The following is a brief description of spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. There is no way of knowing if this list is complete as there may be other gifts not named in the Bible, but is a good place to start in understanding how God may have gifted a person.

Administration (Romans 12.8; 1 Corinthians 12.28)
The ability to develop, implement and complete short and long term goals successfully. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need such as Nehemiah’s reconstruction of the wall around Jerusalem, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit like God gave to King David. The apostle Paul exhibited great administrative abilities when starting churches, but not as much in keeping them going. He handed the churches over to leaders who exhibited the administrative ability over the long term.

Apostleship (l Corinthians 12.28; Ephesians 4.1)
Apostle refers to the twelve and a few others like Paul and Barnabus. The gift was given for the founding of the church and accredited by special signs (1 Corinthians. 12.12; Ephesians. 2.20). An apostle was one who had actually been with Jesus. Paul was the last living man to have been bestowed "apostle" as he was the last man to see Christ (on the road to Damascus, remember?). This gift is no longer available, as Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father.

Discerning Spirits (l Corinthians 12.10)
The ability to discern between true and false sources of supernatural revelation and spiritual presences. Muhammad claimed to have received a scroll from an angelic being, but if the Quran is an accurate representation of its teachings we can discern that the writing is clearly not of God. Some people are gifted in a way that allows them to know when a false spirit is near. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit.

Evangelism (Ephesians 4.1 1)
The ability to proclaim the gospel with exceptional clarity. Philip clearly exhibited this gift and is even called “Philip the Evangelist”. Paul also exhibited the gift frequently as he approached the Gentiles, though oddly the gift was not as efficacious among his fellow Jews. Having a gift does not mean This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit.

Exhortation (Romans 12.8)
The ability to encourage, comfort and admonish people. This gift is not a license to bully or to be gruff in the delivery of truth. A wonderful example is the prophet Nathan’s confronting King David with the sin over the Bathsheba incident (2 Samuel 12). Exhortation that leads to change is a true gift. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit.

Faith (l Corinthians 12.9)
Taking God at His word. Everyone is given a measure of faith for salvation, but not all have the gift of faith, enabling the righteous man's prayers to avail much. Though faith may ebb and surge throughout life, this gift is permanently manifest in the one who possesses it.

Giving (Romans 12.8)
Being generous with the means one has (remember the widow's mite). This is a gift that, once discovered, will grow in proportion to faith until the outward signs of the gift are visible and identifiable. Giving doesn’t always mean money, it is being generous with what one has. Giving an extra coffee maker to someone who doesn’t, or giving one’s time to help a neighbor are all examples of this gift if it can be identified as a lifestyle and not a singular event.

Helps (l Corinthians ]2.28)
The ability to increase the effectiveness of God's ministers and ministries by providing assistance. Before Philip became “the Evangelist” he was first “Philip the helper of widows” (Acts 6).

Hospitality (3 John .5-.8)
Opening one's home and resources in a combination of mercy and giving that cares for the guest’s present needs and send them along the next leg of their journey prepared with all they will need.

Intercession (Colossians 4.12)
The ability to prayerfully intercede for others, seeking specific results, for the benefit of those being prayed for. In John chapter 17 Jesus prays for the disciples, interceding for them, making specific requests of the father on their behalf. This gift can also be used to help disputing parties and even in legal matters.

Knowledge (l Corinthians 12.8)
The ability to observe, analyze and understand concepts and processes that benefit the world generally and the body specifically. Generally, this gift is permanently manifest once given, though mind altering drugs, perpetual sin, and a seared conscience can all result in losing this gift.

Leadership (Romans 12.8)
The ability to understand how a vision can be realized, and to guide others in accomplishing the goals that will bring it about. There are many examples of the gift in Scripture, not all dealing with Israel or the church. It took leadership to rebuild the temple and the wall around Jerusalem during the Babylonian conquest, for example.

Mercy (Romans 12.8) Serving those who are sick and afflicted either physically, emotionally or spiritually. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit but is generally manifest throughout the believer’s life.

Miracles and Healings (l Corinthians 12.28; 12.9, 12.28, 12.30)
The ability to perform special signs including physical healing, the purpose of which (Acts 13.1 1, 19.11-.12, Phil. i.27; 1 Timothy 5.23; 2 Timothy 4.20) is to authenticate the Gospel message. This gift is given to fulfill a specific need and is not a permanently manifested gift.

Pastor (Ephesians 4.11)
This is the ability to shepherd, provide for, care for, and protect God's people. This gift is generally manifest throughout the believers life in Christ.

Prophecy (Romans 12.6; 1 Corinthians 12. 10; 14.1-.40; Ephesians 4.11)
The prophet is to convict evildoers, and have upon occasion validated their message by predicting future events. In the Old Testament, prophets were responsible for watching the nation and correcting national sins before God would discipline them by striking out against their ]and (either through drought, or plague, or just giving to a foreign invader). The gift of prophecy, therefore, is also the ability to see spiritual failure within the body of Christ and to deliver warnings regarding the body's spiritual direction. It is important to note that this is not pessimism or mere whining, but is to be followed with a message of hope in order that the body may be edified. This gift is given to fulfill a specific need and is not a permanently manifested gift.

Serving (Romans 12.7; 1 Corinthians 12.28; Ephesians 4.12)
The ability to help or serve in the broadest sense of the word. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit.

Singleness/Marriage (1 Corinthians 7.7)
Both entail being a faithful steward (1 Corinthians. 4.2), growing in sanctification (1 Thessalonians. 4.3), and redeeming the time (Ephesians. 5.16). The single person need pay special attention to purity, financial discipline, using free time to study the Word, and to seek opportunities to serve.

Teaching (Romans. 12.7; 1 Corinthians 12.28; Ephesians 4.1 1)
This is the ability to explain God's truth to people. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a lifelong gift by the Holy Spirit.

Tongues and Interpretation (l Corinthians 12.10)
Tongues is the God-given ability for one to speak a language not previously know. Interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret the speaker’s message. The first use of tongues was in Acts chapter two. The purpose of tongues is to communicate truth from God, and to authenticate the truth of the Christian message. Because of abuses of the gift Paul laid down explicit rules for their use. Uninterpreted tongues, including a private prayer language, is unfruitful (12.14).

Wisdom (l Corinthians 12.8)
The ability to understand and communicate God's truth; being able to cut through details and discern the most prudent course or action. This gift can be given to fulfill a specific need, or it may be a life-long gift by the Holy Spirit.