the possibilities for putting your gifts to use within your congregation and in your community. Many of the examples listed are not currently a part of the congregation’s ministry, but might suggest a ministry you might want to help organize.

Administration:

  • Congregation Council,
  • Finance,
  • Sunday School Administration,
  • Vacation Bible School Leadership,
  • Business Manager

Artistry:

  • Banner Making and other Liturgical Arts,
  • Drama Ministry,
  • Clown or Puppet Ministry,
  • Photography or Video work,
  • Crafts/Handicrafts,
  • Decorating Team

Discernment:

  • Congregation Council,
  • Long Range Planning,
  • Social Ministry,
  • Peer Counseling,
  • Support Group Facilitator

Evangelism:

  • Prospective Member Visitation,
  • Evangelism Team,
  • Advertising and Marketing,
  • New Member Mentor,
  • Community Visitation

Exhortation:

  • Mutual Ministry,
  • Hospital/Home/Institution Visitation,
  • Telecare Ministry (telephone ministry to shut-­-ins),
  • Peer Counseling, Small Group Leadership

Faith:

  • Congregation Officer, S
  • tewardship Team,
  • Long Range Planning,
  • Teacher/Bible Study Leader

Giving:

  • Capital Campaign Leadership,
  • Stewardship Team,
  • Volunteer Coordination,
  • Speaker/Temple Talk

Hospitality:

  • Greeter/Usher,
  • New Member Mentor,
  • In-­-Home Bible Study Host,
  • Visitor Welcome/Information Center,
  • Food Preparation/Service,
  • Fellowship Hour Host/Server

Intercession:

  • Prayer Chain,
  • Prayer Partner,
  • Prayer Circle

Knowledge:

  • Parish Resource/Library Coordinator,
  • Nominating Committee,
  • Long Range Planning,
  • Congregation Council

Leadership:

  • Sunday School Administration,
  • Committee/Ministry Team Chair,
  • Fellowship Activity Coordination,
  • Vacation Bible School Leadership,
  • Congregational Officer,
  • Speaker at Special Events

Mercy:

  • Home/Hospital/Institution Visitation,
  • Transportation to Worship/Bible Study,
  • Social Ministry,
  • Support Group Leader,
  • Telecare Ministry (telephone ministry to shut-­-ins)

Musical-Vocal:

  • Church Choir,
  • Vocal Ensemble,
  • Sunday School Song Leadership,
  • Vacation Bible School Music Program

Musical-Instrumental:

  • Ensemble Member,
  • Assisting with Piano Accompaniment,
  • Special Musical Events,
  • Substitute Organist,
  • Vacation Bible School Music Program

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