Ephesians 4:11-12 "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;"
five-fold ministry OFFICEs
The Five-Fold areas of ministry listed in Eph. 4:11,12 are more than giftings or abilities.
They are callings ordained and established by God for the edifying and building up of the body of Christ.
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Those called to leadership often operate with blended giftings, with one being predominate. The apostle Paul was able to preach and teach but excelled in providing leadership over multiple churches that he planted
or influenced. Some elders who pastored local churches, also excelled in teaching.
To sum things up, we see certain people gifted and ordained to operate in areas of
Five-Fold ministry throughout their lives as directed by the Holy Spirit.
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(1 Timothy 2:7, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 13:1-4, Acts14:27-28)
APOSTLE
Mentoring, to father the church
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1 Corinthians 4:15-16
"15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many
fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me."
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Functions in the realm of church planting, or overseeing churches, with the anointing and
authority of the ministry of "government." Providing a mentoring structure of affirmation, validation, acceptance, advice, and correction when needed. Their work is done through
itinerant ministry; yet they go out from under a local church a local church.
(Acts 13:1-5, Acts 14:26).
PROPHET
prophetic words to help direct the church
Functions as the visionary spokesman for God seeing future events that are to take place.
The prophet also operates with objectivity with words related to what the Spirit is doing
at given moments within a church. Their work is done through itinerant ministry;
yet they go out from under a local church.
(Acts 13:1, Acts 1:27-28, Acts 21:10,11)
Evangelist
multiplication to make the church fruitful
Functions as a spearhead for evangelism within and out of the local church. He sets the example, inspires, exhorts, and leads in the ministry of evangelism. They work within a local church or go out "under" a local church.
(Acts 8:5-82, Acts1:8, 2 Tim. 4:5)
pastor
shepherding to make the church healthy
Functions as the head overseer of a local church. They are responsible for feeding and providing leadership for the health of the local congregation and the ministries within their church.
They are to be an example of Christlikeness.
(1 Tim 3:1-7, Acts 20:28-30, 1 Pet. 5:2, Heb.13:17)
teacher
scriptures to GIVE the church UNDERSTANDING
Functions as an expounder, interpreter, and guardian of scriptural truth and doctrine. Often a pastor themselves, they feed the congregation to help bring spiritual health and maturity to
the body. They work with the church local and church at large, being
submitted to a local church.
(Acts 13:1, 1 Tim. 5:17, 2 Tim. 2:2)