I’m partway through Alan Hirsch and Tim Catchim’s latest book, Permanent Revolution, and it certainly provides some food for thought. It’s the most thorough treatment of APEST (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) that I’ve seen. APEST, obviously, has huge implications in the world of church planting and Christian leadership.
One thought that has stood out to me so far is the assertion that all believers, not just leaders, fall somewhere on this spectrum. Whatever gifts God has given them, they tend to concentrate in one of these five areas. I’m sure I’ll have many more thoughts when I’ve finished the book, but for now I’d just encourage you to read along with me.
Sounds like a good read, but I’m just at the beginning of “Viral Jesus” by Ross Rohde. Perhaps after that.
Before taking the survey at their web site I would have rated myself from strongest to weakest as: Teacher, evangelist, apostle, pastor, prophet.
Their survey yielded almost the exact same results with one huge difference. Here is how I rated on their survey: PROPHET, teacher, evangelist, apostle, pastor.
My initial reaction was “Me a prophet? No way!” However, upon further reflection, I believe that my ministry to churches and their leaders, to help them see strengths and weaknesses and to motivate and help them to move in the right direction to become healthier churches IS a prophetic ministry.