The Fivefold Ministry

Introduction

Jesus is the Head and Chief Shepherd of His Body, the Eklesia.

He promised to build His Church Himself.

Nevertheless, He sent the Holy Spirit to earth to help build His church

Additionally, He calls and anoints some of His followers to function in one or more of five different offices.

These gifts are in operation today in spite claims otherwise because the purpose for which Jesus gave them to His church have not yet been filled. Here are the purposes for which Jesus gave us the fivefold ministry gifts. ().

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

The ministry gifts are for the church

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

1. for the perfecting of the saints,

2. for the work of the ministry,

3. for the edifying of the body of Christ:

3. Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

4. Till we all come in the knowledge of the Son of God,

5. Till we all come unto a perfect man,

6. Till we all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

7. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

8. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Five-Fold Ministry Offices

Apostle

Definition

Greek word = apostolos (messenger or sent). e.g., Paul said he was the apostle of (or sent to) the gentiles.

e.g., Paul said he was the apostle of (or sent to) the gentiles.

Today’s usage = Apostles can be missionaries and church planters since Jesus sends them to accomplish a specific task.

Highest Ranking Apostles. Apostles have different rank.

Jesus is the Chief Apostle. Hebrews 3:1

The highest ranking apostles are the twelve Jesus chose to follow Him.

All subsequent apostles

How does a person become an apostle? Jesus must choose him to be an apostle. He cannot choose himself. and

The duties of apostles

Pioneer a work

God uses apostles, like special forces, to go into hostile enemy territory first before anyone else to establish His Kingdom.

Apostles are also like trailblazers who cuts new trails in new places

Lay foundation for local churchs

Establish doctrine.

Set order

Oversee

Prophet

Evangelist

Pastor

Teacher