How To Determine Your Spiritual Gifts And Use Them

Do you know how to determine your spiritual gifts? Neither did I, at first.

I remember sitting in a church service, watching a woman lead worship with such passion that I could feel the presence of God in the room. Her voice wasn’t perfect, but her heart was fully surrendered.

Meanwhile, I was still trying to figure out where I fit in.

As a pastor’s wife, I felt the pressure to serve everywhere—children’s ministry, women’s Bible studies, hospitality—but deep down, I wrestled with one question: What are my spiritual gifts, and how does God actually want me to use them?

Maybe you’ve felt that way too—wondering if you’re truly operating in the gifts God has given you or just filling roles out of obligation. The good news is that God has uniquely designed each of us with gifts to serve His church, and discovering them is not as complicated as it might seem.

In this post, I’ll share how to determine your spiritual gifts and, more importantly, how to use them in a way that brings joy, fulfilment, and kingdom impact.

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What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

I remember the first time I heard about spiritual gifts. I was a new pastor’s wife, sitting in a Bible study when the speaker asked, “Do you know the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you?”

I panicked. I loved serving, but I didn’t know if I had a specific gift. Weren’t spiritual gifts just for pastors, prophets, and super-spiritual Christians?

If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re not alone.

Thes spiritual gifts God has given aren’t just for a select few—they’re for you. So, let’s explore what the Bible says about them.

The Biblical Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

The Bible outlines several different spiritual gifts, primarily found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. These gifts fall into different categories, but each one is essential for the body of Christ to function effectively.

The Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6-8)

These gifts shape how we naturally serve and see the world:

Prophecy – Boldly declaring God’s truth and calling people to righteousness.
Serving – Meeting practical needs with joy and faithfulness.
Teaching – Clearly explaining and applying God’s Word.
Encouragement (Exhortation) – Strengthening and uplifting others in their faith.
Giving – Generously providing for others with a cheerful heart.
Leadership (Administration) – Guiding and organising people with wisdom.
Mercy – Showing deep compassion and care for those who are hurting.

The Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

These gifts demonstrate God’s supernatural power at work:

Word of Wisdom – God-given insight to apply biblical truth to real-life situations.
Word of Knowledge – Supernatural understanding of things that couldn’t be known naturally.
Faith – Extraordinary confidence in God’s power and promises.
Healing – The ability to pray for and witness miraculous healing.
Miracles – The power to perform signs and wonders through the Holy Spirit.
Prophecy – Speaking messages from God to encourage and build up the church.
Distinguishing Between Spirits (Discernment) – Recognising truth from deception in spiritual matters.
Tongues – Speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, used in worship or communication.
Interpretation of Tongues – Understanding and explaining messages spoken in tongues.

The Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13)

These gifts equip believers for leadership and building up the church:

Apostles – Pioneers who plant and establish churches.
Prophets – Those who hear from God and speak His truth boldly.
Evangelists – Passionate sharers of the gospel.
Pastors (Shepherds) – Spiritual caregivers who nurture and guide God’s people.
Teachers – Those who love to explain and instruct others in God’s Word.

Why Do These Gifts Matter?

Every spiritual gift is given by God for a purpose—to strengthen the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). No gift is more important than another, and they all work together like different parts of a body (Romans 12:4-5).

Whether your gift is teaching, encouraging, serving, or leading, it is valuable and needed.

If you’re unsure which gifts God has given you, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out overnight. Through prayer, studying Scripture, and serving in different ways, you’ll begin to see how God has uniquely equipped you.

How Can I Identify My Spiritual Gift?

At first, I felt stuck, unsure of how to move forward. The preacher had spoken so passionately about using our gifts for God’s glory, but how could I use something I didn’t even know I had?

Was I missing something obvious?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself the same questions: How do I know my spiritual gifts? What if I don’t have one? But the truth is, God doesn’t hide our gifts from us.

He wants us to discover our spiritual gifts so we can serve Him with confidence.

The challenge is learning how to recognise them.

Start with Prayer:

I knew I needed clarity, so I did the only thing that made sense—I prayed. James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

So, I asked: Lord, what have You placed in me? How do You want me to serve?

Praying about your gifts isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing conversation with God. As I kept seeking Him, I started noticing areas where He had already been working in my life.

Pay Attention to What Comes Naturally:

I started thinking about the things that felt effortless—the moments where I felt most alive in serving. For me, it was encouraging others.

Whether through a text message, a conversation, or a handwritten note, I loved uplifting people with Scripture and pointing them back to God.

Maybe for you, it’s teaching, organizing, or showing hospitality. Often, how to discover your spiritual gifts starts by looking at what brings you joy.

God doesn’t just gift us randomly. He equips us in alignment with how He has made us.

Try Different Areas of Service:

I also realised that sometimes, you don’t know how to find your spiritual gifts until you step out in faith. Instead of waiting for a lightning bolt of revelation, I started serving wherever there was a need—helping with Bible studies, mentoring younger women, even decorating for events.

Each experience helped me see where I thrived and where I didn’t. If you’re unsure of your gift, start serving.

You might just discover it along the way.

Seek Godly Wisdom:

Another turning point for me was asking people I trusted. Sometimes, others can see gifts in us that we overlook. My pastor’s wife once told me, You have a gift for encouragement and teaching. You should use that more.

I was shocked. Me? Teach? But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that God had already been preparing me for it.

If you’re struggling with how to identify your spiritual gifts, ask your pastor, mentor, or trusted friends:

What gifts do you see in me?
Where have you seen God use me effectively?
What strengths stand out when I serve?

Their insight might confirm what God has already been stirring in your heart.

Take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment:

While it’s not a perfect science, I found that a what is my spiritual gift quiz helped point me in the right direction. It didn’t give me an answer from heaven, but it did highlight areas I should pray about and explore further.

If you’re feeling stuck, consider taking a biblically based “how to discover your spiritual gifts” assessment. Just remember—quizzes are a tool, not the final word.

Recognise the Fruit of Your Gift:

One day, after sharing a devotion, someone told me, That was exactly what I needed to hear today. That’s when it hit me—God had been using me all along, even when I didn’t realise it.

Jesus said, You will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). A true spiritual gift will:

Bring growth and encouragement to others
Strengthen the body of Christ
Give you a sense of peace and purpose

If people are consistently blessed by something you do, that may be a strong indication of your gift.

Be Open to Growth:

Lastly, don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out immediately. Your gifts may develop over time, and God might call you into different areas in different seasons.

If you’re wondering how to know your gifts and talents from God, the best advice I can give you is this: Keep seeking Him, keep serving, and trust that He will reveal them to you in His perfect time.

How Can I Develop and Use My Spiritual Gifts?

Once I finally learned how to determine my spiritual gifts, I had a new question: Now what? It felt like discovering a hidden talent I never knew I had, but I wasn’t sure how to develop it—or where to use it.

Maybe you’re in that place right now. You know God has given you gifts, but how do you develop your spiritual gifts so they grow stronger?

And once they’re developed, how do you use your spiritual gifts effectively, especially as a pastor’s wife or woman in ministry?

I quickly realised that spiritual gifts aren’t meant to stay dormant. Just like a muscle, they grow when we actively use them. So let’s talk about five ways to develop your spiritual gifts and five practical ways to use your spiritual gifts in ministry.

5 Ways to Develop Your Spiritual Gifts:

Deepen Your Relationship with God-

The more I sought God, the more He sharpened my gifts. Developing spiritual gifts isn’t about striving harder—it’s about staying connected to the Giver. Through prayer, studying the Word, and listening to the Holy Spirit, our gifts become clearer and stronger.

If you want to develop your spiritual gifts, start with intimacy with God. The closer you walk with Him, the more confident you’ll be in how He’s calling you to serve.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone-

For a long time, I was afraid to speak in front of people, even though I felt a pull toward teaching and encouragement. But I learned that spiritual gifts grow when we use them, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you feel called to teach, start small—lead a Bible study or share a devotion. If your gift is hospitality, open your home for fellowship. Sometimes, developing your spiritual gifts means doing things that feel a little scary at first.

Seek Training and Mentorship-

One of the best decisions I made was finding mentors who had already been walking in their gifts. They gave me wisdom, practical advice, and encouragement to keep growing.

If you want to strengthen your gifts, seek out those who are already experienced in that area. Take courses, read books, and learn from seasoned women in ministry.

Growth happens when we’re teachable.

Be Faithful in the Small Things-

It’s easy to want a big platform or visible ministry, but God often develops our gifts in the hidden places. When I first started using my gift of encouragement, it wasn’t through speaking on a stage—it was through text messages and one-on-one conversations.

Don’t despise small beginnings. Sometimes, the smallest acts of service are the ones that prepare us for greater impact.

Trust God’s Timing-

I used to think that once I discovered my gift, I had to use it immediately in a big way. But over time, I learned that God’s timing is perfect.

He opens the right doors when we’re ready.

If you’re in a season where you feel like your gifts are hidden, don’t rush the process. Keep being faithful, keep learning, and trust that God is preparing you for something greater.

5 Practical Ways to Use Your Spiritual Gifts in Ministry:

Encouragement Through Personal Ministry-

As pastors’ wives and women in ministry, we often meet women who are struggling. If you have the gift of encouragement, use it through personal notes, voice messages, or even simple check-ins.

A heartfelt text with Scripture can be a lifeline for someone feeling overwhelmed.

Teaching and Discipleship-

If your gift is teaching, consider leading a small group, mentoring younger women, or even starting a Bible study for other pastor’s wives. You don’t need a huge platform—your influence in one person’s life can make an eternal impact.

Hospitality in Ministry-

Some of us are naturally gifted in making others feel at home. If hospitality is your strength, use it by opening your home for ministry gatherings, hosting new church members, or creating a welcoming atmosphere in your church.

A warm meal or a cup of tea can be a ministry in itself.

Leadership in Women’s Ministry-

Many pastor’s wives feel a call to lead, whether in women’s ministry, outreach, or prayer groups. If leadership is your gift, step into opportunities to guide and equip other women.

Leadership isn’t about being in charge. Being a leader is about serving others with wisdom and humility.

Prayer and Intercession-

If your gift is intercession, lean into it. Organize prayer meetings, start a prayer ministry for your church, or simply commit to covering your pastor, leaders, and congregation in prayer.

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts you can use to strengthen the body of Christ.

Final Thoughts

I used to think that once I discovered my spiritual gifts, everything would suddenly fall into place. But I’ve learned that developing and using them is a journey.

Some seasons require growth, some require waiting, and others require stepping out in faith.

If you’ve been wondering how to determine your spiritual gifts or how to use your spiritual gifts effectively, let me encourage you: You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just start where you are, be faithful with what God has given you, and trust Him to lead the way.

And remember—your spiritual gifts aren’t just for you. They are God’s way of equipping you to serve and encourage others.

So don’t be afraid to step out, even if it’s just one small act of obedience at a time.

All my love,

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How To Determine Your Spiritual Gifts And Use Them