Five Essential Measurements for Building Explosive Ministry Teams

Anthony Ferriell
Jan 5
2 min read

Updated: Jan 6

In Field USA—where we’re laser-focused on making disciples, mobilizing missions, and multiplying churches—nothing fuels breakthrough like a powerhouse team. Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals the secret: Christ gave Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers (APEST) to equip His people and build a mature, unstoppable body. Yet a major national study by Discipleship.org and Exponential found that fewer than 5% of U.S. churches have a reproducing disciple-making culture. Great teams aren’t accidental; they’re measured and intentional. Here are five APEST benchmarks that keep discipleship front and center and turn good teams into Kingdom multipliers.

Eye-level view of a church team gathered in a circle for prayer — Church team praying together, building unity and focus

Apostolic Drive: Are You Breaking New Ground?

Apostles pioneer. Measure this by how many fresh mission initiatives or church plants your team launches each year. Research shows new churches are highly effective at evangelism, with church plants baptizing people at a 67% better attendee-to-baptism ratio than established churches. No new ground = stagnation. Strong apostolic energy sparks bold disciple-making movements that spread fast.

Prophetic Clarity: Do You Hear God Together?

Prophets align the team to God’s voice. Track this through regular prayer/vision sessions and how often prophetic insight redirects strategy. Without it, confusion reigns. With it, your team moves as one, discipling with divine precision.

Close-up of a notebook with handwritten prayer points and scripture notes — Close-up of prayer notes and scripture study for spiritual guidance

Evangelistic Momentum: Are Souls Coming In?

Evangelists bring the harvest. Count conversions, outreach events, and how many team members actively share the Gospel. High momentum means new believers flood discipleship pipelines, ready to be equipped and sent—essential since only about 10% of churches experience true conversion growth.

Shepherding Depth: Is Everyone Truly Cared For?

Shepherds nurture growth and guard unity. Measure retention in small groups, pastoral check-ins, and feedback on support during tough seasons. Deep care produces resilient disciples who stick—and multiply.

High angle view of a small group meeting in a cozy room with open Bibles — Small group meeting focused on discipleship and relational growth

Teaching Solidity: Are Believers Growing Mature?

Teachers ground everyone in truth. Assess this by spiritual growth surveys, application of biblical teaching, and emerging leaders being equipped. Solid teaching creates disciples who reach “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13) and plant churches.

Why do team dynamics matter so much? Ephesians 4:16 nails it: the body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Siloed gifts waste potential. Synced APEST gifts explode impact. Healthy dynamics turn individuals into a disciple-making force that mobilizes missions and multiplies churches at warp speed—especially critical when less than 5% of churches reproduce disciples.

Level Up Your Team Dynamics—Fast Wins:

Run quick APEST gift assessments (plenty of free tools online). Know your strengths and gaps.
Schedule monthly “gift sync” huddles: celebrate wins, listen prophetically, plan apostolically.
Pair opposite gifts on projects (e.g., evangelist + shepherd for outreach follow-up).
Train the team to speak truth in love—resolve conflict early.
Pray together weekly for unity and fresh filling of the Spirit.