Stacy Gaskins, an expert in utilizing APEST for microchurch communities, discusses the significance of APEST gifts for growth and resistance of the church. They explore the relationship between individual callings and the concept of fivefold ministry in micro churches, and the tension between recognizing unique gifts and addressing conflicts within the community.
Incorporating all five roles of the APEST framework can create a more balanced and effective microchurch ministry.
Understanding the dynamics of different gift dominance within a microchurch can help leaders navigate tensions and challenges to foster growth and maturity.
Deep dives
Understanding APEST and the Five-Fold Ministry
The podcast episode delves into the concept of APEST and the five-fold ministry roles mentioned in Ephesians 4. These include apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, each with their unique roles and contributions to the church. The episode highlights how Western churches tend to prioritize the shepherd and teacher roles, overlooking the generative gifts of apostles, prophets, and evangelists. The speaker emphasizes the significance of incorporating all five roles to create a more balanced and effective ministry. The episode also explores the tensions that may arise when different gifts dominate a microchurch and offers strategies to bridge the gaps and leverage the existing gifts in the community.
Recognizing the Impact of Different Gift Dominance
The podcast discusses how the dominance of certain gifts within a microchurch can shape its dynamics and outcomes. For example, when shepherds dominate, the group may become risk-averse and avoid conflict, resulting in a lack of creativity and innovation. Similarly, a heavy emphasis on teaching can sometimes lead to a more rationalistic and moralistic focus, prioritizing doctrine over action. The speaker also highlights the effects of apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic dominance, including drivenness, sect-like tendencies, and a potential overemphasis on numerical growth. Understanding these dynamics can help microchurch leaders navigate tensions and challenges that arise from different gift dominance.
Filling the Gift Gaps in a Microchurch
The episode explores strategies for filling gift gaps within a microchurch. Prayer is emphasized as a means of seeking God's guidance and provision in bringing in individuals with the needed gifts. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to increase their level of invitation to people in order to cultivate a diverse mix of gifts. Utilizing network-wide events and gatherings can also provide exposure to different gift sets and offer opportunities for growth and learning. The speaker highlights the importance of self-awareness within the microchurch, creating spaces for dialogue, evaluating missing gifts, and pursuing maturity in existing gifts.
Embracing Tensions and Leveraging Gift Diversity
The episode suggests embracing tensions and leveraging the diversity of gifts within a microchurch. By increasing awareness and understanding of different gift perspectives, microchurch members can better appreciate and learn from one another. Balancing these tensions and navigating differing viewpoints can be generative and lead to increased creativity. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of listening to one another, valuing the unique contributions each gift brings, and creating spaces for genuine dialogue. Through self-evaluation and intentional initiatives, microchurches can bridge gaps, address missing gifts, and strengthen their overall ministry.
Thanks for tuning into this episode of Microchurches! Continuing in our Microchurch Conversations series, this week we'll hear from Stacy Gaskins as we talk through giftings within a microchurch, and more specifically how tools like APEST can help microchurch communities mature and more fully and effectively fulfill their calling.
The Microchurches podcast is presented by The Underground Network, a network of microchurches and missionaries in the Tampa Bay area. We exist to inspire, engage, connect and empower missional people, churches and networks. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast and/or other Underground resources and would like to support, click here to give.
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