Community confirmation is one of the most valuable parts of discernment — the gifts God has given are recognised in the body, not in isolation. So before you finish, choose two or three people who know you well — a spouse, a close friend, a pastor, a mentor, a fellow believer — and ask them to help you discern the gifts God has given you. They can complete the questions below on their own and return them to you, or you can work through them together, conversationally. Either way, their honest, prayerful answers will help confirm what you have been sensing.
What follows is written for that trusted person.
This is a precious thing — please answer prayerfully and honestly. Christ is the Head of the Church, and He gives gifts to His people for the building up of His body. Your role here is to help your brother or sister recognise what Christ has already given. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
Your name: ____________________________________________
Your relationship to me (spouse, friend, pastor, mentor, fellow believer): ____________________________________________
How long you have known me: ____________________________________________
1. Where have you most clearly seen God at work through this person?
2. In what kinds of service or ministry have you seen them be most fruitful?
3. Looking at the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — which is most evident in their life?
4. Which fruit, gently and honestly, do you think most needs to grow in their life?
5. Is there anything else the Lord has put on your heart for them as you have read these questions?
Thank you for your honest, prayerful contribution to their discernment. May the Lord use what you have written to help them step into the works prepared in advance for them to walk in (Eph 2:10).
Reference: The Eighteen Gifts
For the person filling in this page — each gift is described in one sentence.
1. Mercy: Compassion in action toward the suffering
2. Healing: Restoration of bodies, hearts, and lives broken by sickness
3. Helps: Practical service that frees others to flourish
4. Giving / Contributing: Spirit-empowered generosity for kingdom purposes
5. Hospitality: Welcoming the stranger; opening home and table
6. Administration / Leading: Stewarding the community's life so the mission flourishes
7. Exhortation / Encouragement: Coming alongside to strengthen, comfort, and call forward
8. Teaching: Faithfully handing on God's truth so disciples are formed
9. Pastoring / Shepherding: Knowing, feeding, protecting, and leading the flock
10. Word of Wisdom: Spirit-given counsel for specific situations
11. Word of Knowledge: Spirit-given understanding for the building up of others
12. Discernment of Spirits: Distinguishing the genuine from the counterfeit
13. Apostleship: Pioneering and laying foundations for new gospel work
14. Evangelism: Heralding the good news of Jesus Christ
15. Prophecy: Speaking forth God's Word for upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation
16. Tongues and Interpretation: Spirit-given prayer and worship, with interpretation in the gathered church
17. Faith: Spirit-given trust for what God will do in particular situations
18. Miracles / Workings of Powers: God's Power acting through His people for His glory