12-17-2022   Building Today’s Church

What are the Five Fold-Ministries

Edward Irving (1792 – 1834) was a Scottish clergyman, generally regarded as the main figure behind the foundation of the Catholic Apostolic Church.  In 1832 he ordained 12 apostles and defined the understandings we have for roles for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.  Doctrines included manifestation of the Holy Ghost, ministries needed to carry out Christ’s work in the world in perfecting the saints, apostles sent by Christ in a bond of unity having His authority; prophets speaking by the HG were a light to the apostles, evangelists were to bring people to repentance and baptism then turn them over to the pastor.  (note teacher is not mentioned but bishops, priests and deacons are mentioned as being part of the pastorate and how can a pastor preach to people without teaching them something?)

Charles Peter Wagner (1930 – 2016) was an American missionary, writer, teacher and founder of several Christian organizations.  In his earlier years, Wagner was known as a key leader of the Church Growth Movement and later for his writings on spiritual warfare.  Wagner founded the New Apostolic Reformation movement In 1948 and he emphasized the specific need for the apostolic ministry including what is now considered the five fold ministry.

The “Five-fold Ministry are the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor & teacher (Eph. 4:11), functioning in today’s church.

The need for these ministries is for perfecting saints for the work of ministry and edification of the body (Eph. 4:12).  This is needed until the body becomes fully developed and mature in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:13-15).

Paul declares to the Corinthians (and us) that the Spirit gives us varying gifts to edify the body through different means.  None of us do the same things in the same way so that together, we can function in harmony and the body of Christ can grow.  No gift should be considered greater than any other.  We all need each other (1 Corinth. 12:1-31).  Paul tells the Romans that our gifts vary according to the grace God has given each one of us (Romans 12:5-10).  The ability to perform in the gift given to us does not require salvation in order to function.  How many non-Christians have awesome talents?  However, salvation does impact its effectiveness.  It is a gift God has given us – period.  Understand, that there are gifts beyond the five-fold which include ‘talents’, that is like singing, writing, having a desire for the arts or even science, (Rom. 11:29), or other means of expression.  But the five-fold gifts are designed to help the church. 

These gifts also include the ‘fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.  These are qualities of the heart (character) (Gal. 5:22-23).  And take heart, that even though man can pass laws against our actions, no law can be passed against the operation of our heart (these gifts).  Look back at Corinthians twelve and whatever gift(s) God has given us encourages us towards teamwork and consideration that we are indeed all equal.  Of course we can grow in our gift and we may experience more than one gift in our life (2 Tim. 1:11).  We can also be assured that any apostle, evangelist, pastor, teacher or prophet has a responsibility to us which is to grow us while keeping our best interests at heart.

King Saul prophesied with the prophets.  That is, when he walked with the prophets of his time, he prophesied as the prophets did (1 Sam. 10-9-13).  God can speak through anyone.  He even spoke through a donkey (Num. 22:23-33)!

Growing up, I heard that many gifts were no longer for today.  Why did we say the gifts existed?  For the perfecting of the saints so that we could mature in Christ Jesus.  Matter of fact, when we are with Jesus (our high Priest), which of these gifts will still be needed to help us navigate life in this world (1 Corinth. 13:8-10, Heb. 5:1-9).  Think about it.

Narrowing down to the Five-fold Ministry, anyone can operate in any one of these gifts.  But just because one can teach or counsel, share Jesus or encourage others doesn’t mean that person sits in the ‘office’ of that gift.  Being able to use the gift on occasion doesn’t mean we sit in the office of apostle, prophet, pastor, etc.  The office carries responsibility and is God-given.

We’ve already seen that gifts are given without repentance (Rom. 11:29).  Jesus “called (Matt. 4:18-20) Peter, John Andrew and the other disciples whom He called, He named the twelve apostles (Luke 6:13-16).  Even Paul was called by Jesus as he went on the road to Damascus (Acts 91-18).

To sit in the office, one needs to have a passion for the ministry and meet certain qualities and responsibilities (Rom. 12:6-20).  To name a few: directing (Acts 6:1-4), teaching (1 Tim. 2:7), encouraging (Col. 1:1-11), admonishing (Gal. 1:1-9) and mentoring, we are all the children of God (Prov. 22:6).  Though we may not sit in the ‘office’, we all have access to these gifts, to some degree.

As we minister in God’s work, we need to keep in mind that not all who claim to do God’s work, do God’s work (Rev. 2:1-2, John 4:1).  Beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.  Look at the fruit in their lives (Matt. 7:15-20).  A quick check is that we know that no one can profess Jesus is come in the flesh unless the Spirit of our Lord is in him (1 John 4:2-3).

5 Fold Hierarchy

Remember this sequence of discovery

Whosoever shall call upon the name of he Lord shall be saved. 

How can they call on Him if they haven’t believed?

How can they believe if they haven’t heard?

How can they hear without a preacher?

How can they preach unless they are sent?

Beautiful are the feet of  those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things (Rom. 10:13-17

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! (Romans 14:13-17)

A basic concept of the five-fold ministry

Evangelist                    Brings the gospel (Good News) to people encouraging them to receive

                                    Jesus unto salvation.  He turns over them to the Apostle.

Apostle                        Builds foundation for Christian living in Christ Jesus, a house is built

upon the “Rock” and not sand.  He turns them over to the Pastor.

Pastor              Nurtures (feeds/waters) the flock by encouraging praise and worship giving God His due glory and honor AND continuing to build upon Apostle’s base by helping flock to “apply” Word of God” into their own lives.

Prophet                       Brings a specific Word of God to encourage saints to persevere or

“continue on”.  He  may bring words of admonition to “get back on track”.

Teacher           Teaches the Word of God to increase knowledge/wisdom and understanding as he continues building upon Apostle’s foundation.

 So let’s take a closer look in a little more detail:

Teacher

The dictionary defines a teacher, in part, as to cause to know, guide in studies, impart knowledge, to instruct by precept, example and experience.

Three Hebrew words used for ‘teach’ while three are generally used for teacher:  biyn (H995) be cunning, think, understand, instruct, inform;  yarah (H3384) point, direct, instruct, inform, show; lamad (H3925) to prod or be skillful in instructing.

Didasko (G1321) is the Greek word most used for ‘teach’, or help learn and is the base word for teach or teacher.  Other Greek words for teacher are:  didaskalos (G1320) to be a doctor or master; kalodidaskalos (G2567) of right or good things; nomodidaskalos (G3547) rabbi, teacher of the law; and pseudodidaskalos (G5572) of false doctrine.

As the eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah, Philip asked him if he knew what he was reading and the eunuch responded “How can I unless somebody guides me?”  Philip began teaching the eunuch who was then baptized (Acts 9:27-35, foc. v31).  But, of course, Jesus is our ultimate teacher (Matt. 13:53-54).

What are some of the qualities a teacher needs?

The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in his life (Gal. 5:22-23).  If one cannot be tolerant towards other people, how can he teach them?  They would not be likely to listen to what he says.  A teacher must be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:13-16, 18).  If the Holy Ghost isn’t leading us, how do we know we are teaching ‘right things’?  Therefore the Holy Ghost must be operating in us and through us and we must be of good report with those around us so others would trust us (Acts 6:3).  As a teacher of the Word of God, we have to know the scripture (Acts 18:25-26).  We may not know the bible from cover to cover, but we must know what we are talking about when we teach.  As a teacher, we (ourselves) should be continually growing by renewing our minds (Rom. 12:1-2).  We don’t want to be accused of being a hypocrite so we must live what we teach (John 13:13-15, Matt. 5:19).  We have to abide in the reality that the Holy Ghost will give us wisdom when we speak (1 Corinth. 2:13).  We must believe what we teach knowing that which is true (1 Tim. 2:7).  God does not respect a person’s position in life yet we should treat all respectfully (Rom. 2:111 Tim. 6:1-2).

As teachers, we need to have a passion for helping others to learn.  Anybody can teach words from a book, but a teacher has an inborn desire to help others learn.

As teachers, our duty is to edify, especially those of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).   We need to assure that others understand what we are saying (1 Corinth. 1:19).  Not only as with Philip with the eunuch, but as Paul with the Athenians (Acts 17:22-33).  But, perhaps, most importantly, the Bereans received what Paul said, then researched for themselves.  We need to help others to learn how to learn for themselves (Acts 17:10-12)

As we mentioned, Jesus is our prime example of a teacher, teaching all who are eager (Mark 10:1).  Paul and Barnabas taught the people in Antioch for a year (Acts 11:25-26), so teaching is not necessarily done in one or two classes.  Or even as Apollos, who was instructed in the ways of the Lord, shared what he knew when he came to Ephesus.  Proving himself still teachable, as he encountered Aquila and Priscila (Acts18:24-26).

Being a teacher is not just standing before people speaking words one has learned but, having a passion so others may understand the truth of what he knows.

Pastor

The dictionary defines pastor as a spiritual overseer or a church clergyman

Raah (H7462) is the Hebrew word used as pastor and is the root word ‘to tend a flock’, associate with, keep company, feed but also expresses an an evil opposite, to evilly entreat, break, wander.

The Greek word is poimen (G4166) is also a shepherd.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15).  He protects his sheep (us) and watches over us, knows us by name and even has given His life for us (the cross) (John 10:11-15).

What are some of the qualities of a pastor (good shepherd)?  He is filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), he is led by the same Spirit (Gal. 5:13-16, 18), is filled with the Holy Ghost and is of honest report (good reputation).  He knows the scripture (Acts 18:25-26) and continually renews his mind (Rom. 12:1-2).  As with the teacher, he leads by his example (Foot wash-John 13:13-15).   He knows and lives by the commandments (Matt. 5:19).  He’s not a novice (a new Christian) (1 Corinth. 3:1-4), he abstains from the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) and he keeps his own house in order (1 Tim. 3:1-13, Matt. 20:26-28).

He needs to have a desire to nurture people, guide and direct their pathways so they can be the best they can be in their walk with the Lord.

He should desire to feed those over whom he has charge (Isa. 40:11).  He does not exercise ‘lordship’ over others but rather serves them (Spiritual strength)  (Luke 22:25-27, John 13:12-15).  He feeds his ‘flock’ (the church) through shepherding and teaching (Ezek. 34:22-23, John 21:15-17).  He reassures the people’s safety (1 Sam. 17:36) as David protected his sheep.  This passage speaks about speaking in tongues (Corinth.), but shouldn’t the pastor also edify, exhort and comfort his people (1 Corinth. 14:3).  God forbid that anyone should stray from the word, but when they do, shouldn’t the pastor exercise the right to chasten (Heb. 12:6) to bring them back into alignment with the Word?

Other things a pastor might be responsible to do are act as a CEO of the fellowship (Acts 6:1-7).  A pastor may have to delegate to others in order to focus on most important issues.  He is expected to keep order in the assembly (1 Corinth. 14:33, Exod. 18:17-24).  He may have to act as counsellor (Gal. 6:1-2).  Whether he handles the church finances or not, he is responsible for them (Matt. 25:14-29).  And just as with finances, the pastor may not actually do it himself, but he is also responsible for activities, functions and ceremonial procedures.

Of course, Jesus is our prime example for a pastor (John 10:11-15, Psalm 23:1-6 - sound familiar?)          

Evangelist

The dictionary defines an evangelist as one who preaches the “good news” or revives a personal commitment to Christ.  He can minister to the lost and the church!

The evangelist is unique to Christianity because he brings eternal life, the ‘good news’ that through His sacrifice, Jesus has opened an eternal relationship, for us, with the Father.

There is no Hebrew word used for evangelist.  So, the Greek word is euaggellistes (G2099) is a preacher of the gospel. 

Though ‘evangelist’ is not used in the Old Testament, Isaiah cites God as describing one.  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, publishes peace, good tidings of good and publishes salvation …” (Isa. 52:5-7).  When coming into a new area, the apostles did the work of the evangelist (preaching Jesus) and Philip was identified as an evangelist (Acts 21:8).

So what are the qualities of an evangelist?  He must be filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:13-16,18), be full of grace and have a good reputation (Acts 6:3).  Obviously, he, too, must know scripture (Acts 18:25-26), continually renew (and refresh) his mind (Rom. 12:1-2) and walk the walk (John 13:13-15, Matt. 5:19). 

He can’t be shy in sharing the Word of God for he goes before people he has never met.  Stephen spoke (argued) Jesus before the Jews (Acts 6:8 – 7:60).  Of course, having preached Jesus, Stephen was stoned at the end of his speech, becoming the first martyr for Jesus.  Also in Jerusalem, Peter defended the actions of the disciples, who had just received the Holy Ghost, the power of Jesus in us (Acts 2:1-57).  And Philip was not shy as he shared the gospel with the eunuch (Acts 8:27-38).  Paul may have been humble, but I don’t think he was afraid to share Jesus as with those at Antioch (Acts 13:14-42).

If the evangelist is truly to be effective, signs and wonder should follow.  Jesus seemed amazed that there were those who still weren’t sure after seeing the signs and wonders’ which He performed (John14:9-14).  Jesus even told the apostles to do signs and wonders, as He sent them out, (Matt.10:5-8).  He tells all of us that we can the works He did and greater (John 14:12 because we have that power, in us, through the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8). 

Beware, we can’t find apples in a peach orchard.  We have to know the people to whom we are sent.  No, I don’t mean personally know each one of them, but we have to know something about their culture and society so we can share the gospel in terms that they understand, as Paul did before the Athenians on Mars Hill (Acts 17:16-31).

The evangelist should have a strong desire to share the knowledge of Jesus with others and to help all to come into the Kingdom of God and live a life through Christ Jesus.

Obviously, the evangelist brings “good news” (Isa. 52:7)!  In order to do so, he must know it (John 3:16)!  That it brings salvation to all who believe, power (Acts 1:8), and eternal life through the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ  (John 11:25)!  He must protect the gospel, not only with his speech, but with his actions as well (Titus 2:1-15) and as verse fifteen says “speak, exhort and rebuke with all authority and (to put it bluntly) don’t let others conclude that you are a whacko!  He must take the good news to the lost (obviously) but also to those who have strayed from the church (Matt. 28:18-20).  The words of the evangelist should also edify, exhort and comfort those to whom he speaks (1 Corinth. 14:3) yet give direction and admonish, as required (Heb. 12:6).  And the evangelist should organize evangelical activities inside the church and out (1 Corinth. 14:33).  [give the pastor a break!]

Jesus says that He came to preach the gospel (Luke 4:17-19). We know that even angels have been ‘guilty’ (lol) of evangelizing as Gabriel told Mary that she was to be the mother of our Lord (Luke 1:19).  John the Baptist definitely brought the good news (and admonishment) (Luke 3:16-18).  Not to forget Philip with the eunuch (Acts 8:35), Peter when he went to Cornelius (Acts 10:34-35) and Paul in Antioch (Acts 13:1-5).

We have some modern day evangelists worth mentioning.  Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) a Methodist/Pentecostal evangelist and faith healer, having his own healing, his wife’s and others attributed to his ministry.  Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844-1924) Assemblies of God evangelist with attested miracles attributed to her ministry.  Kathryn Khulman (1907-1976) evangelist and faith healer and Billy Graham (1918 – 2018) Presbyterian evangelist who preached World-wide, to all walks of life and being credited with bringing over 200 million souls to Jesus.

Prophet

The dictionary defines a prophet as one who utters divinely inspired revelations, is gifted with spiritual or moral insight, foretells future events, is a leading spokesperson for a cause or doctrine.  This seems a good point to mention that because God is not a respecter of persons (Rom. 2:11-15), service for Jesus doesn’t know race, gender, ethnicity or economic background.  All Father asks is genuine commitment from His servant (Matt. 22:37).

The Hebrew word Nebiy (H5029) is translated prophet.  Nabiy (H5030) and nataph (H5197) as an inspired man or to speak by inspiration.  Naba (H5012) is to speak or sing by inspiration, but I also carries the connotation to make oneself a prophet.

The Greek word prophetes (G4396), along with prophet, is make known beforehand, be inspired speaker, poet.  While pseudoprophetes (G5578) is to pretend to foretell or be a false prophet.

God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”  God was giving Jeremiah what he needed to say to Israel.  Jesus told His disciples not to worry about what they were to say before men, for when he time came, the Holy Ghost would give them what they needed to say (Luke 12:12).

Notice we cite qualifications and qualities of what the prophet needs.  In case one hasn’t picked up on it yet, most of these qualities are consistent throughout the five-fold ministries.

He needs the fruit of the Spirit operating in His life (Gal. 5:22-23) and to be obedient to the leading of the Spirit (Gal. 5:13-16, 18).  He needs to be filled with the Holy Ghost and wisdom and be of good character (Acts 6:3).  Even though the Holy Ghost will give him what to say, he still has to put something in for the Holy Ghost to draw it out (Acts 18:25-26).  And he does this by continually renewing his mind, becoming more familiar with scripture (Rom. 12:1-2).  If he is not living what he says, who will listen to him (1 Tim. 4:12).  Again, the ministry of a true prophet will be accompanied with signs and wonders (Heb. 2:3-4).  He needs to operate in wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinth. 12:7-8).  Because he speaks through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he needs assure that he never grieves the Holy Ghost (Eph. 4:29-30).  As with Paul, he must be chosen by God for the task before Him and know his calling (Acts 9:10-16, 2 Tim. 1:11).  Of course, it’s always helpful to be able to train others to as Eli did with Samuel (Prov. 22:6, 1 Sam. 2:11,18, 2 Tim:2:1-2, 1 Thess. 2:8).  [aka mentoring]

And what is the passion of the prophet?  Be tentative to God’s Word and know His voice and desire to encourage others to stay the right path and/or to reach their fullest potential.

The prophet must know his audience so he can meet them on their level and then carry them forward (Acts 17:16-31).  He is the mouth of God, with foreknowledge (1 Sam. 9:9, 15-20, Amos 3:7).  Didn’t God speak with Moses on the mount (Exod. 20:1-18)?  The prophet can also serve as a watchman.  God selected Ezekiel to be a watchman over Israel and warn the people (Ezek. 3:16-22, 33:1-7).  The prophet also comes to edify, encourage and comfort the people (1 Corinth. 14:3) as well as admonish them (Heb. 12:6).  The prophet should always be ready to lift others up in prayer (Col.1:8-11) and be ready to serve.  Jesus washed the apostles feet as a demonstration of service (John 13:4-17) and told His disciples that the greatest should first be a servant (Matt. 20:26-28).

Of course, Jesus is our prime example for the prophet.  He served, He ministered and He prophesied as with the woman at the well (John 4:7-29). God spoke with Moses (Exod. 3:13-15).  Jeremiah spoke for God against king Zedekiah (2 Chron. 36:11-12).  Isaiah was a prophet of the Lord (2Kings 19:2) as was Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:3, 2:7).  In the New Testament, Anna was declared a prophetess (Luke 2:36-38).  Jesus, Himself, declared that there was no greater prophet than John the Baptist (Luke 7:28).

Of course, today, many people prophesy and many of those claim to be a prophet.  The words of a true prophet will come to pass (Jer. 28:9, Ezek:33:33).  We don’t always know when.  Understand the prophecies in the Old Testament were usually of events yet to happen as is some of the prophecy in the book of Revelation.  History will bear the prophet out and if not, the Lord will clearly identify them in His timing.

Apostle

The dictionary defines apostle as       one sent on a mission, first sent to preach the gospel, one initiates a great moral reform, or belief system, highest ecclesiastical position in some churches,

As such, apostle is only found in the New Testament, so the Greek word apostolos (G652) says he is an ambassador, messenger, a commissioner of Christ (with power) or  one who is sent.  His opposite is pseudapostolos (G5570) is a pretend preacher or a false teacher.

Jesus shares the parable of a wise man who builds his house upon the rock for rock is a solid foundation and cannot easily be moved (as opposed to sand) (Matt. 7:24-27).  And Jesus is our rock (Acts 4:10-12, 1 Corinth. 3:10-11).

So what do we see in one who is called to be an apostle?  The fruit of the Spirit (Gal: 5:22-23), he is led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:13-16, 18, has a good reputation amongst man (Acts 6:3), knows the scriptures, (Acts 18:25-26), renews his mind (Rom. 12:1-2), lives what he teaches (John 13:13-15, Matt. 5:19), has a ministry that has signs and wonders following (John 14:9-14, Matt. 5:8, Acts 1:8, 1 John 5:13-15).  He can’t be timid in sharing the gospel (Act 6:8-7:60) [he is the front man] and he operates in wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinth. 12:7-8).  He also needs to be able to recognize God’s gift in others (1 Corinth. 29-16) for how else could he guide them into their calling?  And above all, he needs to know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that God has called him into this position (Mark 3:13-19, Acts 9:1-18).

He should have the desire to help others understand who God is, their relationship with Him and how to live in Him and for Him.  And, as we said, be able to recognize God’s gifts in others.

He must be prepared to go anywhere (even in the world) for God (Matt. 28:18-20).  The apostle is called to preach, heal and cast out devils (Matt.10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16).  He lays the foundation for the church (Rev. 21:9-14, 1 Corinth. 3 9-15, Col. 2:6-7).  Consider that laying the foundation for the church means first laying a foundation in an individual’s life.  Of course, signs and wonders should follow his ministry (Acts 2:43, Mark 16:15-18).   He should be bold in sharing what God has given him (Acts 13:46) and have the desire to serve others (John 13:4-17) and edify, exhort and comfort them (1 Corinth. 14:3). 

Paul wrote the letters to get churches back on the right track so the apostle would need to admonish where required (Heb. 12:6.  Once a church has been established, the apostle may be called to go elsewhere so he needs the authority (Acts 14:19-23) to confirm souls and ordain elders before he moves on (Acts 14:21-23.  Move on?  He needs to be prepared to travel.  In the book of Acts, Luke records travels with the apostle Paul so the apostle needs to be ready to continue the journey (Acts 13:1-4 thru Acts 28:31).  And the training he gives others means he mentors them.  He doesn’t just teach them the scripture, he helps them to live it (Prov. 22:6, Acts 17:17, 19;9, Heb. 3:13, 1Sam. 2:11)

Though there may many who call themselves an apostle, our best examples are Jesus (of course, Heb. 3:1), the disciples (Luke 10:1) and Paul (Acts 9:1-18 & rest of book of Acts).

The apostle(s) is the backbone of the church.  As a church builder, he needs to be able to function in each of the five-fold ministries, recognize God’s gifting in others and then help them to grow in that gift. 

Any Christian can operate in any of the five-fold gifts in a given situation or even related to a specific person, but only the God-called man (woman) can operate in the “office’.  The office is where the respective responsibilities are not limited to a specific situation, person or time but is available to the church as God calls – wherever, whenever, however. 

These offices are not just a positions in the church structure, but are a responsibility to guide and encourage the church in the direction it needs to be going.

Consider a natural sequence of ministering in the five-fold ministry

The evangelist goes preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The evangelist turns the new soul over to the apostle.

The apostle lays a solid foundation (in Christ Jesus) in that person’s life (as well as a fledgling church).

He then turns that soul over to the teacher who teaches the Word of God  – so the individual knows what the bible says and means.

Then pastor takes over and teaches how to apply the Word of God into our lives so we can walk closer with Jesus.

And the prophet?  He continually encourages all so we can stay the course and be uplifted.

Okay, so maybe some of you are asking the question “What’s the big deal with the five-fold ministry?”  Some churches are sold into it ‘hook, line and sinker’.  Some churches think this was only for the early church.  Some may only accept part of it, but not all.  All churches do have a pastor.  Yes, I understand that some churches do not have a ‘main’ pastor, but they do, a least,  have a rotating clergy.  All churches need Sunday school teachers and somebody in the church to reach out to the community to draw new souls into the fellowship.  When we look at it, all churches have somebody giving an encouraging word to others. 

My experience is that a pastor will come in and start up a ‘new’ church in an area, that is lay a foundation for this young fellowship and in so doing, he has to ‘solidify’ people around him to help.  The five-fold does function in churches today, just not the way it is supposed to.  Spread the responsibilities out so each phase can receive the necessary attention. 

I share with you what Father has shared with me.  So, my personal conviction is that the five-fold ministry should be an active part of every fellowship.  There should be one person sitting in each of the five offices to guide and direct that ministry’s operations.  Each ministry can be time consuming so the operation thereof should not be laid upon just one or two people (aka the pastor).  Of course, there can be more than one person serving in each ministry.  How can one grow unless (like the eunuch)  someone helps or mentors him to be ready?  And should the one serving in the ‘ministry’ departs, who steps in? 

Yes, there is a lot more that can be said, that is deeper in detail, correlating the bible verses with what has been said.  But, by the grace of God, this will help someone come to a better understanding of why God has set forth what we call “the five-fold ministry”.

Why are today’s churches struggling?  I don’t think it’s just because of the biblically predicted falling away (2 Thess. 2:1-11).   I think it goes into “why we have fallen away”!

Amen