Originally published in the Theology Thursday Newsletter, August 14, 2025 (Issue 3): What spiritual gift do I have?
Whenever I teach on the gifts of God, I focus on Corinthians. The Apostle Paul mentions activities and tasks (also called motivational or serving gifts) and service in ministry alongside the spiritual gifts. In today’s article, we’re focusing on spiritual gifts.
There are two types of beliefs surrounding the gifts.
The gifts have ceased in the Apostolic age and are not for today (Cessationist).
The gifts are active and continue for today, and every believer has a gift (Continuationist).
The purpose of the gifts is to glorify God and strengthen the church (1 Peter 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:7).
“Let me tell you about the miracles I saw during Mass!” one of my earliest faith mentors exclaimed. Mrs. R., my prom date’s mom, loved Jesus wholeheartedly and believed in spiritual gifts. Those conversations with her sparked a desire for understanding the supernatural ways God moves in our lives and ministers through His people.
Since I became a follower of Christ at eighteen, I’ve welcomed the continuationist theology. The spiritual gifts, also called supernatural gifts or manifestations of the Spirit, are given to empower believers to strengthen the church.
In an active faith, we all have a role to play!
Holy Spirit is a gift that gives gifts like prophecy, faith, and distinguishing spirits. These gifts should point people to Christ. Holy Spirit empowers gifts in His people (1 Cor. 12:6; 12:11), and He distributes them according to His will (1 Cor. 12:11; Heb 2:4).
The supernatural gifts are:
Word of wisdom
Word of knowledge
Prophecy
Faith
Gifts of healing (note the plural)
Working of miracles (also note the plural)
Distinguishing between spirits (this is different than discernment)
Speaking in various kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues
The purpose of the gifts is to glorify God and strengthen the church (1 Peter 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:7).
One unforgettable moment for me came when a stranger approached me at church and said, “This might sound strange, but I have the impression you love horses yet never ride.” Tears welled up because it was true. God ministered the gift of knowledge through her and revealed a personal truth only a few knew. I felt seen and valued by the One who knows the intimate details of my heart. It was so simple, yet this moment left its mark. I felt seen by a God who loves and knows me.
The gifts of God can be confusing or feel overwhelming! This is why we focus on this topic so much at the Holy Spirit Ministry Center. Let’s pray that we live with godly integrity and God’s power as we trust God to minister in and through us!
I want to challenge you to discover your gift(s).
Here are five ways to discover & discern your spiritual gifts:
Pray and ask Holy Spirit what your gift is.
Examine your passions and where you’re naturally drawn in ministry. Fruit should follow!
Ask your church community, small group leader, or pastor.
Try different areas of service at your local church and see how God works through you.
Use a discernment tool. We have a Gift Assessment you can take here for free.
Consider This: Prayerfully work through these questions.
Do you know what your spiritual gift is? What is it?
As you received the ministry of God’s Spirit, how have the gift(s) been active?
Was it aligned with the biblical boundaries of Scripture?
“God’s gift ministering through you strengthens the church. A power-filled church relies on God’s Spirit, and a powerless church starts to rely on performance and status. Remain filled with the Spirit!... Holy Spirit, empower me with a gift of Your Spirit to serve my local church. Amen”
Jenny Randle is an ordained minister and author who has been serving in vocational ministry since 2008. She holds a Master's in Biblical and Theological Foundations and is ordained by an internationally ecclesiastical credentialing organization. She is the President of the Holy Spirit Ministry Center. Jenny and her husband Matt live on island time in Northeast Florida with their teens, where beach walks are basically liturgical, and the ordinary feels sacred.
Are you using your gifts, or are you still wondering what they are?
Grounded in the Apostle Paul’s teaching, this Gifted course gives you clarity and direction to operate in your gifts faithfully and biblically. Understand, identify, and confidently operate in your spiritual gifts through 8 in-depth video teachings in a self-paced course on 1 Corinthians 12–14.
