Link: APEPT.
The Genius of APEPT
What if Ephesians 4:1-16 was a model for the kind of leadership required to build movements?
Frost and Hirsch believe that Paul laid out in this passage a fivefold leadership matrix around the functions listed in verse 11: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (or APEPT for short). They interpret Paul’s list as the very mechanism for achieving movement building as well as Christian maturity.
Here’s how they define these foundational leadership functions of APEPT. Are they present in your movement building environment?
Apostolic function, usually conducted translocally, pioneers new missional works and oversees their development.
Prophetic function discerns the spiritual realities in a given situation and communicates them in a timely and appropriate way to further the mission of God’s people.
Evangelistic function communicate the gospel in such a way that people respond in faith and discipleship.
Pastoral function shepherds the people of God by leading, nuturing, protecting and caring for them.
Teaching function communicates the revealed wisdom of God so that the people of God learn how to obey all that Christ has commanded them.