MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS TEST 

 

Read each statement and rate it to the left of the number.  

When finished, transfer each question’s rating onto the response sheet. 

 

No Desire Toward it - 1 

Almost Never True - 2 

Sometimes True - 3 

Almost Always True - 4 

 

 

_____1. I am able to sense the direction God desires for His people to move and share it with others. 

 

_____2. I enjoy pitching in on service projects in the church. 

 

_____3. I am able to organize my thinking in such a way as to systematically present a Bible lesson  

  to others. 

 

_____4. People often come to me with their personal problems for counsel. 

 

_____5. I enjoy giving to those in serious financial need. 

 

_____6. People seem to respect me and follow my lead. 

 

_____7. I have a tender heart toward the needy and will often do what I can to help those who are in   distress. 

 

_____8. I speak up for what is biblically right even when people think I am narrow-minded and 

  oppose principles. 

 

_____9. I usually volunteer to help with tasks that need to be done. 

 

_____10. I enjoy diligent study so as to accurately teach the Word. 

 

_____11. I enjoy encouraging those who are discouraged and down hearted. 

 

_____12. I cheerfully give well above a tithe to the work of the Lord. 

 

_____13. I am good at setting goals and seeing the direction a group of people  should take. 

 

_____14. I enjoy visiting the sick and shut-in. 

 

_____15. I feel compelled to communicate God’s message from the Word so people know what God     expects of them. 

 

_____16. I am willing to work at a task regardless of how simple or trivial it may seem. 

 

_____17. Others comment on how much they have enjoyed, learned, or grown under my teaching. 

 

_____18. I often challenge others to reach their potential in Christ. 

 

_____19. I am known for my generosity and sometimes sacrificial giving. 

 

_____20. I am able to guide and motivate people to join in the achievement of my goals. 

 

_____21. I tend to look out for those who are neglected and alienated. 

 

_____22. I am not afraid to announce God’s judgment on sin. 

 

_____23. I feel a sense of satisfaction in seeing a job through to completion. 

 

_____24. I am able to thoroughly study Scripture and share my finding with others. 

 

_____25. I make myself available to talk with others. 

 

_____26. I often give anonymously to those in need. 

 

_____27. If in a group where there is no leader, I will assume leadership. 

 

_____28. I empathize with those who are embarrassed and humiliated and seek to comfort them. 

 

_____29. I speak boldly and with conviction what I believe God wants people to know. 

 

_____30. I am very dependable for getting things done. 

 

_____31. I am able to make the Bible clear and relevant for others. 

 

_____32. I encourage others to go on with the Lord. 

 

_____33. I am willing to lower my standard of living in order to help out. 

 

_____34. I am a goal setter. 

 

_____35. I like to spend time with those who are lonely and hurting to cheer them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESPONSE SHEET FOR THE 

SEVEN MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS TEST 

 

Add the number for each of the following question numbers.

Ex. Questions 2 (you answered 3) + Question 9 (you answered 4) + Question 16 (you answered 3) + Question 23 (you answered 4) + Question 30 (you answered 3) would be 3+4+3+4+3=17 total

 

Category A: Add questions 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

Category B: Add questions 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

Category C: Add questions 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31

Category D: Add questions 4, 11, 18, 25, and 32

Category E: Add questions 5, 12, 19, 26, and 33

Category F: Add questions 6, 13, 20, 27, and 34

Category G: Add questions 7, 14, 21, 28, 35

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1. Track which categories have the highest total. You may have more than one row totaling this same amount. Match the letter to the below result.

 

Note: if the highest total is under 10 for any gift, this test should probably be considered inconclusive. More ministry experience may be required in different areas of ministry. Very possibly the highest total may be the gift but totals of 10 or less should be seen as tentative. 

 

2. If there are any totals with no more than a one-point gap from the highest total, yet still over ten, you may want to write that gift(s) down as a possible gift(s) as well. If, however, you find that this yields more than three gifts, you probably should go with only the highest total as the more conclusive gift(s). 

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A = Prophecy

B = Service

C = Teaching

D = Exhortation

E = Giving

G = Mercy

F = Leadership

​

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PROPHETIC / PERCEIVING 

The God-given ability to communicate God’s message in relation to the truth already revealed (Jude 3). It is not necessarily or even primarily a prediction. Rather, it is done for the purposes of encouraging, strengthening and comforting (1 Corinthians 14:3). These have the ability to perceive the spiritual needs of others and meet those needs through Scripture. 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROPHET / PERCEIVER: 

1. Able to recognize good and bad and hates what is bad. 

2. Sees everything clearly not dimly; no foggy or indefinite areas. 

3. Recognizes character in people, whether good or bad. 

4. Encourages repentance for the glory of God. 

5. Often introverted.

6. Sees the Bible as the foundation for truth 

7. Courageously holds to spiritual truths. 

8. Powerful and persuasive speaker. 

9. Sees their own shortcomings and those of others. 

10. Desires to see God’s plan take place. 

11. Promotes spiritual growth in others. 

12. Self-examiner. 

13. Opinionated and holds to convictions. 

14. Holds to high standard. 

15. Desperately desires to obey God. 

 

CHALLENGES OF THE PROPHET / PERCEIVER: 

1.  May be judgmental and upfront. 

1.  Delights in goal accomplishment not forward progress. 

1.  Forcefully pushes others toward spiritual growth. 

1.  Intolerant of other views. 

1.  Struggles with self-image. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1. Life group leader. 

1. Any type of lay counseling. 

2. Providing oversight of any ministry function. 

3. Great mentors and peacemakers. 

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SERVING 

A server has the God-given ability to recognize a need and administer assistance to others. In relation to other believers, this releases them to utilize their God-given gifts (ex. Deacons in Acts 6:1-6, 1 Corinthians 12:28, and Romans 12:7) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SERVER: 

1.  Has hands on approach. 

2. Precise and orderly. 

3. Detail oriented. 

4. Friendly. 

5. Has trouble turning others away. 

6. More interest in others than self. 

7. More short term orientated than long term. 

8. Actively expressive rather than verbally expressive. 

9. Desires appreciation. 

10. Goes above and beyond what is asked of them. 

11. Enjoys being helpful. 

12. High energy level. 

13. Orderly; does not like clutter. 

14. Perfectionist. 

15. Would rather do than delegate. 

16. Supports the leadership. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE SERVER: 

1.  Criticizes those who are not serving. 

2.  Helps others to the extent of neglecting personal family. 

3.  So enthusiastic to help, may come across as pushy. 

4.  Does not like to be served 

5.  Saddened when unappreciated. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1.  Hospitality ministry. 

2.  Kid’s ministry. 

3. Youth Ministry

4. Media Ministry

5.  Dream Center. 

6.  Taking meals to ill or injured. 

7.  Set-up or take down at special events. 

 

 
 

TEACHING 

The God-given ability to study, research, explain and communicate truth.  

(ex. Paul and Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TEACHER: 

1.  Logical presenter of truth. 

2.  Confirms truth by examining facts. 

3.  Enjoys study and investigation. 

4.  Knows how to do word studies. 

5.  Uses biblical illustrations. 

6.  Detests Scripture used out of context. 

7.  Establishes truth biblically. 

8.  Objective rather than subjective. 

9.  Extensive vocabulary. 

10.  Accurate presenter of truth. 

11.  Tests the information of others. 

12.  Favors teaching over evangelism. 

13.  Starts with Scripture when answering questions. 

14.  Intellectual. 

15.  Disciplined. 

16.  Emotionally stable. 

17.  Has a close circle of friends. 

18.  Strong convictions based on solid research. 

19.  Believes God’s truth leads to life change. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE TEACHER: 

1.  Can neglect application in exchange for information download. 

2.  Slow to accept views of other. 

3.  Prideful due to knowledge. 

4.  May be legalistic and dogmatic. 

5.  Easily distracted by love of new interests. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1.  Life group leader. 

2.  Kid’s Ministry 

3. Youth Ministry

4.  Research assistant. 

5.  Developer of curriculum. 

6.  Child, youth, teen mentor. 

 

 

EXHORTERTATION 

The God-given ability to draw near to individuals in time of need; encouraging and counseling them accurately with the Word of God; and persuading them to take courage in the face of something they must do or assuring them to take comfort because of something that has occurred. (ex. Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37, 11:19-26, and 15:36-41) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF EXHORTER: 

1.  Verbally encouraging. 

2.  Likes to apply the Word rather than investigate it. 

3.  Prefers practical application over theological truth. 

4.  Works best with others. 

5.  Verbally encourages others to excel in ministry. 

6.  Loves to do personal counseling. 

7.  Loves to talk. 

8.  Excels in communication. 

9.  Perceives trials as opportunities for personal growth. 

10.  Has a positive attitude. 

11.  Easily makes decisions. 

12.  Prefers to quickly resolve problems. 

13.  Needs to bounce ideas off others. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE EXHORTER: 

1.  Frequently interrupts others. 

2.  Uses Scripture out of context. 

3.  Outspoken and opinionated. 

4.  Slightly overconfident. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1. Lay counseling. 

2. Table facilitator. 

3. Hospitality ministry. 

4. Media Ministry-Online Campus

5. Nursing home ministry. 

6. Dream Center. 

7. Life group leader. 

8. Anyplace where encouragement is needed. 

 

 

GIVING 

The God-given ability to give freely of what God has entrusted to them. This includes giving time, material goods and financial resources with joy and eagerness and without any “ulterior motives” that would benefit the giver.  

(ex. David in 1 Chronicles 29:1-19) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF GIVER: 

1.  Gives as led by the Spirit. 

2.  Freely and happily gives. 

3.  Often gives anonymously. 

4.  Understands giving is an intricate part of serving. 

5.  Takes pleasure in meeting the needs of others. 

6.  Gives not only quantity but quality. 

7.  Gives to bless and enhance ministries. 

8.  See’s hospitality as a chance to give. 

9.  Financially wise. 

10.  Strongly believes in tithes and offerings. 

11.  Understands that God owns everything. 

12.  Strong business skills. 

13.  Appreciates value. 

14.  Is not gullible. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE GIVER: 

1.  Tends to be controlling with money. 

2.  Pressures others to be more generous. 

3.  May over commit. 

4.  Uses financial giving as a way out of other requirements. 

5.  Leads others on guilt trips. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1.  Dream Center. 

2.  Life group leader. 

3.  Fundraising. 

4.  Hospitality ministry. 

5.  Financial counseling ministry team. 

6.  Support of church special projects. (ex. building) 

7.  Financially support any ministry. 

 

 

LEADERSHIP / ADMINISTRATION 

The God-given ability to lead others in meaningful endeavors, which demonstrates personal care and concern in order to meet the needs of others and encourage their growth. (ex. Fathers in 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 12) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP / ADMINISTRATION: 

1.  Motivates others to action. 

2.  Clearly communicates. 

3.  Thrives when given authority. 

4.  Happily receives authority when given. 

5.  Naturally assumes leadership when there is a lack. 

6.  Takes on long-term projects. 

7.  Is a visionary. 

8.  Has good networking abilities. 

9.  Delegates well. 

10.  Takes criticism well. 

11.  Is passionate and enthusiastic. 

12.  Enjoys accomplishing goals. 

13.  Gives credit to others. 

14.  Meets challenges as they arise. 

15.  Is a natural and capable leader. 

16. Discards what does not work and keeps what does. 

17. Enjoys people. 

18. Dislikes the mundane routine. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE LEADER / ADMINISTRATOR: 

1.  May have trouble dealing with opposition. 

2.  May become callous due to constant criticism. 

3.  Pushes hard to the point of neglecting family. 

4.  Ignores family responsibilities due to love of work. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1. Life group leader. 

2. Kids Ministry

3. Youth ministry. 

4. Media Ministry

5. College ministry. 

6. Ministry Team Lead

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MERCY / COMPASSION 

The God-given ability to have immediate compassion for those who are suffering combined with great joy in meeting their needs. (ex. the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37) 

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF MERCY / COMPASSION: 

1. Loves to love. 

2. Searches out the good in people. 

3. Brings out the good in people. 

4. Recognizes the spiritual and emotional condition of others. 

5. Acts out of concern for others. 

6. Cares for the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of others. 

7. Considers others more important than self. 

8. Chooses words carefully. 

9. Detects insincerity. 

10. Loves to be thoughtful. 

11. Is trustworthy. 

12. Non-confrontational. 

13. Usually cheerful. 

14. Thinks with the heart rather than the head. 

15. Rejoices and/or grieves with others. 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE MERCY / COMPASSION: 

1.  Overly sensitive. 

2.  Caring may be misunderstood by the opposite sex. 

3.  Easily takes up others’ problems that are not their own. 

4.  Thinking with their heart leads to indecision. 

5.  Can be easily hurt by others unintentionally. 

 

PLACES IN THE CHURCH BODY WHERE THIS GIFT COULD BE UTILIZED: 

1.  Life group leader. 

2.  Dream Center. 

3.  Counseling ministry. 

4. Media Ministry-Online Campus

5.  Hospitality of any sort. 

6.  Visitation and follow-up. 

7.  Greeter.

8.  Kid’s ministry.

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Click here for Life Track Step Two