In a previous post I wrote about being asked how I arrived at definitions for the various spiritual gifts. I’ve also been asked about the process used in creating the spiritual gifts tests so I will share that in this post. The first four steps will sound familiar if you read the previous post.
A Process for Developing Spiritual Gifts Tests
As in any endeavor, this process was enveloped in prayer for God’s guidance and wisdom and included:
- studying of the key passages on spiritual gifts
- listing all the gifts found in the key Scripture passages pertaining to spiritual gifts
- doing a word study for each of those gifts by looking at the original Greek language
- pulling elements from that study into a workable definition for each of the gifts
- breaking down each gift into what would be its practical outworking based on its definition
- coming up with an equal number of statements for each gift based on the practical outworking
- setting a range for scoring
- testing the inventory with an entire church body for accuracy and usability which included discussing results with individuals in light of their past, present, and potential service and for some seeking the confirmation of the gifts from others who knew them well
- adjusting and re-testing
If you use the online spiritual gifts test or order the Everybody Has a Part Spiritual Gifts Tests resource, you can know that many people were able to attest to its accuracy and be helped by it.
But, a spiritual gifts test isn’t necessary in order to identify your gifting if you know the definitions for the gifts and consequently what to look for in yourself. Ask the same things the various statements measure like how you feel about the kind of ministry using the gifts, your effectiveness in serving that way, and how others perceived it.
I took your test & got the results but would like to know your definition of the categories (ex. exhortation, prophecy, mercy, etc.) for a better understanding of the results. thank you
Hello, Diane. How good that you wish to gain a better understanding of your spiritual gifts. For definitions, go to this page: Spiritual Gifts List & Definitions Scroll down on that page to the gifts you want to learn more about. There you’ll find definitions. For examples of the gifts in use, go to this page: What are some examples of spiritual gifts in use? Click on the links on that page for the gift(s) you want to learn more about. May God help you not only learn about the gifts but use them to His glory.