APEST Gift Overview

ADD

February 8th 2026

Series: Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Sermon Title: APEST Gift Overview

Topic: What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and in this part, specifically APEST gifts.

Key Passages: 1 Corinthians 3:10, Jeremiah 1:5, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Peter 5:2-3, 2 Timothy 2:2

Topic: Holy Spirit, Gifts

Sermon Blurb: In today’s message, we will give people an APEST test and an overview of those gifts.

***1st week ODD months add communion & target message at 15 pages.

***1st week EVEN months add space for dedication, baptism, or ministry highlight & target message at 15 pages.

***Green in sermons means illustration, something we are looking for a response from, and/or a picture that goes on the screens.

***Yellow means what is yellow will be on the screens and in the handout.

Dedication, Baptism, or Ministry Highlight (1st Sunday, every even month):

Sermon:

Hello, Family Church!

        Welcome, whether you are here in person or online.

Family Moment –

Start with something personal from your family life recently to help people get to know you.

Celebrate salvation/rededications/baptisms last week.

Celebrate new disciples and disciple-makers.

PAUSE

If you are new to Family Church, we are SO happy you are here today!

Today, we will begin learning about some of the ways God gifts us.

If you were here over the last two years, as we walked through the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament series, you saw all kinds of ways the Holy Spirit equipped and empowered people to do things.

Last weekend, we looked at how the Holy Spirit gave the gift of children to two families.

Gifts can be spiritual.

Gifts can be physical.

Gifts can be relational.

Gifts can come in all different shapes and sizes.

And this part of this series will walk down several different roads.

As we learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

And we are all NOT gifted the same by God.

        We do NOT have all the same talents.

        Abilities.

        And so on.

And that is a GOOD thing.

PAUSE

But here is what we want to do today.

        Today will be a slightly different sermon from normal.

(HAVE USHERS READY TO HELP!!!!...try to have ushers be pushy and give EVERYONE a test on the way in….)

Now I know when a lot of you walk through the doors, you do not grab a bulletin….

But today, you might have noticed we tried to make everyone take one.

        That is because we want ALL of you to take a little test!

If you do NOT have a bulletin, will you please raise your hands so we can give you one…

        I want you ALL to do what I am about to ask you to do….

        And this is not a right and wrong answer test.

        This is a simple check a few boxes on your preferences thing.

        There is NO right or wrong answer.

        This is simply to help you see how God has gifted you.

        So raise your hand if you do not have one and we will get you all one….

PAUSE

Now… On the front, you see it says, “APEST Spiritual Gifts Assessment”

        There are 6 different question groups.

        This is SUPER easy….

        1 means you STRONGLY disagree with what is written.

        5 Means you STRONGLY agree with what is written.

So, in those open squares you write down what you feel…

        And go with your GUT…

        DO NOT overthink this…

So the first question is,

I often find myself starting new initiatives or organizations from scratch.

Don’t answer what you WISH your answer was…

        Answer in reality…

Take me as an example…(adjust for you)

        Since being here at Family Church, we have started 4 other campuses.

        We have started several other legal business entities to help missionaries…

        So for me this would be a 5…

But let’s look at the question right across from it that says,

People often seek me out for emotional support and guidance.

Now if you know me…(adjust for you)

        That one is an EASY ZERO for me…but zero is not an option, so it is a 1.

        I am NOT the pastor you want to sit with and talk about emotions!

PAUSE

So…here is what would be AWESOME…

        Will you all take the next 5 minutes and fill this out, and then once you are done…

        Write your total under each section…

        Then on the back of that paper you will see what we will be teaching on in the weeks ahead and what some of your gifts are!

PUT ON SCREEN 5-minute countdown and music.

OK everyone…

        I hope you took the time to do that…

        Again…if you are new, this is NOT what we do in most services.

        But we thought this would be helpful for where we are heading in the next few weeks. Let me explain what is coming down the pike in the next few weeks.

        Over the next five weeks, we are going to dive deep into these gifts.

Next week, we will spend the entire message looking at the Apostolic gift.

        And if you are gifted apositically, what does that mean for you in school, at work, and in the church?

Then the following week, if you are gifted prophetically, how will that play out in school, at work, and in church?

Then, if you are gifted evangelistically, how will that play out in school, at work, and in church?

Then, if you are gifted to shepherd, how will that play out in school, at work, and in church?

Then we will wrap this up, talking about how people are gifted to teach, how that will play out in school, at work, and in church?

PAUSE

Here is the cool news.

        We ALL have ALL the APEST gifts…

        Some are just stronger, and some are weaker.

So, make sure you are here every week to learn these and how they will play out in your life.

Because I know what some of you might think…

        You might think these are all church roles…

        They are NOT.

You will see in the weeks ahead how these God given gifts play out for you in school or college.

        For you in the working world.

        For you in your home.

        And for you if you go into ministry.

PAUSE

But today…

        Today I want to walk through the back side of you test to help you understand how God has gifted you…

        To help you maybe lean in a little more in the weeks ahead.

PAUSE

So, as you see on the top of that back side…

Your highest score indicates your primary gifting

Your second highest score indicates your secondary gifting

Everyone has aspects of each gift, but most people have one or two dominant areas.

Your gifting can develop over time.

And all roles are equally valuable to the community.

PAUSE

Let’s jump into the Bible!

If you have your Bible with you —and I hope you do —open it to

1 Corinthians 3

New Person Bible Connection:

If you do not have a Bible, that is ok!

        After service, we will give you an AMAZING leather-bound study Bible!

Just go to ADD YOUR CAMPUS PLACE and get one for FREE!!!

Or you can always download the Family Church app and follow along on your phone as well.

Simply download the app and click "Sermon Notes" on the main page.

Let’s give you a HIGH LEVEL overview of what these gifts are.

Let’s start with the first one…and you will see all of this on the back side of the test page…

If you are gifted Apostolically…

The Apostle 1 Corinthians 3:10 - By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.

The Apostle is a visionary, a pioneer who establishes new spiritual and organizational foundations.

They have a unique ability to see potential where others see obstacles, creating innovative pathways for ministry and mission.

Look at the role description in your notes….

Apostle Role Description: • Pioneers new initiatives • Creates systems and structures • Sees opportunities in challenges • Builds foundations for others

As you will learn in more detail next week…

        This is the type of person who starts a new company.

        This is the type of person who launches a new team or club in school.

        This is the type of person who would plant a new church.

        This is the type of person who LOVES a challenge!

People gifted by God to be apostolic are often leaders in business, education, or the church.

        Come back next week, and you will learn more about this gift.

Take me an example…this is my #1 gift…(adjust this to yours)

PAUSE

Let’s move to the second one on the back of the test.

The Prophet Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

The Prophet serves as a spiritual watchman, discerning deeper truths and calling people to accountability.

They have a heightened sensitivity to spiritual and moral dynamics, often challenging existing structures to align with God's purposes.

Look at the role description in your notes….

Prophet Role Description: • Discerns truth and injustice • Speaks with moral clarity • Senses underlying issues

As you will learn in two weeks…

        This is the type of person who cannot help themselves but has to call people out for stuff.

        This is the type of person who, at work, has to do the right thing as they see it…even if others do not...

        This is the type of person who, in school, is not afraid to stand up to a teacher who is teaching immoral things.

People gifted by God to be prophetic are often on the outside somewhat…

Because they are not concerned with fitting in.

They are more concerned with right and wrong.

        These are the people for whom the moral compass means more than anything else….

PAUSE

Let’s move to the third one on the back of the test.

PAUSE

The Evangelist 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."

The Evangelist is a natural communicator who bridges the gap between different audiences and the message of Christ.

They possess a unique ability to share beliefs compellingly and inspire others toward spiritual transformation.

Look at the role description in your notes….

Evangelist Role Description: • Communicates persuasively • Connects with diverse audiences • Shares beliefs effectively • Builds enthusiasm

As you will learn in three weeks…

        This is the type of person who is always trying to convince other people about something.

        This is the type of person who loves to be out front talking...

        This is the type of person who everyone is friends with.

People gifted by God to be evangelists are the salespeople of the world!

They are the motivational speakers.

The people who are good at rallying people to a cause.

The people who can speak in a way that moves other people to change.

PAUSE

Let’s move to the fourth one on the back of the test.

PAUSE

The Shepherd  1 Peter 5:2-3 - "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

The Shepherd is a compassionate caregiver who creates environments of safety, healing, and personal growth.

They have a deep commitment to nurturing individuals through their spiritual journeys with patience and empathy.

Look at the role description in your notes….

Shepherd Role Description: • Nurtures personal growth • Creates safe spaces • Provides emotional support • Shows patience with process

As you will learn in four weeks…

        This is the type of person who loves other people.

        This is the type of person whom people like to be around because they feel heard, needed, or safe.

        This is the type of person who you always know you can go to for support.

People gifted by God to be shepherds are the compassionate people.

They care more about the person more than anything.

They are patient people.

        They probably care more about helping someone else vs themselves...

PAUSE

Let’s move to the last one on the back of the test.

PAUSE

The Teacher 2 Timothy 2:2 - "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

The Teacher is a skilled communicator who breaks down complex spiritual concepts into understandable insights.

They are committed to deep research, thorough understanding, and helping others grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Look at the role description in your notes….

Teacher Role Description: • Explains complex concepts • Researches thoroughly • Makes information accessible • Advocates for change • Develops understanding

As you will learn in five weeks…

        This is the type of person who loves to teach others.

        They like to study.

        They like to explain things.

        They find joy in seeing the light bulb come on in others.

People gifted by God to be teachers are often teachers or trainers in business.

They can be leaders, but do not have to be.

They find joy in a good book and a cozy spot to read it.

They study not only for themselves, but also for others.

PAUSE

So there you go…

        There is a high-level overview of where we are heading in the weeks ahead. If you did NOT take that test yet…please do this week.

        Because in the weeks ahead, I want you to really lean into who God created you to be.

        To lean into the gifts that God gave you.

And to consider….

        How do I use these gifts in school?

        In business.

        Or in the church.

We will look at how each of these gifs plays out in each of those spaces in the weeks ahead…

        So make sure you do not miss a week!

        Because even if we are teaching on something that is not YOUR primary gifting….

        Guess what…

        Knowing how God wired other people will help you so much in life!!!

        So make sure you are here every week to learn and grow…

PAUSE

But before we pray, let me give you a life application today.

        If you are new or newer to Family Church, we LOVE to end our messages with something for you to talk about with someone else.

        Something to help you apply the message to your life.

So here is this week’s Life Application…

Life Application: Take time this week to review the APEST test and gifts. Review your results with someone who knows you well and see what they think about your test results. As a result of today’s message, I will….

Prayer:

        Make sure to do a salvation call!

Offering:

Thank you all for being here today!

        If you would like to continue your worship through giving, there are offering boxes by the doors as you exit, or behind me on the screens. You can also see other ways to give here at Family Church.

        You can also place any connection cards you filled out in there.

***Each week we want to highlight a different way to give.