FIVEFOLD LEADERSHIP

A Free Short Course from Morling College, presented by the Tinsley Institute.
Learn how the fivefold gifts can shape a healthy, missional church and activate every believer in their calling.
Sign Up Free All Courses
Alan Hirsch

About the Presenter

Alan Hirsch

Alan is the founder of the Movement Leaders Collective, the Forge Mission Training Network, and Future Travelers. Known for his innovative approach to mission, he is widely regarded as a thought-leader and key strategist for churches across the Western world. In this series he unpacks ideas from his book 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ.

Course Overview

Welcome to this video series with Alan Hirsch, presented by the Tinsley Institute.

In this short course, Alan explores the fivefold ministry model from Ephesians 4, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher (APEST), and why it matters for the health and mission of the church today. He unpacks how these five gifts can offer fresh insight into leadership, discipleship, and the maturity of the body of Christ.

Each session includes thought-provoking questions and further resources, making it ideal for personal reflection, team training, or church-wide conversation.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

AT A GLANCE

STARTS
Anytime!
Six online sessions at your own pace.
WHO'S IT FOR?
Anyone exploring Church leadership in their context.
Perfect for pastors, lay leaders, and the simply curious.
DURATION
6 Sessions
12 minutes per video session + optional resources
COST
FREE
No hidden costs or obligations, just sign up and enjoy!

COURSE SESSIONS

Session 1: Introduction to APEST
Session 1: Introduction to APEST
  • Discover the importance of the fivefold approach in Ephesians 4 as a fully integrated model of Christian ministry.
  • Consider the degree to which churches have over-emphasised the pastor-teacher leadership function over the role of apostles, prophets and evangelists.
Session 2: Definitions of the Five
Session 2: Definitions of the Five
  • Develop an understanding of each of the five leadership giftings and the contribution they make to the mission of the church.
  • In particular, explore the apostolic and prophetic giftings as the two most often overlooked in churches.
Session 3: The Kind of Church We Want
Session 3: The Kind of Church We Want
  • Reflect on the Letter to the Ephesians as Paul’s most ironic explanation of the nature of the church and its leadership.
  • Explore the importance of unity, calling, gifting, and maturity as part of the APEST mode of church.
Session 4: The APEST of Jesus
Session 4: The APEST of Jesus
  • Explore the ways in which the ministry of Jesus perfectly integrates all five APEST giftings.
  • Consider the idea that in his ascension Jesus bequeaths his identity and purpose to the body of Christ, the church, in order that we experience the fullness of Christ.
Session 5: What All This Means For Us
Session 5: What All This Means for Us
  • Explore the idea that APEST is given to the whole church, at both a ministry level and at a leadership level.
  • Discover how a knowledge of the APEST typology can impact your own ministry.
Session 6: APEST Church Dynamics
Session 6: APEST Church Dynamics
  • Have reiterated the importance of seeing APEST as essential functions (or marks) of the ecclesia.
  • Consider the idea of “precocious development” and how it applies to churches that emphasise one function (or two) over the others.

Morling to Go

Register for Fivefold Leadership

Ready to get started? Complete the form to register for this course. We’ll use these details to set up or update your online learning access and send you the information you need to begin.

Already have a Morling to Go account? Use the same email address and we’ll add this course to your existing access.

Your registration details

If you’ve registered for Morling to Go before, please use the same email address.

We’ll email you with details about accessing the course after registration.