Spiritual Gifts Summary

Here is a listing of all 20 Spiritual Gifts described in the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Spiritual Gifts Survey.

Apostleship

The gift of apostleship is the special ability to serve as God’s messenger to multiple congregations, strengthening, guiding, and expanding the church at large. Apostles plant new churches, organize ministries, and direct mission efforts, much like the apostle Paul did in the New Testament. They carry a deep sense of responsibility to spread the gospel and build communities of faith in new places. This gift combines servant leadership with spiritual authority, aiming to grow and mature the body of Christ across regions.

Discernment of Spirits

The gift of discernment of spirits is the capacity to recognize whether a teaching, influence, or behavior is from God, from human nature, or from deceiving spirits. Christians with this gift are sensitive to spiritual realities that others might miss. They provide clarity by identifying truth from error, helping protect the church from falsehood. This gift ensures that God’s people remain grounded in authentic faith and avoid destructive influences.

Evangelism

The gift of evangelism is the Spirit-given ability to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that is clear and compelling. Evangelists are especially effective at connecting with people who do not yet believe and helping them encounter Christ personally. They see opportunities to talk about Jesus naturally in everyday life and are energized when someone begins a relationship with him. This gift strengthens the church by continually drawing new people into the family of faith.

Exhortation

The gift of exhortation is the ability to encourage, comfort, and motivate others in their walk with God. Christians with this gift speak hope into discouraging situations and remind others of God’s promises. They are often sought out for words of encouragement, practical counsel, or spiritual support. This gift strengthens the church by lifting people up and urging them toward perseverance and faithfulness.

Faith

The spiritual gift of faith is an unshakable trust in God’s promises, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. Those with this gift demonstrate confidence in his love and reliability, inspiring others to greater belief. Their faith emboldens congregations to attempt bold actions for God’s kingdom and live out his vision joyfully. Like the woman healed by touching Jesus’s cloak, people with this gift trust God to act powerfully and faithfully in all circumstances.

Generosity

The gift of generosity is the Spirit-given ability to joyfully and freely share resources to meet the needs of others. Those with this gift are quick to give time, money, or possessions for the sake of the church and community. Their giving is not reluctant or forced but springs from a deep desire to bless others. This gift strengthens the church by ensuring needs are met and God’s work is supported with abundance.

Healing

The gift of healing is the extraordinary ability to be a vessel of God’s power, bringing restoration to those who are sick, hurting, or broken. Healing can occur through prayer, touch, words, or presence, but it is always God who heals. Those with this gift do not draw attention to themselves but point to God’s grace and love. This gift serves as a sign of God’s restoring power and God’s desire to bring wholeness to creation.

Helps

The gift of helps is the Spirit-given ability to support others in practical and timely ways, especially in moments of crisis. People with this gift act quickly to meet needs and bring relief to those facing difficulty. Their willingness to step in at just the right time provides encouragement and stability for others. This gift is often exercised quietly, but its impact is powerful and lasting.

Interpretation of Tongues

The gift of interpretation of tongues enables a Christian to understand and explain the meaning of prayer or speech given in unintelligible words. This gift makes the gift of tongues beneficial for the wider community. When exercised, it allows the congregation to be encouraged, strengthened, and built up together in worship. Paul emphasized this gift in 1 Corinthians 14 as necessary for tongues to serve the church in love and order.

Knowing

The gift of knowing is the Spirit-given capacity for a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the ability to share that relationship with others. This is not about head knowledge but heart knowledge — knowing Jesus intimately and making him real to others. Christians with this gift speak about Jesus in ways that are warm, personal, and experiential. They help others encounter the living Christ, moving beyond facts to a relationship of love.

Leadership

The gift of leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and direct people toward a common vision. Christians with this gift bring clarity, organization, and motivation to groups, helping them accomplish meaningful goals together. Their leadership is rooted not in control but in service and vision. This gift ensures that the church moves forward with purpose, unity, and effectiveness.

Mercy

The gift of mercy is the Spirit-given capacity to feel and show compassion to those who are suffering. Christians with this gift are moved by the pain of others and take action to bring comfort and relief. They create safe spaces where hurting people experience care and understanding. This gift reflects the heart of Christ, who is full of mercy, and strengthens the church by ensuring no one suffers alone

Miracles

The gift of miracles is the ability to be an instrument of God’s extraordinary power, accomplishing deeds that surpass natural explanation. Miracles point people to God’s authority and glory, building faith and sometimes leading to repentance. This gift can include acts of deliverance from evil, signs that reveal God’s reign, and wonders that inspire awe. It serves as a reminder that God’s power is not limited and that God’s reign breaks into the world in surprising ways.

Nurturing

The gift of nurturing reflects the caring, guiding qualities of a parent or protector. Those with this gift walk alongside people as they grow, setting examples, offering encouragement, and sometimes defending those for whom they care. They are willing to accept criticism if it means protecting or strengthening those they shepherd. This gift glorifies God by modeling God’s protective and patient love, helping people flourish in their faith.

Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is the ability to see God’s activity in events and circumstances and to communicate God’s message with clarity and conviction. Prophets are not fortune-tellers but spokespersons for God, declaring God’s truth and intentions. They live closely with God in prayer and proclaim God’s word even when it is difficult for others to hear. This gift calls people back to God’s will and helps communities discern God’s direction.

Service

The gift of service is the Spirit-given ability to identify and meet practical needs in ways that support others and free them for further ministry. People with this gift find joy in small, unseen tasks that help everything run smoothly. They often anticipate needs before being asked and are motivated by love rather than recognition. This gift strengthens the church by ensuring the practical work of ministry is faithfully executed.

Shepherding

The gift of shepherding is the Spirit-given ability to gather people, care for their needs, and guide them in their faith journey. Shepherds protect those under their care from harmful influences and encourage them to remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. They feed others with God’s Word and support them through life’s challenges. This gift is often seen in those who guide groups, whether large congregations or small groups, modeling the protective, loving care that Jesus has for all of us.

Teaching

The gift of teaching is the capacity to clearly explain and communicate God’s truth in ways that help others grow in understanding. Teachers enjoy organizing ideas and making complex subjects easier to grasp. They often delight in seeing the “aha” moment when someone gains new insight. This gift builds up the church by deepening faith and grounding believers in knowledge of God’s Word.

Tongues

The gift of tongues is the ability to communicate with God through prayer in speech that transcends ordinary language. This expression may be unintelligible to the speaker or others but serves as a deep form of communion with God. While it primarily strengthens the individual believer, it can also edify the community when interpretation is present. Used with order and love, this gift uplifts worship and bears witness to God’s presence.

Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the Spirit-given ability to offer sound guidance and perspective that helps others make godly decisions. Those with this gift can see the long-term implications of choices and bring clarity to complex situations. They draw on spiritual insight, not just human reasoning, to reveal God’s best path forward. This gift strengthens the church by aligning decisions with God’s will and helping people live faithfully.