APEST "Thinking Hat" Exercise
The Six Thinking Hats concept is a creative thinking and problem-solving framework developed by Edward de Bono. It encourages individuals or groups to approach a problem or decision from multiple perspectives, represented by six metaphorical "hats." Each hat represents a different mode of thinking:
White Hat: This represents objective and factual thinking. It involves gathering and analyzing data, focusing on information and facts relevant to the problem at hand.
Red Hat: The red hat symbolizes emotions and intuition. Participants wearing this hat express their feelings, gut reactions, and emotions without the need for justification.
Black Hat: The black hat signifies critical and pessimistic thinking. It involves identifying potential risks, weaknesses, and obstacles related to the issue under consideration.
Yellow Hat: This hat represents positive and optimistic thinking. It encourages participants to explore the benefits, opportunities, and constructive aspects of the situation.
Green Hat: The green hat represents creative and innovative thinking. It encourages brainstorming, generating new ideas, and exploring alternative solutions.
Blue Hat: The blue hat is the control hat, representing process and organization. It is typically worn by the facilitator or leader of the thinking session and is responsible for managing the thinking process, setting the agenda, and ensuring productive discussions.
With the Six Thinking Hats concept in mind, consider using APEST as a lens to systematically examine a problem from various angles, fostering a more comprehensive and balanced decision-making and problem-solving process. Use each of the APEST gifts to represent a particular hat that focuses the group’s thinking and conversation.
APEST "Hat" Exercise
First, identify a specific question or challenge that the team (or church as a whole) has been dealing with. Perhaps it has to do with a particular opportunity the church has? Maybe it relates to mission outside the church? Or something relating to the budget? Leadership or staffing? Discipleship or evangelism?
Second, have every team member put on a particular APEST “hat.” At that point, the team is only allowed to process and discuss the challenge through the perspective of the single hat. Start by wearing the apostolic hat. How would someone with the apostolic gift see this challenge? What would the solution look like from an apostolic perspective? Have someone on the team take notes. Highlight the unique perspective the apostolic gift provides to this specific scenario.
Third, after exhausting the apostolic perspective, do the same with the prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding and teaching gifts. Wrestling through differing viewpoints will force the team to think outside the box and approach topics from new angles.
For further guidance on how each gift might view a challenge differently, share the below with the team before each APEST hat discussion.
Apostle
Focus: The Apostle tends to focus expansion of the mission. They lean towards pioneering, entrepreneurial work. They see the big picture. They are cultural architects who are concerned with the overall extension of Christianity throughout culture and society. As such, they are often drawn to issues related to design, systems and overarching organizational structures. Above all, they have a missional (sent) focus to their ministry.
Approach: When viewing the problem or question through the apostolic lens, consider how the issue aligns with the overarching vision and mission of your organization or ministry. Ask questions like:
Does this problem or question support our long-term goals?
How can we expand our reach or impact by addressing this issue?
What new opportunities might this problem or question reveal for growth and outreach?
Prophet
Focus: The Prophet gift emphasizes truth, discernment, and spiritual insight.
Approach: When looking at the problem or question through the prophetic gift, seek to discern the deeper spiritual or moral implications. Ask questions like:
What underlying values or principles are at stake here?
How does this problem or question align with our spiritual or ethical convictions?
Are there hidden issues or consequences that need to be exposed and addressed?
Evangelist
Focus: The Evangelist gift is centered around outreach, communication, and connection.
Approach: When considering the problem or question from an evangelist perspective, think about how it impacts your ability to reach and engage with people. Ask questions like:
How can we communicate the solution effectively to others?
Will addressing this problem or question help us connect with and engage people?
What opportunities exist to share our message and values through addressing this issue?
Shepherd
Focus: The Shepherd gift is concerned with care, nurture, and the well-being of individuals.
Approach: When examining the problem or question through the shepherd gift, think about the impact on people's lives and emotions. Ask questions like:
How does this problem or question affect the well-being and emotional state of those involved?
What pastoral care or support might be needed for individuals facing this issue?
How can we show compassion and provide a sense of belonging in addressing this problem?
Teacher
Focus: The Teacher gift emphasizes knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Approach: When looking at the problem or question through the Teacher lens, consider the need for information, analysis, and education. Ask questions like:
What can we learn from this problem or question?
How can we educate ourselves and others to better understand and solve it?
Are there principles or lessons from past experiences that can guide our response?
By examining the problem or question through each of the APEST gifts, you ensure that you're considering various dimensions, including vision, spiritual discernment, communication, care, and knowledge. This holistic approach can lead to a more well-rounded and effective solution that addresses the problem from multiple angles.
