Frequently Asked Questions

Note: these FAQ's relate primarily to the APEST assessment. If you have a specific question related to mPULSE, ask us!
What is APEST?
APEST is an online assessment tool designed to assist you in finding your ministry style in relation to the fivefold ministry of Ephesians 4 (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers). Read more.
What can I expect from the assessment?
You will answer a series of 50 question pairs. Trust your gut reaction. The whole assessment will take no more than 10 minutes, and you will immediately receive your results.
How does it help me find my "ministry style"?
By answering with your gut reaction, it will show you which types of things motivate you and how that motivation is expressed. It won't tell you a specific area of ministry or career you should go into, but will give a general idea of the types of causes or organizations that you will feel most comfortable in.  Because of the rigorous mathematical validation of the APEST test, you can rely on the scoring to give you an accurate picture of your wiring for ministry.
What sort of results will I get back?
You will receive and online results profile. You will see your score (1 - 50) for each of the five different ministry types. While they are all important, the top two carry the most significance.
What if I have a tie?
Just pick one. If there's a tie between types, read through the descriptions and decide for yourself which one fits you best.
What is the difference between the first and second score?
Your first score (or primary 1) is your motivation, or the thing that fuels your passion. Your second score (or Primary 2), represent the expression of your motivation. For example, The Apostle-Shepherd is an expander of the kingdom, humanizing causes, mission and purpose. If a persons motivation isn't being met, often you will not see their expression. In other words, if an Apostle-Shepherd isn't involved in expanding someTHING, they may not have as great a passion for nurturing those involved.
Do APEST results change over time?
There are parts of who we are that are hard wired into us from a very young age. Depending on life circumstances, your results may change based on a particular role you are EXPECTED to play on a team, in a family or at a critical life change.
Are these the same as spiritual gifts?
Yes and No. APEST results explain how you use your gifting in life and ministry contexts, and give meaning and context to your spiritual gifts.  It can also point you to ministry roles in which you will be particularly effective.
How long has this test been in use?
The APEST assessment debuted in 2008 and has been taken more than 15,000 times since then.    The APEST assessment has emerged out of the philosophy of the 5 fold ministry model as found in Ephesians 4, and more than 10 years of practical application of this model in various ministry contexts.  The APEST instrument is a collaborative work authored by Alan Hirsch, Jeff Weber and Jonathan Reitz, three leaders who train and coach church planters and other leaders. 
Do the genders seem to lean toward certain results?
No, but often our society tends to assign genders certain roles. In many contexts, women are automatically assumed to be more S that, say, A. And men more A or P than other. But again, gender doesn't seem to plan a role in the sense that more men are a certain type than women.
What would be the "secular" terminology to describe each of these functions?
The Apostle is The entrepreneur: Innovator and cultural architect who initiates a new product, or service, and develops the organization. 
The Prophet is The questioner: Provocateur who probes awareness and fosters questioning of current programming leading to organizational learning. 
The Evangelist is The communicator: Recruiter to the organization who markets the idea or product and gains loyalty to a brand or cause. 
The Shepherd is The humanizer: People-oriented motivator who fosters a healthy relational environment through the management of meaning. 
The Teacher is The philosopher: Systems-thinker who is able to clearly articulate the organizational ideology in a way as to advance corporate learning.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, on the APEST Personal Vocational Assessment. 15 or more, 10% discount. 25 or more, 15% discount. 50 or more, 20% discount. Once you purchase your group of tests, please forward your receipt to admin@apesttest.com and we will refund the appropriate amount.
Would someone be available to help my group understand our results?
Yes! Part of the joy in working with this tool is seeing it applied in a group setting. Please contact us about pricing and availability to have someone work directly with your group or organization.

Is the APEST Legit?

The APEST is in the validation process.  Next in the process is deeper exploration and test-retest reliability. You can watch this space for updates.

There are four factors at play in this question. Read below to find out more of where APEST and mPULSE coming from.

VALIDITY

...refers to whether an assessment gives an accurate indication of what it is actually designed to measure. APEST/mPULSE identify how a person is currently functioning in their present ministry setting. The validity of APEST/mPULSE is indicated in the accurate measure of subject matter understanding and individual predictability for influence. 

RELIABILITY

...relates to the consistency of an assessment to provide accurate measures over time. As an assessment, APEST and mPULSE reliability provides a consistent, immediate measure. Over time, an organic system will change to meet the demands of mission. 

CORRELATION

An assessment cannot have a high validity without high reliability - the two need to correlate. Correlation refers to how these two factors are inter-related to determine organization change. As validity indicates a present state, reliability refers to the present state remaining constant over time. The correlation between the two is determined by an organizations ability to maintain proper levels of engagement between the members of a ministry team. Correlation in principle and practice, in validity and reliability, is the constant pressure of measurement. Applicability of APEST - whether it can actually influence individual and organizational effectiveness - is also correlated to an organization's ability to create an environment ready for individual engagement in a common cause 0 mPULSE.

APEST/mPULSE and Environmental Fit

The validity and reliability of an assessment are ultimately predicated on ‘Environmental Fit.’ Environmental Fit refers to the inter-relationship between three factors: person, place and timing - the right person, the right person in the right place and the right person in the right place at the right time. An individual who knows his or her APEST profile is effective when supported by the three elements of Environmental Fit. A group who is striving to become more aware of a particular element of their mDNA in mPULSE, will also be effective when lived out in that environment.