One of the elements that comes up in every movement that is successful is a ministry formula that is sufficient for the task. Having the missional and attractional play nicely together.

Study of Ephesians 4

This passage is almost a silver bullet. Almost. Bringing this passage into the DNA of your church will bring more chaos, but good chaos.

Ephesians is a general letter. It has significance for all churches of all times. Foundation for the church. It is a constitutional document. It provides foundation on how we think about the church. It was written to the local group of diverse people-common everyday folks. It was NOT for leaders. That is an important piece to understand. This text/call is for all of us. LEADERSHIP is a call WITHIN this broader calling we all receive.

Ephesians 4:1-6: It is a call to unity in God.

Ephesians 4:7-11: Giving the gift of being a shepherd to the church.

Ephesians 4:12-16: Description of what the mature church ought to be.

Too much emphasis has been placed on the pastor/teacher role in the church. We’re lacking the apostolic language. The word missional comes from the Latin for sent. Apostolic is the Greek. It is super important to not only integrate the missional language, but the idea/action behind it.

If you want your movement to grow, you must have a missional element. This is the biblical design that the early church demonstrates. Movements begin with the full expression of Jesus’ example. But as it grows, the apostolic, prophetic, and evangelists are booted out. That leaves pastors and teachers. Movements that continue to grow and refresh have a full apostolic, prophetic, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher expression.

Definitions for APEST model:

apostolic: extending Christianity on to new ground

prophet: people sensitive to God. Mouthpieces for God.

evangelist: recruits to the cause. people buy in because of who they are.

shepherd: builds community, relationships, connections

teacher: brings knowledge

sidenote: Alan Hirsch thinks Mac is a cult.

The church has been put against itself: those who express the full APEST model, and those who only express ST. Alan thinks it is a demonic work that we’re set against ourselves. What better way to bring down a church than pit it against itself?

Be wary of the catch-all title of Pastor. The word pastor is used once in the new testament.

Difference between Apostolic and Evangelistic: result of Apostolic is extension to new ground, Evangelistic is growth.