APEST
A is for Apostles"Apostle" means "one who is sent". Apostles are idea people, who are always thinking of how to extend the reach of the Gospel. They're focused on reaching nonbelievers in whatever way they can.
Apostles are so driven to reach the lost, they don't often notice that they can treat people like tools instead of partners. Thus, Apostles need other leaders by their side to remind them not to be too hard on the people they're leading. Apostles are often good at evangelism, so Apostles sometimes double as Evangelists. Therefore, they need Shepherds to help build the flock as they collect more members. |
P is for ProphetsProphets clearly hear and understand the Word of God. They can hear and understand His voice in a way some believers can't. This doesn't make prophets more connected to God, it just means they're more sensitive to His voice.
Prophets can lean one of two ways: They can become hostile and argumentative toward the community not following the Text, or they can disengage from the community not following the Text altogether. Thus, Prophets need other leaders by their side to remind them of Isra'el's failures and Yahweh's grace and forgiveness. Prophets are often able to clearly communicate, making them effective teachers, so Prophets sometimes double as Teachers. Therefore, they need Apostles and Evangelists who can bring new members to the community, and Shepherds to help build the community up. |
E is for EvangelistsEvangelists are just that—evangelists! Evangelists are often extraverts who love meeting new people and making new friends. They're focused on bringing new faces to their churches and ministries in an effort to spread the Gospel.
Evangelists are always in recruitment mode, but that makes it a little difficult for evangelists to retain relationships with everyone they meed. Thus, Evangelists need Shepherds by their side to help people not be hurt by the unintentional abandonment by the Evangelist. Evangelists are often focused on reaching nonbelievers with the Gospel, so Evangelists sometimes double as Apostles. For this reason, they need Shepherds and Teachers who can help build up and teach the community they help build. |
S is for ShepherdsShepherds are often small group leaders in church or ministry settings. Shepherds are nurturers who often have a tight circle of friends and regularly checks in on them and genuinely cares for them.
Shepherds often find themselves longing for stability. But a Church should be constantly growing in changing. Thus, Shepherds need Apostles and Evangelists who can encourage and help Shepherds through near constant changes. Since shepherds often find themselves leading small groups or discussion groups, they sometimes double as Teachers. Their knack for discipleship brings the need for Evangelists who can continue bringing new disciples for them to help build up and send out to help fulfill the mission. |
T is for TeachersTeachers have a love for studying and relaying information to believers in their community, whether in a small group or from the stage on Sunday service. Teachers often have much knowledge of the Text, as they spend a lot of time in it.
Teachers can sometimes value knowledge over emotion and can see things in a very black-and-white perspective. Thus, Teachers need other leaders by their side to help guide them towards a better perspective. Every other aspect of APEST could double as Teachers and every other aspect of APEST needs Teachers, as well as Teachers need every other aspect of APEST. |