Last month, we finished our APEST trainings. I am grateful for all the work that you all put into presenting on the functions of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher. If you are like me, then you realize to say we “finished the training” is misleading (to say the least!), as there seems to be a growing sense that we are just getting started with understanding how these functions work together to…
By Nate Smith October’s Simple Church leadership meeting was a discussion on the Ephesians 4:11-12 passage. The conversation revolved around the apostle’s characteristics led by Chris Phebus. Here are some notes that were gathered from Wednesday night: Apostle: Someone who is sent Why is there a rejection of those who are called to be apostles? This is due to the argument that this gift along with other gifts died out with the first century church. However, it may be due to today’s church making excuses for not going out. How did Paul function as an apostle? This part of the… Read More »Simple Church Training: Apostles
For the past several months, those involved in leading, co-leading, or considering to lead simple church communities have been examining the importance of the five-fold ministry laid out in Ephesians 4. You may recall that I encouraged everyone to consider if they tend to “function” as an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, or Teacher (APEST). You may also recall that I pointed everyone to an online assessment that I later discouraged because I felt that it was not really helpful or accurate (and it cost money). Well, this week I found another online five-fold ministry assessment that is FREE. While I… Read More »Free Five Fold Survey
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13 In the passage, Paul is writing to all believers (not just the church leaders) and states that Christ has gifted His body with people equipped to function in different roles. Alan Hirsch, author of The… Read More »APEST