Discover Your APEST Design.
WHAT IS APEST?
APEST comes from Ephesians 4:11–16, where Paul describes five ways Christ equips His people to participate in His mission: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher.
APEST is not about titles or positions. It is a framework for understanding how God has uniquely designed you to contribute to the Body of Christ. While we can grow in all five areas, most people naturally lean toward one or two. Understanding your APEST design can help you recognize your strengths, understand how you approach ministry, and discover where you can make your greatest contribution.
The Five APEST Designs
A — Apostle
Apostles are pioneers. They see what could be, initiate new works, develop strategies, and help extend the mission into new places.
Common traits: Visionary, strategic, catalytic, faith-filled, innovative.
P — Prophet
Prophets help people return to God and His truth. They are often sensitive to what is right, wrong, just, or spiritually significant and are willing to speak truth when necessary.
Common traits: Discerning, truth-telling, justice-seeking, spiritually attuned, courageous.
E — Evangelist
Evangelists naturally invite others into the Kingdom story. They build bridges, communicate persuasively, and enjoy helping people connect with Jesus and His community.
Common traits: Relational, persuasive, enthusiastic, welcoming, bridge-building.
S — Shepherd
Shepherds care deeply for people. They create belonging, nurture growth, protect community, and help people feel known, supported, and valued.
Common traits: Empathetic, protective, encouraging, hospitable, team-centered.
T — Teacher
Teachers help people understand and live according to truth. They enjoy studying, organizing ideas, explaining Scripture, and helping others develop a strong foundation.
Common traits: Wise, clear, systematic, instructive, biblically rooted.
How Do I Determine My APEST Design?
Your APEST design is discovered through more than simply taking an assessment. Look for the evidence of how God consistently works through you. Pay attention to what comes naturally, what gives you energy, what others recognize in you, and where you repeatedly see fruit.
For example, you may notice some of these natural evidences:
APEST Natural Evidences
Apostolic Vision, persuasion, faith, miracles, wisdom, knowledge
Prophetic Prophetic insight, vision, wisdom, knowledge, spiritual expression
Evangelistic Contextual witness, vision, persuasion, miracles, wisdom, discernment
Shepherding Encouragement, helping, mercy, hospitality, intercession, interpretation
Teaching Study, instruction, exhortation, order, giving, craftsmanship, interpretation
As you consider your results, ask yourself: Does this align with my experience? What comes naturally to me? Where have others consistently affirmed me? What kinds of ministry give me energy rather than simply requiring energy? Where do I see lasting fruit? And is there anything about my design that surprises me?
Your APEST design isn't meant to put you in a box. It gives you language for understanding how God has wired you while helping you appreciate why the Church needs people who are wired differently from you.
The goal isn't simply to know your letters. The goal is to become more intentional about using your God-given design “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:12