Should I take a spiritual gifts test/inventory/assessment? Do spiritual gifts tests have any value?

TL;DR:

Spiritual gift tests can provide helpful insights, but they cannot replace the Holy Spirit's guidance in revealing our gifts. The best way to discover our spiritual gifts is through active service in community and a growing relationship with God.

what does the bible say?

Christians should want to know about their spiritual gifts. In this pursuit, some have developed various spiritual gifts tests to help people identify their specific gift. Spiritual gifts tests are developed based on a person or group's interpretations of the biblical teachings regarding spiritual gifts. For example, how a writer defines a spiritual gift will determine which traits are used in questions on a test. These may or may not be accurate in comparison with the Bible's intended meaning. The best a spiritual gifts test can do is provide direction, not specific answers. If a person gets top scores in teaching, this could help someone see that he or she really cares about the Bible and sharing it with others. However, every believer should have this trait. Even so, when compared to other spiritual gifts, certain gifts may stand out over others to show strengths and weaknesses that can help in better serving the Lord. This can be a positive experience, even if the test has limited helpfulness. Ultimately, believers can discover their spiritual gifts by spending time in prayer, reflecting on their passions, talents, and the needs of others within their church community. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, being open to growth, and actively serving others will ultimately reveal the unique gifts God has entrusted to us. Rather than relying solely on tests, believers should trust that God equips us for His purposes. As we seek to glorify Him and live faithfully for Him, our gifts will become evident.

from the old testament

Spiritual gifts are mentioned in the New Testament.

from the new testament

Spiritual gifts are abilities the Holy Spirit gives to believers to build up the body of Christ, serve others, and glorify God, as described in passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13. These gifts include teaching, prophecy, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, administration, and serving, among others. Each is intended to contribute to the unity and growth of the church.
Early Christians did not need a test to determine how to best serve God or to discover their spiritual gifts. The first Christians all participated to meet the needs of the church and reach unbelievers (Acts 2:42-47).
A spiritual gifts test may have some value. However, a more helpful approach is to model the early believers who prayed, learned from the apostles' teachings, spent time together, and sought to meet needs. As they did, God revealed certain gifts and callings to each person. For example, Barnabas sold a field he had to give the money to the church (Acts 4:36-37). He would become known as a son of encouragement and later helped bring Paul into the church as a leader. God revealed his gift through the life he lived for Christ.

implications for today

If we want to know how God has gifted us, we should spend more time with the One who gives the gifts. Developing a deep relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance helps us as we seek His will. This allows us to identify the unique ways He has equipped us for His purposes. Spiritual maturity also helps us discern how to use these gifts effectively in service. In the meantime, we don’t need to know or fully understand our spiritual gifts to glorify God, serve others, and love well with the opportunities He has given us. As we actively serve the Lord in the community of other believers, we create opportunities for God to work through us, and the Holy Spirit reveals more clearly how He has equipped us and what role we play in His kingdom. God prepares us to fulfill His purposes in ways that we may not have imagined. Ultimately, it is through our faithful obedience and trust in Him that we discover the unique calling He has placed on our lives.He empowers us to serve for the good of the body and to reflect His character to those around us, for His glory.

understand

Spiritual gifts tests offer direction but cannot replace the Holy Spirit's guidance and spiritual growth.
Spiritual gifts are for serving others and are best discovered through prayer and active service.
Deepening our relationship with God reveals our gifts as we serve faithfully.

reflect

What has been helpful in discovering your spiritual gifts?
How have you seen God use your gifts in your life and in the lives of others?
How do you actively serve in your community of believers, and how has that helped you grow in recognizing your spiritual gifts?

engage

How might we encourage others to discover their spiritual gifts through service and seeking the Lord, rather than relying solely on tests?
What are the dangers of over-relying on spiritual gifts tests when trying to identify one's calling in the church?
How can we help others discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance in their lives to develop and use their gifts for God’s glory?