Depending on your church background, the “spiritual gifts” conversation is either a regular feature of your discipleship track or the thing your small group leader awkwardly speed-ran through because someone brought up tongues again.
But whether you’re new to the idea or you’ve already taken five different spiritual gift assessments and still don’t know what exhortation means, one thing’s for sure: some gifts are louder than others—and some will absolutely blow up your small group dynamic.
So in the interest of transparency and low-stakes chaos, here’s our unofficial ranking of the spiritual gifts—not by importance (they’re all from God, relax), but by how much drama they tend to stir up in your average Thursday night gathering.
10. Administration
Drama Level: Near zero, but don’t test their patience
The Google Doc is already made. The carpool spreadsheet is updated. They didn’t say anything when you missed your volunteer shift, but you felt the disappointment radiate across the room.
9. Mercy
Drama Level: Emotionally stabilizing, but don’t push them
The person who always notices when someone’s off and texts you after group. They’re the reason half the group is still showing up. But once a year, they’ll cry. And you’ll deserve it.
8. Giving
Drama Level: None, but a little intimidating
They Venmo you unprompted. They brought actual groceries for someone’s need. They tithe with joy and make you wonder how you’re spending so much at Target every week.
7. Leadership
Drama Level: Mostly just scheduling conflict
This person isn’t officially in charge, but somehow they’re assigning snacks and restructuring the prayer rotation. Resistance is futile. You’re in a subcommittee now.
6. Evangelism
Drama Level: Depends on how extroverted they are
The evangelist wants to take the group to the park and talk to strangers. Everyone else just wants to discuss the study guide and maybe pray about work stress. Tension simmers quietly.
5. Teaching
Drama Level: Polite debate until someone brings up Greek
Starts with insight, ends with footnotes. A good teacher brings clarity. A slightly overconfident one brings “Have you actually read the original language?” energy. It’s a fine line.
4. Healing
Drama Level: High expectations, mixed results
Everyone wants to believe. No one knows what to say if it doesn’t happen. The group ends up in that tense prayer-holding pattern where you’re not sure if it’s your turn or not.
3. Discernment
Drama Level: Low-key psychological warfare
It’s subtle until it isn’t. The discerner won’t say anything outright, but will just mention “a check in their spirit” and suddenly everyone’s questioning their last three decisions and that one guy they’re dating.
2. Tongues (with interpretation, if you’re lucky)
Drama Level: Full theological flashpoint
You never forget the first time someone prays in tongues in a circle of mostly Baptists. Half the group has follow-up questions. The other half has trauma. At least one person is quietly texting their old youth pastor.
1. Prophecy
Drama Level: Uncomfortably personal, occasionally spot-on
The moment someone says “I feel like God told me…” the room tenses. This could be a powerful moment—or a polite silence followed by, “Thanks for sharing that.” Either way, someone’s walking away emotionally scrambled.
We’re not saying one gift is more chaotic than another. We’re just saying the next time someone brings up tongues in group, you’ll be ready.
