Understanding Five-fold Ministry

UNDERSTANDING FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY

The Five-fold Ministry is often symbolized as a hand, with each finger representing a distinct role working together as a whole to equip the Church and bring each member into maturity.

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-13

Let's take a look at a very brief description of their roles:

The thumb: Apostles Govern. They lead, build, and provide oversight. They are pioneers and planters. They work with all the other ministry gifts to strengthen and establish the Church.

The Pointer Finger: Prophets Guide. They point the way to the future, providing direction, correction, and revelation to the Church.

The Middle Finger: Evangelists Gather. They reach the lost and they impart passion to the Church for soul-winning.

The Ring Finger: Pastors Guard. Married to the flock, they protect, shepherd, tend and care for the sheep. 

The Pinky: Teachers Ground. They teach sound doctrine and bring balance and stability to the body of Christ.

While all fivefold ministers are an extension and representation of the ministry of Jesus, it's extremely important to know that the ministry of each one is very different from another. The ministry of the Prophet will not be like the ministry of the Pastor, the ministry of the Evangelist will not be like the ministry of the Apostle, or the ministry of the Teacher.

There can also be a twofold call or even a mixture of the five offices, i.e. Apostolic Pastors, Prophetic Apostles, Teaching Prophets, etc. but each one will still function and minister differently than another. In addition, all are called to do the work of an Evangelist, leading sinners to salvation, but that doesn't make them an Evangelist. Many will be itinerant, traveling from place to place but that too does not make them an Evangelist.

All are called to love but their love will not always manifest the same way. Prophets tend to focus more on repentance from sin and intimacy with God; Pastors tend to have a strong mercy gift and bring more comfort and counsel to the flock; Apostles can often function in the other offices as the need demands but they are pioneers and forerunners, establishing the Kingdom and developing leaders within the Church to be sent out to minister to others; Evangelists have a passion for the lost and will demonstrate the works of Jesus to draw attention to Him so that they will desire salvation; Teachers see the need for discipleship and insist that sound doctrine be taught and heresy exposed.

ALL are needed. All should equip. All should minister supernaturally. All should heal the sick and cast out devils, etc. Be careful to not make critical, negative comparisons. As each ministry gift is received according to their individual function and calling, you will receive what God desires to release to you through them.

Receive them, honor them, bless them... and they will be a great blessing to YOU!! 

Much Love, Many Blessings!
 Linda Klingel