A Questionnaire About Your Spiritual Functions
Hey gang!
I’m enclosing a personal evaluation rooted in the five functions described in Ephesians 4:11—the apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching functions.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…”
— Ephesians 4:11
These five functions may all be present in a single person, or the Holy Spirit may empower and illuminate one or more in your life at different times.
Here’s what I’d like you to do:
- Prayerfully prioritize these five functions in your own life.
- Ask people close to you what they see in you.
- Look for these in others—and point them out! Affirmation is powerful.
1. The Apostle / Apostolic Function
See 1 Corinthians 12:27–28; Romans 15:20; Acts 14:14
The Greek word apostolos means “sent one.”
Characteristics:
This function shows up in pioneers, innovators, entrepreneurs, adventurers, and change agents—those on mission to extend the rule and reign of Jesus Christ into untouched areas. Apostolic leaders often function in unchurched spaces and cultural vacuums that lack the influence of the Kingdom of God.
They’re not content to maintain—they’re driven to build.
How strongly do you identify with this function?
Apostle/Apostolic: 1 2 3 4 5
2. The Prophet / Prophetic Function
See Acts 13:1; 15:32; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:1
The Hebrew word nabi and the Greek prophetes both mean “one who speaks on behalf of God.”
Characteristics:
The prophetic function is not just predictive—it’s proclamatory. Prophets speak truth that calls for repentance and brings spiritual clarity. They discern the state of the Church and the culture and communicate biblical truth with boldness, urgency, and wisdom.
They often sound the alarm—bringing a holy fear of God and calling people back to His Word.
Prophetic types are challengers, discerners, truth-tellers, exhorters, and spiritual watchdogs. They protect the Church from wolves and heresy, and they often sense what others miss.
Note: Examples of women operating prophetically include Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and Anna (Luke 2:36).
Prophet/Prophetic: 1 2 3 4 5
3. The Evangelist / Evangelistic Function
See Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Romans 10:15
The Greek word euangelistes means “bringer of good news.”
Characteristics:
Evangelists are contagious, compelling, and grace-filled. They are the storytellers of redemption, warm-hearted people who love others deeply and speak courageously. This function isn’t just for the stadium preacher—it’s found in everyday saints who share Christ with authenticity and joy.
Evangelists don’t just evangelize—they equip others to fish for people (Matthew 4:19).
Evangelist/Evangelistic: 1 2 3 4 5
4. The Shepherd / Pastoral Function
See Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Peter 5:2
The Greek word poimēn means “shepherd”—one who cares for the flock.
Characteristics:
Pastoral people nurture, guide, comfort, and protect others. They build biblically centered community and walk with people through life’s highs and lows. Shepherds feed God’s people with His Word and guard them from heresy and harmful influences—both from inside the Church and the surrounding culture.
While the institutional Church often elevates the pastoral role, many outside vocational ministry function in this way. When paired with the teaching function, it often leads to healthy and impactful local churches—especially in smaller congregations.
Shepherd/Pastoral: 1 2 3 4 5
5. The Teacher / Teaching Function
See Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 18:24–28
The Greek word didaskalos means “one who teaches or explains truth.”
Characteristics:
Teachers are truth-lovers and truth-speakers. They dig deep into God’s Word, explain it clearly, and help others obey it practically. They clarify doctrine, guide learning, and often thrive in discussion-based settings where biblical truth is opened up with accuracy and relevance.
They can be academic at times, but their aim isn’t intellect—it’s obedience. Teachers help others walk in the wisdom of God and live it out.
This function is not limited to preaching—it thrives in small groups, mentoring relationships, and anywhere God’s Word is opened and applied.
Teacher/Teaching: 1 2 3 4 5
Action Steps
- Pray over your list. Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm what’s already been at work in you.
- Reflect on how God has used you in these functions already.
- Grow in what God has given you. Seek opportunities to strengthen and stretch in these areas.
- Call it out in others. When you see one of these gifts at work in someone else—say something! This is part of “stimulating one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
- Move toward maturity. These functions are not about status—they’re about service and building up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12–13).
In Christ,
Dale
Dale@daleebel.org