Have you ever watched a master craftsman at work? There’s something captivating about seeing someone use their tools with practiced skill and natural ability. Each movement seems effortless, yet purposeful. In much the same way, when Christians discover and deploy their spiritual gifts, they participate in God's craftsmanship, becoming His instruments for building up the church and blessing the world.
Many believers struggle with uncertainty about their spiritual gifts. Perhaps you’ve wondered: “What are my gifts? How can I be sure? And once I know them, what do I do with them?” The good news is that God hasn't left us to figure this out alone. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Cor 12:7). Every Christian has been gifted by God for service in His kingdom.
Three Categories of Spiritual Gifts
As theologians often note, spiritual gifts generally fall into three main categories: prophetic, priestly, and kingly. Why these three categories? Because Christ is the perfect prophet, priest, and king. And He allows us to serve Him by participating—though imperfectly—in these ministries.
Prophetic gifts focus on understanding and articulating truth. These include evangelism (helping others believe), teaching (helping others learn), speaking (compelling articulation), knowledge, discernment, and prophecy. If you find yourself naturally drawn to explaining truth, helping others understand Scripture, or speaking boldly about faith, you may have prophetic gifts.
Priestly gifts center on understanding and meeting basic needs. These include encouragement, helping, healing, pastoring, serving, giving, and showing mercy. If you're particularly attuned to others' emotional and practical needs, finding fulfillment in caring for people, you may have priestly gifts.
Kingly gifts relate to direction and group needs. These include leadership, administration, wisdom, and faith (the ability to envision goals clearly). If you excel at organizing, planning, or seeing the big picture of where a ministry should go, you may have kingly gifts.
Three Factors to Discern Your Spiritual Gift
But how do you discover which gifts are yours? Pastor Tim Keller is known for suggesting three factors that come together to reveal God’s calling:
Affinity: What needs or ministry areas naturally draw your interest and passion?
Ability: What do others say you're good at? Where have you seen fruit from your service?
Opportunity: What doors for service are open to you? What needs exist in your church community?
The key is to start with opportunity. Rather than waiting to discover your perfect gift match, begin serving wherever there’s a need. Through this process of active engagement, you’ll naturally discover where God has gifted you.
7 Steps to Use Your Spiritual Gifts Effectively
Once you begin identifying your gifts, the next challenge is learning how to use them effectively. Here are seven steps toward practicing your spiritual gifts in a way that honors God and helps other people:
Start Where You Are
Don’t wait for the perfect ministry opportunity. Begin serving in available roles, even if they seem small. “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones” (Lk 16:10). Remember that Jesus praised faithfulness over flash.
Seek Training and Development
Having a gift doesn’t mean you don't need training. Take advantage of learning opportunities, mentorship, and feedback. Study how others with similar gifts serve effectively. “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
Work in Community
Spiritual gifts are meant to function within the body of Christ. Find ways to collaborate with others whose gifts complement yours. If you’re gifted in teaching, partner with those gifted in hospitality to create welcoming learning environments. If administration is your strength, support those with pastoral gifts to help their ministry run smoothly.
Stay Humble and Flexible
Remember that gifts are given for serving others, not for personal acclaim. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Pet 4:10). Be open to serving in different ways as needs arise.
Maintain Spiritual Health
Effectiveness in using spiritual gifts flows from a healthy spiritual life. Maintain regular prayer, Bible study, and worship. As Keller notes, character (spiritual fruit) is more important than gifting. The most powerful ministry flows from a life deeply connected to Christ.
Evaluate and Adjust
Regularly assess how you're using your gifts. Are you seeing fruit? Are others being blessed? Are you experiencing joy in service? Be willing to adjust your ministry involvement based on these insights.
Practical Next Steps
Make a list of current ministry needs in your church
Volunteer for 2-3 different serving opportunities over the next few months
Keep a journal of what energizes you and where you see God working through your service
Ask trusted friends and church leaders what gifts they see in you
Pray specifically for wisdom in using your gifts effectively
One of the first ways I served in a church was helping teach the middle school Sunday School class. After only a couple of months, the person I was helping needed to quit. Suddenly, I was the main teacher every Sunday. As a fairly new believer, it quickly deepened my personal discipleship and growth in the faith. Parents and friends gave feedback that assured me I had the skills and the growing heart for the group. Maybe a seed from those days sprouted—a member in that first class is now a pastor!
Remember, discovering and using your spiritual gifts is a journey, not a destination. Don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out immediately. Start serving, stay teachable, and watch how God works through you to bless others. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Eph 2:10).