S.H.A.P.E. Reference
Quick reference for identifying and understanding your God-given gifts
The 20 spiritual gifts listed below are drawn from five Scripture passages: Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:9-10. Each gift is a God-given special ability given to every believer at conversion by the Holy Spirit, to share his love and strengthen the body of Christ. See Lesson 2 for the full lesson.
Organizing resources and people to efficiently reach ministry goals. Effective organizers who delegate well, make plans, and seek decision-making opportunities.
Launching and leading new ministry ventures that advance God's purposes. Driven to start new endeavors, often churches; willing to take risky challenges; eager to serve as ambassadors for Christ.
Recognizing truth or error within a message, person, or event. Able to "read" people accurately, identify true motives, and perceive when truth is twisted.
Helping others live God-centered lives through inspiration, encouragement, counseling, and empowerment. Natural encouragers who rejoice at others' success.
Sharing the love of Christ with others in a way that draws them to respond by accepting God's gift of eternal life. Deeply burdened for those who do not know Jesus; wins others through love over logic.
Stepping out in faith to see God's purposes accomplished, trusting him to handle obstacles. Welcomes risk; energized by variables; challenged by the impossible; characterized by passionate prayer.
Joyfully supporting and funding various kingdom initiatives through material contributions beyond the tithe. Plans to give generously; prefers anonymity; sees resources as tools for God's use.
Healing and restoring to health, beyond traditional and natural means, those who are sick, hurting, and suffering. Believes firmly in supernatural healing; prays specifically for God to use them in this way.
Offering others assistance in reaching goals that glorify God and strengthen the body. Enjoys serving behind the scenes; detail-oriented; rejoices in the success of others without seeking recognition.
Providing others with a warm and welcoming environment for fellowship. Known for making people feel valued and cared for; looks for those who go unnoticed in a crowd.
Understanding, at a specific time, God's message when spoken by another using a special language unknown to the others in attendance. Able to translate and convey God's meaning to edify, comfort, and exhort.
Communicating God's truth to others in a way that promotes justice, honesty, and understanding. Devotes time to reading Scripture; loves sharing biblical insight; enjoys answering difficult questions about God's Word.
Casting vision, stimulating spiritual growth, applying strategies, and achieving success where God's purposes are concerned. Naturally drawn into leadership roles; grasps the big picture; able to delegate effectively.
Ministering to those who suffer physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. Drawn to meet practical needs; devotes significant time in prayer for others; grieves with those who grieve.
Supernatural acts that bring validity to God and his power. Recognizes prayer as a supernatural vehicle; gives credit to God alone; sees themselves as instruments for God's use.
Taking spiritual responsibility for a group of believers and equipping them to live Christ-centered lives. Driven to help others reach their full potential in Christ; builds deep, trust-based relationships; believes people take precedence over projects.
Offering messages from God that comfort, encourage, guide, warn, or reveal sin. Includes both forth-telling (preaching) and foretelling (revelation). Known for publicly communicating God's Word.
Teaching sound doctrine in relevant ways, empowering people to gain a mature spiritual education. Given to hours in study of Scripture; enjoys making the Bible clear and understandable to others.
Communicating God's message in a special language unknown to the speaker. Believes God prompts them to communicate through prayer in unknown words, sounds, and utterances; intercedes for others this way.
Making wise decisions and counseling others with sound advice, all in accordance with God's will. Sought after by others for advice; enjoys counseling; known for making correct decisions and judgments.
Spiritual gifts must be expressed in love (1 Corinthians 13). Without love, the most gifted person is unusable. The test: ask yourself, "Who is the primary beneficiary of my actions?" If the answer is others, you are serving with love. If it is yourself, realign with God.