The Test of Spiritual Gifts is an assessment of ministry that emerges from the comprehensive statement of the ministry structure, Ephesians 4:7,11-12. Within this passage we find APEST's fivefold ministry: Apostolic, Prophetic, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher.

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But to each of us, grace was given as Christ imparted it. It was He who gave us our capabilities to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be shepherds, and some to be teachers, to prepare God's people for the works of service, to make up the body of Christ.

 

All five of these ministries are needed to generate, call, and sustain a full ministry in the Jesus movement. In fact, all five ministries in a dynamic relationship with one another are absolutely essential for vigorous discipleship. 

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FIND YOUR MINISTRY PROFILE

Download and print the gifts test. Fill it out and read your profile description below.

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APOSTLE

The uniqueness of the apostolic ministry lies in its capacity for pioneering, innovation, and mission work. This style has the facility to supervise the development of apostolic works. The role of the Apostle has a unique sense of being sent, crafted specifically for a purpose. The Apostle has an inner sense of urgency for the future, an awareness of tomorrow's needs. Apostolic ministry seeks opportunities to involve causes of greater importance than themselves. The mindset is often trans-local, larger, and more comprehensive than the immediate. The Apostle is the keeper of the organization's DNA, or the identity of the community and cause. He is usually an entrepreneur, a pioneer and a strategist who seeks to initiate the purpose, service, or mission in the organization or individual. Apostolic communities have impacts. through their extension through their outreach? by extending their influence (?)*... Apostolic people bring about movement and change. Apostolic influences ensure that Christianity is handed down from one context to another, from one age to another.

Impact:

ONE THAT EXTENDS, ONE THAT IS SENT.

Cast vision for those around you. Don't be afraid to let your passion and enthusiasm ignite the lives of others. Listen to other people's questions and comments. Often these elements will identify details that need to be integrated into your message, providing greater clarity. Don't be afraid to explain why certain people, organizations and resources are needed to stabilize the vision.

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PROPHET

The genius of Prophetic influence is the ability to discern spiritual realities in a given situation or community. This style communicates the elements of spiritual realities in a clear and appropriate way. The Prophet's main concern is to promote the mission of the people and communities of God. Prophetic ministry has an innate sense of knowing the mind of God in matters related to growth and transformation. The prophet is usually concerned about how changes made today are needed to make progress in the future. The Prophet seeks integration between spiritual realities and immediate needs. He is a questioner, freely disturbing the status quo. He or she challenges individuals and organizations to move in a different direction and become more faithful to the Bible. The prophet can probe the individual or the group’s conscience to provoke questioning, all to gain clarity in accordance with God's will. The impact of the prophet's influence on communities comes through integration and the search for social justice. This ministry influences others by the truth - always telling the truth. He or she is not afraid to speak tense words, using an authoritative way of thinking and practicing.

Impact:

INTEGRATION, WHO KNOWS

You have great faith in what you believe. Explain those beliefs to others. Your precise knowledge of what God calls us to do will encourage and reassure people who naturally question things, or who are indecisive. These encouragements and assurances foster a sense of trust in others, as well help them to develop skills in faithfulness, obedience, and the ability to influence others.

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EVANGELIST

Evangelistic ministry communicates the gospel message in a way that people respond to with greater conviction and purpose in life. Evangelistic influence inspires people and is tied to more powerful follow-up and discipleship commitments. The evangelist recruits others to a cause. Usually, he or she feels the urgency of the moment and involves what needs to be changed now to what should happen in the future. Often the evangelist is comfortable around believing people and even more so with non-believers--seeing each one for who they can be. As the owner of the message, the evangelist will make great sacrifices to achieve a genuine response. He or she is a communicator, a recruiter who carries the organization’s message out with ease in order to convince people. The evangelist's influence promotes ideas or vision to gain loyalty to a cause. He or she is a person who impacts the community through expansion thinking.

Impact:

EXPANSION. THE ONE WHO RECRUITS.

You believe that the community of faith is a place where people need to belong. This belonging is achieved through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Establish meaningful relationships and a genuine commitment to people in your community; this will build confidence in support of the work you are called to do.

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SHEPERD

Pastoral ministry feeds, protects and cares for people. The pastor's primary role is that they are the caregivers of individuals. Influence Pastor is a people-oriented motivator who develops and supports healthy relational systems. Pastor has the unique ability to know and understand people's needs and to foster development in others. The shepherd focuses on today's needs and manages people through meaningful and personal contact. Often, the shepherd has a unique understanding of the feelings and emotions of others, creating a sincere relational bond. He or she will usually seek to create safe environments for spiritual growth and discipleship. A shepherd believes in the need to address today's needs at the expense of focusing on tomorrow's needs. Shepherds are humanizers and provide the emotional glue for the care of individuals within an organization. The shepherd influences others by his or her deep love, care, and protection under their safe keeping.

Impact:

THE NURTURER: THE ONE WHO CARES

You have the unique ability to provide a comfortable space for people where maturity and trust grow in relationships for their personal and spiritual growth. Look for places to serve as a counselor, discipler, caregiver, or role model. Be aware of the possibility that codependency may occur between you and those you are leading.

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TEACHER

The genius of the teaching ministry is one’s capacity to reveal and communicate God's wisdom. Teachers inspire others to learn and obey the truth of Christ's teachings and commandments. As an individual, he or she is the one who explains and seeks clarification of truth. The teacher focuses on truly integrating the personal and social elements of the community. The master can be seen as a systematizer, seeking to organize various intellectual and practical parts into a cohesive working unit. With this kind of understanding, the teacher advances a cause through clear and simple communication. Typically, he or she articulates, organizes and structures to accomplish a task or further a cause. The teacher's impacts on the community come through understanding. The teacher influences others by clarifying the mind and will of God to gain wisdom and understanding.

Impact:

THE ONE WHO EXPLAINS

The teacher values understanding. You have a deep understanding of what God is communicating to his people. Ask to be involved in areas of teaching, small group facilitation or curriculum writing. Your expanded understanding of common lessons and beliefs will provide meaningful application for others.