Discovering Your Role in God's Church: APEST Gifts and the Call to Serve

Discovering Your Role in God's Church:
APEST Gifts and the Call to Serve

Why do certain tasks energise you while others drain you?
Why are you passionate about some aspects of church life but not others?
The answer may lie in how God has uniquely gifted you to serve His Church.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, the Apostle Paul unveils a divine blueprint for how the Church is meant to function and flourish. Verse 11 tells us: "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers." (Ephesians 4:11, NLT)

These five roles - often called the APEST gifts - are not positions of prestige, but functions of purpose. Christ Himself gave these roles to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up in unity, maturity, and love.

Apostles are pioneers and visionaries who expand the Kingdom.
Prophets bring spiritual insight and direction.
Evangelists passionately share the good news of Jesus.
Shepherds (Pastors) care for and nurture the flock.
Teachers ground us in truth and sound doctrine.

But here is the beautiful part: you don't have to stand behind a pulpit to walk in these gifts. Every believer is invited and called to discover and use their spiritual gifts. And when each person does their part, something powerful happens.

Paul continues: "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." (Ephesians 4:16, NLT)

What a picture of unity! You have a special work - a God-given role to play. Whether it's encouraging others, teaching a Bible study, leading worship, reaching out to neighbours, or offering wise counsel, your contribution matters. It helps the whole Church become healthier, stronger, and more loving.

So, friend, don't bury your gifts. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them. Seek wise counsel, take a spiritual gifts assessment if helpful, and - most importantly - start serving. You don't need a title to have a testimony or a pulpit to have a purpose. The Church needs you to be you, empowered by God's Spirit and equipped for His glory.

You were created with intention. Gifted by grace. Called for a purpose. So, rise up and take your place in God's divine design - because when you serve, the whole body grows.