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Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts to Grow the Church

Introduction: Stirring Up the Power Within
The Church is not merely a building—it is a living, breathing, Spirit-filled body made up of believers working together for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 12:27). Every believer is a vital part of this body, and each has a divine role to play. However, many believers are unaware of, or hesitant to activate, the spiritual gifts God has placed inside of them.

If you’ve ever asked, “What is my purpose in the Church?” or “What are my spiritual gifts?”—this message is for you.

Understanding and using your spiritual gifts is not just a personal journey of faith; it’s an essential part of how the body of Christ functions and grows. When you discover your spiritual gifts, you’re not only stepping into purpose—you’re contributing to church growth, unity, and transformation.

The Holy Spirit has equipped every believer with spiritual tools for a specific Kingdom purpose. These gifts are not just blessings—they are responsibilities. Now is the time to activate your spiritual gifts, use them with boldness, and walk in what God has designed you to do.

Why Spiritual Gifts Matter
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to build up the body of Christ and carry out God’s mission in the world (1 Corinthians 12:7, Ephesians 4:12-13). These gifts are not for show or status. They are given to empower ministry, foster unity, and lead others to Christ.

You matter. And your gift is essential. Without your participation, the Church cannot function as God designed it to (Romans 12:4-6).

Understanding True Church Growth
True church growth is not just about numbers—it’s about maturity, health, and fruitfulness. Donald McGavran defined church growth as “a spiritual and practical conviction.” It combines the eternal principles of God’s Word with the practical insights of social and behavioral sciences.

In other words, growth happens when Spirit-led believers walk in obedience and apply wisdom. Acts 2:42–47 shows us that the early church grew not just through preaching, but through devotion, fellowship, prayer, and sacrificial giving. Growth is both divine and deliberate.

What Hinders Growth
Church growth can be hindered by external forces like laws, cultural opposition, and persecution. But the most dangerous obstacles are internal: pride, complacency, fear, disunity, spiritual laziness, or misused authority.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. This means we must be spiritually alert and guard against anything—doctrinal or emotional—that resists the Spirit of God.

Spiritual Gifts vs. Natural Talents
Natural talents are wonderful, but they are not the same as spiritual gifts. A talent may entertain or impress, but a spiritual gift edifies and transforms. Spiritual gifts are empowered by the Holy Spirit and aligned with God’s will for the Church.

Some examples from Scripture include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, teaching, hospitality, administration, mercy, and discernment (1 Corinthians 12:8–10; Romans 12:6–8). Each gift serves a different function, but all are equally valuable when used in love.

The Role of Spiritual Fruit
It is not enough to be gifted; we must also be spiritually mature. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—must accompany the gifts (Galatians 5:22–23).

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). The presence of fruit proves the authenticity of the gift. A person may prophesy or teach, but if they lack love and humility, their ministry will eventually fall short of its divine purpose (1 Corinthians 13:1–2).

How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Don Stewart offers a helpful biblical framework for discovering your spiritual gifts, and his insights inform much of what follows.

  1. Search the Scriptures and become familiar with the gifts listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.
  2. Ask God in prayer to reveal what He has placed inside of you (Luke 11:13; James 1:5).
  4. Watch mature believers and seek godly mentors for feedback (Hebrews 13:7; Proverbs 11:14).
  5. Pay attention to the desires that align with God’s will—these are often indicators of the work He’s calling you to do (Psalm 37:4).
  6. Step out in faith. Spiritual gifts must be activated through service. They are like muscles—only strengthened by use (James 2:17).
  7. Assess the fruit. Is your gift bearing spiritual results? Are lives being changed? Are you growing closer to God?

Stay in Your Lane
Operate in the area God has assigned you. Every believer has a part to play, and comparison only leads to confusion. Don’t chase titles—chase obedience. God rewards faithfulness, not fame (Matthew 25:21).

If you are uncertain about your gift, be willing to serve wherever there is a need. In time, the Holy Spirit will confirm and clarify your assignment.

Be Ready and Willing to Serve
God is still asking, “Whom shall I send?” and He is still looking for those who will say, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Serving may not always be convenient, but it is always worth it.

Sometimes your yes to God will require sacrifice. Sometimes it will stretch you beyond your comfort zone. But when you say yes, heaven responds—and the Church is strengthened.

Conclusion: The Body Needs You
The Kingdom of God cannot afford inactive members. Your gift is not a decoration—it is a weapon, a tool, and a bridge to someone’s breakthrough. When you operate in your gift with humility and love, the Church grows in power, health, and effectiveness (Ephesians 4:16).

Don’t let fear or past failures keep you on the sidelines. Don’t let comparison steal your confidence. The Holy Spirit is ready to work through you in ways that go beyond your imagination. But He requires your willingness.

Call to Action
What spiritual gift has God placed in you? Are you using it? If not, what’s holding you back?

Take one step today:
Comment below and share what God is revealing to you.
Like this post if it encouraged you.
Share it with someone who may be wrestling with purpose.
And above all, pray.

Ask God to stir up the gift inside of you and lead you to the right opportunities to serve.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the gift You have placed within me. I confess that I have not always understood it or used it, but today I surrender to Your will. Stir up every dormant gift inside of me. Remove fear, doubt, and complacency. Fill me with Your Spirit and with the fruit that reflects Your heart. Lead me to the right people, the right ministry, and the right place to serve. Use my life for Your glory. Here I am, Lord—send me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go forth and build the Church. The Kingdom is waiting on your yes.

Discovering your spiritual gifts can greatly enhance your personal growth and your ability to contribute effectively within your faith community. Here are some reputable online spiritual gifts assessments you might find helpful:

  1. ChurchGrowth.org Spiritual Gifts Survey
  2. GiftsTest.com
  3. Lifeway Spiritual Gifts Assessment
  4. UMC Discipleship Ministries Spiritual Gifts Inventory
  5. Gateway Church Spiritual Gifts Assessment
  6. S.H.A.P.E. Test
  7. Adventist Youth Ministries Spiritual Gifts Assessment
  8. Ministry Tools Resource Center Spiritual Gifts Test

Before taking any assessment, it’s advisable to begin with prayer, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Remember, these tools are starting points to help you explore and understand the unique ways God has equipped you to serve.

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