The complete rubric for this survey version is below. It includes all questions, their answer values, the gift each measures, and every weight used to suggest a place to serve.
Question bank 2.0.0 · scoring revision 2.0.0 · item audit 2.0.0. This is an original ministry reflection questionnaire. The nine categories are an editorial subset drawn from biblical gift passages. Item wording, thresholds, and role weights are editorial judgments. No expert content review, participant comprehension study, reliability analysis, factor analysis, or outcome validation has yet been run on this bank. Scores describe answers and a matching rule; they have not been shown to identify a divinely bestowed gift or predict ministry success.
The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing require evidence for each proposed score use. The COSMIN content-validity framework supplies useful questions about relevance, coverage, and clarity. These are methods to follow, not evidence that this questionnaire has passed them.
Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4 describe diverse gifts exercised for others and for the body. They do not prescribe nine exhaustive categories, a questionnaire, or numerical role weights. Our prophecy items focus on speaking scriptural conviction; churches differ on how prophecy should be understood, and these items do not test revelation or prophetic accuracy.
Research on other inventories is mixed. Ledbetter and Foster found three broad factors rather than the 14 gifts their studied inventory claimed; Cooper and Blakeman found three rather than seven in a different inventory. Kehe also reported a three-factor structure for another questionnaire. Hathaway’s review explains why the gift list and self-report interpretation require explicit support. A Regent research report describes a separately developed seven-factor Romans 12 instrument. None validates this nine-category bank. Volunteer motivation research and a volunteer fit study support considering interests and real role experience, but provide no coefficients for our church roles.
We reviewed each prompt and marked its primary wording signal. This is an editorial item audit, not an independent expert rating. All 90 answers are still self-reports, including items that mention someone else's response. All statements are positively keyed.
These are all self-reports. Reported practice and feedback have not been observed independently. Agreement can also reflect opportunity to serve, familiarity, or a wish to live up to a value. We have not measured the size of those effects.
Each question contributes its answer value multiplied by its listed weight to exactly one gift. A reversed question would use 6 minus the answer before weighting. In this version, every item has weight 1 and none is reversed. Each gift has ten items, so its raw total ranges from 10 to 50. Gift rank uses the raw total.
The chart converts each gift’s average answer to a fixed 0–100 scale: 100 × (average answer − 1) ÷ 4. An average of 1 maps to 0, 3 maps to 50, and 5 maps to 100. A value of 100 means every answer for that gift was 5; it is not a population percentile. This fixed scale does not force one gift to zero and another to 100. When the highest and lowest gifts differ by fewer than ten points, no dominant gift or role rank is shown. Otherwise, dominant gifts are the highest gift and up to two more within ten chart points of it. Secondary gifts are up to three remaining gifts more than five points above the person’s nine-gift average. The ten- and five-point thresholds are display heuristics, not validated cut scores.
Because each gift has ten equal-weight items, raising any one answer by one scale point adds 2.5 points to that gift’s chart value. Each affected serving-role score changes by 2.5 × that role’s gift weight ÷ the sum of its gift weights, before the role score is rounded. The exact effect of an answer step is listed with every question below. These coefficients are explicit editorial choices, not estimates from an outcome study.
Each role score is the weighted average of the nine-gift chart values named below: sum(gift chart value × role weight) ÷ sum(role weights). Roles are sorted by this value when the gift scores are sufficiently separated. Weight 1 means a primary input in our editorial map; 0.7–0.9 means a strong contribution; 0.3–0.6 means a supporting one. No passage or outcome study establishes these coefficients. Training, skill, interest in that specific role, church need, screening, and availability are not measured by this survey.
A placement decision needs a person's interest, a real task or work sample, a local opening, a leader's review, and any required training or screening. For children and youth, a score never replaces the CDC's youth-serving organization safeguards.
Welcome people, help them find a seat, and make Sunday gatherings easy to enter.
Weight consideration: Practical help leads this role; attentive care and encouragement support a welcoming encounter.
Before placement: Confirm a welcoming fit by shadowing the team and learning its guest and accessibility practices.
Create a warm space through refreshments, conversation, and practical care for guests.
Weight consideration: Hands-on service and care are central, with encouragement and generosity as supporting contributions.
Before placement: Confirm that hosting work is enjoyable in practice and learn the team's food and guest-care routines.
Help new people feel known and connect them with a next step at church.
Weight consideration: Follow-up depends on encouragement, ongoing care, and helping people take a next step.
Before placement: Confirm comfort with follow-through and the church's privacy and contact practices.
Serve a congregation through music and worship service preparation.
Weight consideration: The survey captures service and encouragement; musical skill and worship training must be assessed separately.
Before placement: Discuss musical or support skills, rehearsal commitments, and the worship leader's discernment.
Pray with people and carry needs with compassion and discretion.
Weight consideration: Listening with compassion and steady care matter most; encouragement and discernment can help in prayer.
Before placement: Learn prayer-team boundaries, confidentiality, and supervision before praying with guests.
Support services through sound, slides, lighting, livestream, or camera work.
Weight consideration: Reliable service and organization support production; technical ability requires hands-on training.
Before placement: Try a supervised technical task and complete equipment and service training.
Help children learn, feel safe, and experience patient care.
Weight consideration: Teaching and patient care are prominent; screening and child-safety training are separate requirements.
Before placement: Complete the church's child-safety screening, training, and supervision requirements first.
Build steady relationships with students through mentoring, teaching, and events.
Weight consideration: Ongoing relationships, encouragement, and teaching shape youth work; screening remains essential.
Before placement: Complete youth-safety screening, training, and supervision requirements first.
Guide conversation, care for members, and help a group grow together.
Weight consideration: A leader must care for people, guide discussion, and maintain dependable group rhythms.
Before placement: Co-lead first; confirm facilitation skill, doctrinal alignment, and pastoral support.
Prepare and explain Scripture in a class or study setting.
Weight consideration: Explaining Scripture is primary; care and encouragement help learners apply it.
Before placement: Have a leader review a sample lesson for accuracy, clarity, and care for learners.
Walk alongside someone through encouragement, Scripture, and steady follow-through.
Weight consideration: Sustained care and encouragement are central to one-to-one growth, supported by teaching.
Before placement: Agree on boundaries, supervision, and a safe discipleship pathway before a match.
Visit, listen to, and support people during illness, grief, or transition.
Weight consideration: Compassion and steady pastoral attention lead; practical service supports follow-through.
Before placement: Shadow a trained care volunteer and learn confidentiality and referral boundaries.
Bring meals and practical help when families need support.
Weight consideration: Compassion turns into practical help, with material generosity when needed.
Before placement: Try a care shift and confirm practical capacity, recipient needs, and food safety practices.
Help the church respond wisely to material needs in the community.
Weight consideration: Responding to material need combines compassion, generosity, service, and careful coordination.
Before placement: Learn confidentiality, financial controls, and the church's assistance process before serving.
Build relationships beyond church walls through service and invitation.
Weight consideration: Sharing faith leads, while practical service and care build authentic relationships.
Before placement: Try an event and check comfort with the actual community-facing work.
Support mission partners through coordination, generosity, and connection.
Weight consideration: Mission support combines outreach, generosity, coordination, and hands-on help.
Before placement: Confirm the partner's needs, your interests, and any required training or travel readiness.
Keep schedules, records, and ministry systems organized.
Weight consideration: Organizing systems is primary; reliable service and stewardship support the work.
Before placement: Try a bounded office task and learn record access and privacy practices.
Help teams recruit, schedule, communicate, and care for volunteers.
Weight consideration: Schedules require organization, while volunteers also need care and encouragement.
Before placement: Try scheduling a small team and check communication and follow-through with its leader.
Plan the details that make church meals, classes, and events run smoothly.
Weight consideration: Planning and execution are central, with service and encouragement helping teams deliver.
Before placement: Help plan one event and review execution, teamwork, and the team's real needs.
Prepare rooms, equipment, and practical spaces for ministry.
Weight consideration: Practical work leads, with organization helping rooms and equipment stay ready.
Before placement: Try setup with the team and learn equipment and physical-safety practices.
Help people understand what is happening through writing, design, or digital updates.
Weight consideration: Clear organization and explanation support communication; writing and design skill are assessed separately.
Before placement: Share a work sample and learn the church's editorial, accessibility, and privacy practices.
Support careful planning and responsible use of church resources.
Weight consideration: Generosity and administration inform stewardship; financial expertise and oversight remain separate.
Before placement: Confirm financial competence, oversight, and separation-of-duties requirements.
The consideration for each item is its assigned gift construct below. The prompt is the exact wording shown to a survey taker.
Self-reported interest and action in sharing faith and inviting others. Biblical references: Eph 4:11.
Proposed construct: Interest, initiative, and reported practice in explaining Jesus to people outside the church.
Boundary: Does not count conversions, assess the quality of a conversation, or establish an evangelist's calling.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Ephesians 4:11 names evangelists; the survey's conversation items are an operational choice.
q001 · I enjoy explaining the good news of Jesus to someone who is curious.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in explaining Jesus' gospel to a curious person.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q002 · I notice natural openings to talk about Jesus in everyday conversations.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to natural opportunities for Jesus-centered conversation.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q003 · I seek opportunities to explain who Jesus is to people outside the church.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Initiative to speak about Jesus beyond an existing church circle.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q004 · I can start a respectful conversation about Jesus with someone who sees faith differently.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to speak respectfully across differing beliefs.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q005 · I invite people who are curious about Jesus to explore faith with a church community.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported invitation to explore Christian faith with a community.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q006 · I can explain Jesus' death and resurrection in words a friend can understand.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to explain the core gospel story. · Review question: This is a self-rating of explanation, not an observed gospel conversation.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q007 · I listen to a person's questions before speaking about Jesus.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported listening before speaking about Jesus.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q008 · I am willing to discuss the gospel even when the conversation feels awkward.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to speak about the gospel despite discomfort.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q009 · I can explain why I trust Jesus when someone asks.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to explain personal trust in Jesus.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q010 · I would welcome the chance to help someone take a first step toward following Jesus.
Gift: Evangelism · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in accompanying someone's first step of discipleship.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported willingness to speak convictions and call attention to truth. Biblical references: Rom 12:6, Eph 4:11, 1 Cor 12.
Proposed construct: Willingness and reported practice of raising Scripture-based concerns with humility and community review.
Boundary: Does not test revelation, prophetic accuracy, authority, or a church's theology of prophecy.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:6 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 name prophecy; equating it with truth-telling is a contested interpretation.
q011 · When a Christian group overlooks a teaching of Scripture, I am willing to raise the concern.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to raise a Scripture-based concern in a Christian group.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q012 · I notice when a church discussion moves away from what Scripture says.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to drift from Scripture in church discussion.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q013 · I am willing to speak a biblical warning with humility when it is needed.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to offer a humble biblical warning.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q014 · I can name a conflict between a proposed action and Jesus' teaching without attacking people.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to apply Jesus' teaching without attacking people.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q015 · I speak up when a message needs to call Christians to repentance.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported speech that calls Christians to repentance.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q016 · I urge a group to weigh a difficult decision against Scripture.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported use of Scripture to challenge group decisions.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q017 · When silence could enable harm, I am willing to raise a biblical concern.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to raise a biblical concern when silence could harm others.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q018 · I welcome other Christians testing what I say against Scripture.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Openness to communal testing of one's words against Scripture. · Review question: Openness to correction is a broad Christian virtue and may distinguish this category weakly.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q019 · I can speak a difficult biblical truth clearly and lovingly.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to speak difficult biblical truth lovingly.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q020 · After prayer and discernment, I am willing to bring a Scripture-based concern to church leaders.
Gift: Prophecy · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to bring a discerned scriptural concern to church leaders.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported enjoyment and practice of explaining Scripture clearly. Biblical references: Rom 12:7, 1 Cor 12:28.
Proposed construct: Interest and reported practice in studying and explaining Scripture so others understand it.
Boundary: Does not assess doctrinal accuracy, teaching skill by observation, or learner outcomes.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:7 and 1 Corinthians 12:28 name teaching.
q021 · I enjoy explaining a Bible passage in language others understand.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in explaining Bible passages plainly.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q022 · People I have taught have told me my explanation helped them understand Scripture.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's report of another person's response · Why this item: Reported feedback from learners about understanding Scripture. · Review question: Learner feedback is reported by the participant, not independently verified.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q023 · I organize a Bible lesson in a sequence people can follow.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported organization of a Bible lesson for learners.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q024 · I check the context of a passage before teaching what it means.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported attention to context before teaching a passage.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q025 · I enjoy preparing a lesson about Jesus or Scripture.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in lesson preparation about Jesus or Scripture.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q026 · I adjust my explanation when learners are confused about a Bible passage.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported adjustment of teaching when learners are confused.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q027 · I study Scripture carefully before explaining it to others.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported study before explaining Scripture to others.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q028 · I would enjoy teaching a Bible study or class.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in a concrete Bible teaching setting.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q029 · I help learners connect a Bible passage to a concrete decision or action.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported help connecting Scripture to a specific action.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q030 · I want people I teach to know Jesus more deeply through Scripture.
Gift: Teaching · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Desire for learners to know Jesus through Scripture.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported encouragement, motivation, and practical guidance of others. Biblical references: Rom 12:8.
Proposed construct: Interest and reported practice in encouraging concrete next steps of Christian faith.
Boundary: Does not establish whether counsel is wise or changes another person's behavior.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:8 names exhortation or encouragement.
q031 · I encourage another Christian to take a practical next step in following Jesus.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported encouragement toward a next step in following Jesus.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q032 · I listen for a helpful next step when someone shares a struggle in faith.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported listening for a helpful step in a faith struggle.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q033 · I can encourage someone who feels stuck to act on what they believe.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to motivate action consistent with faith.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q034 · I help others turn a teaching of Scripture into a practical goal.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported help turning biblical teaching into a practical goal.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q035 · I notice when someone needs courage to keep following Jesus.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to another person's need for courage in discipleship.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q036 · I enjoy helping someone build a sustainable habit of prayer or Scripture reading.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in supporting a sustainable spiritual practice.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q037 · People tell me my encouragement helps them take action in faith.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's report of another person's response · Why this item: Reported feedback that encouragement prompted faith-related action.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q038 · I gently challenge a fellow Christian when their actions do not match their stated commitments.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported gentle challenge when practice conflicts with stated faith.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q039 · I help someone choose one realistic step toward a godly goal.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported help selecting one realistic godly action.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q040 · I want to encourage believers toward love and good works.
Gift: Exhortation · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Desire to encourage love and good works among believers. · Review question: Encouraging love and good works is a call to all Christians and may distinguish this category weakly.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported care, mentoring, and responsibility for a group. Biblical references: Eph 4:11.
Proposed construct: Willingness and reported practice of sustained relational care and guidance toward maturity in Christ.
Boundary: Does not confer pastoral office, establish safeguarding readiness, or measure a group's growth.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Ephesians 4:11 names shepherds or pastors; treating a self-report tendency as this gift is an interpretive step.
q041 · I follow up with people I serve alongside when they seem spiritually discouraged.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported follow-up with spiritually discouraged ministry peers.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q042 · I notice when someone stops participating in a group and check in with them.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported check-in with a group member who disengages.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q043 · I am willing to walk with the same people through a long season of discipleship.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to offer sustained discipleship companionship.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q044 · I enjoy helping a small group grow in following Jesus together.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in the ongoing growth of a small Christian group.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q045 · People return to me for spiritual guidance over time.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's report of another person's response · Why this item: Reported repeated requests for spiritual guidance. · Review question: Repeated requests for guidance are reported by the participant, not by the people seeking it.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q046 · I keep in touch with people I have agreed to care for.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported steady contact with people under an agreed care commitment.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q047 · I follow up over time as people take steps toward maturity in Christ.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported ongoing follow-up as believers grow in Christ.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q048 · I would be willing to co-lead a group and care for its members over time.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to co-lead and care for a group over time.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q049 · I notice when someone lacks ongoing support in their Christian life.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to gaps in a person's ongoing Christian support.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q050 · I value sustained care for a few people over occasional contact with many.
Gift: Shepherding · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Preference for sustained relational care.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported empathy and support for people in need. Biblical references: Rom 12:8.
Proposed construct: Attention to suffering and reported practice of compassionate presence and practical care.
Boundary: Does not assess crisis care, counseling competence, or the effect on recipients.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:8 names showing mercy.
q051 · I notice when someone in our church is hurting or overlooked.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to people hurting or overlooked in church.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q052 · I can stay present with someone in pain without rushing to fix the problem.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to remain present without rushing to fix pain.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q053 · I ask what kind of support a suffering person wants before offering help.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported care that asks the person's wishes before acting.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q054 · I offer comfort to people experiencing grief or illness.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported comfort offered during grief or illness.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q055 · I want people who are hurting to feel welcome in our church.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Desire for a welcoming church environment for hurting people. · Review question: Welcoming people in pain is a broad Christian aim and may distinguish mercy weakly.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q056 · Compassion shapes how I respond when someone is in crisis.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Compassion as a stated first response to crisis.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q057 · I make time to care for people who are suffering.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported time given to people who suffer.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q058 · I notice when a church activity makes it hard for a vulnerable person to participate.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to barriers faced by vulnerable participants. · Review question: Awareness of participation barriers depends partly on exposure to church activities.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q059 · I can remain patient with someone whose recovery takes time.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised patience during a person's long recovery.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q060 · I gladly help with a practical need when someone is suffering.
Gift: Mercy-showing · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported practical action that brings relief.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported readiness to meet practical needs through action. Biblical references: Rom 12:7, 1 Cor 12:28.
Proposed construct: Willingness and reported practice of dependable practical help in church life.
Boundary: Does not verify reliability, task quality, availability, or physical ability.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:7 names service; 1 Corinthians 12:28 also mentions helping.
q061 · I take practical tasks that help my church serve others.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported practical work for the church's service of others.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q062 · I notice behind-the-scenes needs and volunteer to meet them.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported volunteering for overlooked behind-the-scenes needs.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q063 · I am willing to do hands-on work even when no one sees it.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to help without public recognition.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q064 · I follow through on tasks I have agreed to do for a ministry team.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported follow-through on agreed ministry tasks.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q065 · I enjoy setting up rooms, moving supplies, or cleaning so others can gather.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in concrete setup and care of gathering spaces.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q066 · I look for practical ways to lighten another believer's load.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Attention to practical ways to lighten another person's load.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q067 · When help is needed, I prefer taking a useful task to discussing it at length.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Preference for action when practical help is needed.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q068 · I show up for recurring behind-the-scenes tasks I have agreed to do.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported reliability in ordinary ministry tasks.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q069 · I improve the practical setup of a gathering when I notice a problem.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported improvement of a gathering's practical setup.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q070 · I offer practical help to someone in need without seeking recognition.
Gift: Serving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported unrecognized practical help for someone in need.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported generosity and stewardship of resources. Biblical references: Rom 12:8.
Proposed construct: Willingness and self-reported practice of sharing material resources within one's means.
Boundary: Does not verify amounts given, financial capacity, financial expertise, or stewardship outcomes.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: Romans 12:8 names giving.
q071 · I gladly share money or possessions to support the work of Jesus' church.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported material sharing in support of Jesus' church. · Review question: Reported generosity is shaped by financial opportunity; the item does not measure ability to give.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q072 · I plan what I can give to support church ministries.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported planning of personally affordable ministry giving.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q073 · I look for ways to support ministry with what I can afford.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported attention to ministry support within one's means.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q074 · I give material help when I see a need I can meet.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported material help for a need one can meet.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q075 · I am willing to make room in my budget to support gospel work.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to budget for gospel work.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q076 · I consider whether the ministries I support use resources wisely.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported consideration of wise use of resources one supports.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q077 · I give to church ministry or Christian service in a way I can sustain.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported sustainable material giving. · Review question: Reported giving is shaped by financial opportunity; a low answer does not imply poor character.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q078 · I enjoy meeting a specific ministry need with a resource I can share.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in meeting a concrete ministry need through shared resources.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q079 · I follow through on giving commitments that I choose to make.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported follow-through on voluntary giving commitments.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q080 · I would consider sharing a useful possession with a ministry even when I could keep it.
Gift: Giving · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Willingness to share a useful possession with a ministry.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
Self-reported planning, coordination, and organization of people or work. Biblical references: Rom 12:8, 1 Cor 12:28.
Proposed construct: Interest, perceived ability, and reported practice in planning and coordinating church work.
Boundary: Does not verify operational competence, financial controls, or suitability for leadership office.
Scriptural basis and interpretation: 1 Corinthians 12:28 names administrations or guidance; Romans 12:8 names leading, a related but distinct term.
q081 · I organize people and tasks so a church ministry can serve well.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported organization of people and tasks for church service.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q082 · I bring structure to a church project when responsibilities are unclear.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported structuring of unclear church project responsibilities.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q083 · I can break a ministry goal into workable steps.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: The participant's own judgment of ease or ability · Why this item: Self-appraised ability to plan workable steps toward a ministry goal.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q084 · I coordinate volunteers and schedules with care for people's time.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported coordination that respects volunteer time.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q085 · I design simple processes that help ministry teams follow through.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported design of processes for ministry follow-through.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q086 · I keep track of details and deadlines for church work I agree to manage.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported tracking of deadlines and details in agreed work.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q087 · I enjoy planning the logistics of a church event.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: Desire, value, interest, attention, or intended action · Why this item: Interest in planning church event logistics.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q088 · I check whether a ministry plan is working and adjust it when needed.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported monitoring and adjustment of a ministry plan.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q089 · I notice bottlenecks in a ministry process and propose specific improvements.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported identification and repair of process bottlenecks.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
q090 · I help a team clarify who will do what and by when.
Gift: Administration · Weight: 1 · Direct scored · Answers 1–5
Signal: A concrete practice the participant says they do · Why this item: Reported clarification of owners and deadlines for team tasks.
A one-point change in this answer changes the unrounded role score by:
People choose in account settings whether their latest completed survey contributes. We publish group summaries only after at least 30 people opt in, round percentages to 5-point steps, and hide response categories contributed by fewer than ten different people. Names, email addresses, individual answers, and individual results are never in the public statistics API. Our small-group publishing rule is informed by NIST SP 800-188.
See the statisticsWe walked through the ChurchGrowth.org survey with synthetic answers. It has 108 required items across four question pages and three frequency choices worth 0, 1, or 2 in its online form. A new user then reaches an account step requesting name, email, and password. We stopped before registration, so we did not see its private report or scoring formula. Our 90-item survey uses five response choices, an email sign-in link, public item and role weights, and owner-controlled exports. These are product differences; comparative validity and outcomes remain untested.
The version also stores an earlier twelve-area score map. Current role recommendations use the role matrix above. For completeness, these are the earlier stored weights:
Giving × 1, Administration × 1
Exhortation × 1, Shepherding × 1, Mercy-showing × 1, Serving × 0.5, Giving × 0.5
Teaching × 0.5, Administration × 0.5
Serving × 1, Administration × 0.5
Exhortation × 0.5, Mercy-showing × 0.5, Serving × 1
Evangelism × 0.5, Teaching × 1, Exhortation × 1, Shepherding × 0.5, Mercy-showing × 0.5, Serving × 0.5
Prophecy × 1, Teaching × 0.5, Exhortation × 0.5, Shepherding × 1, Administration × 1
Evangelism × 1, Giving × 1, Administration × 0.5
Evangelism × 1, Prophecy × 0.5, Giving × 0.5
Mercy-showing × 1
Prophecy × 1, Teaching × 1, Exhortation × 1, Shepherding × 0.5
Evangelism × 0.5, Prophecy × 0.5