What are spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are given to an individual by the Spirit to carry on behalf of a community. Some examples of spiritual gifts from the Christian New Testament are wisdom, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, and prophecy (I Corinthians 12: 7-11).
Spiritual gifts may not be the same as an individual’s skills or talents; they are essentially on loan from the Spirit. They are for the benefit of the community rather than the individual.
Who receives them?
Spiritual gifts arrive in people of all ages. They show up differently at different stages of our lives. Occasionally, during a person’s life, their spiritual gifts will change, or a gift that was once available to them will recede. Using one’s spiritual gifts is one way to be faithful.
If you serve on Nominating Committee at your Quaker meeting, then be on the lookout for the spiritual gifts and ministries of young adult Friends. Get acquainted with younger people, especially transient people, who may have gifts that are going unused.
Why should Friends name spiritual gifts?
The community usually names gifts, rather than the individual who carries them. However, because many people move often, some Friends name the gifts they bring when they join a new community.
The community plays an important role in recognizing gifts of the Spirit in a loving and supportive way. When the community does not name gifts, Friends may struggle to use them well. In some cases, a Friend holds a clearness committee to discern how to use their gifts.
The meeting’s work often depends on clearly naming gifts. When the meeting does not name gifts, people who are not well suited for the work may step into those roles.
Friends who try to use gifts they do not carry can become exhausted and make the work harder. When the meeting does not name and support gifts, Friends may misuse them or lack the guidance and accountability they need.
How do Quakers name gifts in the community?
Some Friends find it easier to name a gift when they are in an intimate environment, such as a small group. You may start by saying, “I’d like to name a gift.” If you name a gift, do your best to do so with detachment. It may be difficult to know how the person will feel about carrying this gift. Alternatively, they may already know that they carry the gift, and a moment of recognition for you will be a fleeting moment for them.
- Divine Callings and Gifts. Read about how individuals discover their particular gifts here:
- Worship Seeing Activity. Read about how a group can draw out the gifts of an individual by having the Friend name what gives him or her joy here:
Last updated December 18, 2025.