Amongst these gifts are the gifts of administration, the ability to speak foreign languages, the knack for helping other people, a healing touch, the ability to show mercy, the wherewithal for leadership, the heart to give, the ability to help others by giving sound advice, the gift of teaching, and the calling to minister to others. On the spiritual gifts list that is called into question by many are the additional gifts of prophecy, the working of miracles, and the discernment of spirits. Since the latter are not universally accepted by all denominations, at this point the various spiritual gifts assessment tests do not cover them in depth.
A spiritual gifts assessment is usually comprised of a three part questionnaire. The first portion deals with the things you currently do - be they as hobbies, in your work, or even for your local congregation. The questions posed are not so much about what you like doing or what you ended up stuck with - as many volunteers are - but instead focuses on the things you are genuinely good at. Perhaps you are a whiz at organizing files in the course of your administrative job. Maybe you enjoy best the way you can soothe your child's pain with a hug, and a gentle touch. Whatever the case may be the first portion of the spiritual gifts assessment deals with the things you are simply good at.
The second portion asks you about the things you genuinely enjoy doing, and which things you genuinely dislike doing. You might be good at administration, but you might genuinely detest doing the grunt work. At this point in the questionnaire you will be able to sort out the things you like to do from the things you dislike doing, no matter how good at them you are.
The third part of the spiritual gifts assessment is a way of combining the first two portions. It usually lists several professions or volunteer opportunities and the aspects that are needed for each. Which gifts are most often used in which volunteer position or job? Here you will be able to combine the things you like doing with the things you are really good at. Once these two are in harmony, the odds are pretty good that you have found your spiritual gifts.
Preprinted assessments can be found online or simply by approaching your minister for help. Do not put off this enjoyable survey, since it may very well hold the key to your future happiness, and a life of contented service in God's church. Additionally, it will help you to stop volunteering for things that turn out to be more of a drag than uplift!