Five-Fold Ministry in the 21st Century
Dr. Sharon O. Earley
All scripture are from the Holy Bible, King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Published by KingdomWorks Ministries
©2009 by Sharon O. Earley
Five Fold Ministry in the 21st Century
INTRODUCTION
The Church has become more visible since its inception. It seems that the days of going to church, hearing the preached Word of God and fellowshipping together afterwards are gone. In actuality, Church has become quite enterprising. Too many believers have become impressed with the how much, how big and how many rather than faith, works, and truth through Jesus Christ. Is it long forgotten that our salvation is based on relationship because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? Or does the tradition of superficial religion lend itself to how we feel or want to feel on any given day?
It is in the 21st century that God is restoring the Church to Himself. This restoration, I believe, will take place through the ascension gifts; the five-fold ministry. These gifts or offices that make up the five-fold ministry according to Ephesians, Chapter 4 are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
CHURCH RESTORATION
The official beginning of Church restoration according to church historians was around 1517. Since that time, there have been 5 major movements in the body of Christ. Any other movement that may have occurred was birth out of one of these five major movements. The five major movements are Protestant, Holiness, Pentecostal, Charismatic and Prophetic.
T
Movements
Timeline
|
Time |
Movement |
Dominant Five-fold Office |
|
1500 |
Justification by Faith |
Pastor, Teacher |
|
1600 |
Water Baptism |
Pastor, Teacher |
|
1700 |
Holiness, Sanctification, & Perfectionism |
Teacher |
|
1800 |
2nd Coming of Jesus |
Evangelist, Prophet, Teacher |
|
1880 |
Divine Faith and Healing |
Pastor, Teacher |
|
1900 |
Holy Spirit Baptism & Tongues |
Pastor, Teacher |
|
1940 |
Laying on of Hands/Latter Rain |
Pastor, Evangelist, Teacher |
|
1950 |
Praise, Singing, Movement & Dance |
Evangelist, Prophet |
|
1960 |
Charismatic |
Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher |
|
1980 |
New Charismatic |
Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher |
|
1990 |
Five-fold/ New Apostolic Church |
Apostle, Prophet, Teacher |
|
2000 |
Full Gospel/Five-fold |
Apostle, Pastor, Teacher |
The teacher functioned during each of these movements to teach what God was setting in place at those particular seasons and times. Each movement endured seven (7) stages before coming to full manifestation. These stages are:
1. Divine enlightenment and revelation knowledge of
new truths and ministries.
2. From occasional individuals to consistent company
3. New divine authority and anointing to establish new
truths and ministries.
4. Small beginning in insignificant place, then covering the earth.
5. Power to reproduce by teaching, training, activating and
maturing.
6. Practical and publicized until controversial contested then
accepted.
7. New songs, choruses and music portraying the restoration message.
RESTORATION OF THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
The five-fold ministry has been in restoration mode, at some level, for over 180 years. We are taught in Ephesians 4:10-16 “that He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
This scripture confirms that the five-fold ministry is to keep the body of Christ rooted and grounded through the Word of God so that the Church can become spiritually mature. Ultimately, it is to help the saints prepare for the work of the ministry.
The Church has the responsibility to edify, perfect and comfort its members through these five service offices. Separately, these parts or functions are of ill-effect and promotes hierarchy and division. Yet, together the Church can be restored and operate at its full intent. Neither, of these offices, is of greater status or more significant than any of the other service gifts. The five-fold ministry is one where the five gifts must work together.
Therefore, the seven aforementioned stages of a movement as it pertains to the five fold ministry must be considered. With the awareness of new truths and ministries there became a season and time where a select few of the believers became divinely aware of the five-fold ministry as it relates to the entire body of Christ. Gradually, each office (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher) evolved in the Church.
Occasionally, individuals would recognize their call as a five-fold minister and some even came to recognized others’ anointing to operate to that vain. Over a period of time, small groups of fellowships were formed where they would support and encourage one another. Leadership meetings and conferences for pastors, teachers and later prophets and now apostles have been established. Even recently, the International Corporation of Prophets has been birthed.
Eventually, the new found leaders became confident and sure enough to establish teachings and later ministries that clearly emphasized and embraced at least a few of the five-fold offices. Churches were named to reflect such i.e. Five-fold Family International Ministries and Apostolic Church of Deliverance.
Storefront churches began to spark in communities and emphasize the five-fold church. All of this with debate over which office was more dominant or significant, failing to realize that the five service offices are to work together. Now the five-fold offices are recognized throughout the globe although there are a substantial number of people who have not heard of these offices as mentioned in Ephesians chapter four. Evangelism and ministry is going forth throughout the world with the five-fold ministry in full effect.
To date, these service offices have endured to such a degree that each of them reproduced itself by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ while training and maturing others as deemed necessary. These servants are activated by the laying on of hands and licensed then ordained in their perspective office. Leadership, guidance and further training for maturation then lends itself to the full function of the five-fold ministry as God intended.
Each office has been scrutinized and controversial at some level. At the onset of introducing an office, with some depth of teaching, many believers have experienced difficultly receiving the office and thus operated in tradition or that which is familiar. Once the office has been proven by both the Word of God and works the office/offices are later accepted by the believer. The office of prophet has been the most controversial. Today, we are entering the new apostolic revolution and reformation where the office of apostle is being brought to the forefront. Although, this office is met with some debate it has been better received than the office of prophet.
As these offices are accepted the music will even convey messages that highlight what the office has taught and emphasized. As we are now in apostolic times, the music reflects such. Thus, apostolic music has the sound of authority and breakthrough. These songs are not the familiar mellow Christian music. They are commanding, decreeing and proclaiming. They are songs that lift and exalt Jesus while prophetically decreeing the will of God.
The Church today has been made aware of the five-fold ministry but unfortunately some have taken on these offices for the sake of title, position, prestige and not for ministry. At some point, each has been exploited and used for selfish gain for the lack of understanding. This resulted in skepticism and doubt. The bible does warn us to beware of false prophets, teachers and the like. (Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15)
The ways of the Kingdom of God is opposite of the ways of the world. As servants of God we are to be humble and serve with humility yet the world idealizes what’s biggest as great and gives the impression that one is less than if he possesses little.
Jesus Christ teaches us in the Beatitudes that His character is obtained in us through our weaknesses. It is in Him that we are strengthened.
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5: 1-12
And seeing the multitudes, he ascended a mountain: and when he was seated, his disciples came to him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
That which is required in our Christian character the world views as weak and wimpy, but that is exactly where God blesses us. Below is an explanation the Beatitudes.
Blessed are the poor in spirit:
Induces a conscious acknowledgement for the need of Christ
Blessed are they that mourn:
A mourning regarding past sins
Blessed are the meek:
Here marks the birth of a New Spirit
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness:
Signifies growth and desire for relationship with God
Blessed are the merciful:
Mercifulness is an Attribute of God, which indicates further advancement
Blessed are the pure in heart:
Marks the attainment of higher altitudes in God
Blessed are the peacemakers:
Peacemakers possess a Christ-like influence that calms the storms of life
All of these attributes are necessary when doing any work for the Lord whether five-fold ministry or otherwise. It is lack of understanding regarding the five-fold that results in church splits. It has also been the cause of organizations, coalitions and even denominations being formed. The restoration of the five-fold ministry can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit, although man has tried to do so by his own power. The apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher are ascension gifts birth out of Jesus Christ. They are not appointed by man like some of the church positions. The five-fold ministers together perform governmental work of the Kingdom of God within the body of Christ. It is Jesus Christ who is the head of the Church not Pastor John, Evangelist Shelia or any other 5-fold minister.
FIRST CENTURY CHURCH AND THE FIVE-FOLD OFFICES
Although the first century church operated in the five-fold offices the use of its titles were not encouraged. In addition, certain title are forbidden, specifically Father and Rabbi. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father--the one in heaven. (Matthew 23:9) But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. (Matt 23:8). The orthodox Jewish community is where the use of title carried prestige and status – not the Church of Jesus Christ. He came to defy that very mindset. When it is the case that we reference titles in must be in Jesus’ name so that it He who is glorified.
The first century church considered one another as family, brothers and sisters. The church was where the believer would go to experience the glory of God in word, deed and service. The community of believers were nurtured and encouraged to spiritually mature, unity and every member functioning in their perspective gifts and
callings. The effectiveness of the five-fold ministry is measured by its ability to empower and mobilize the saints for the ministry. To equip does not infer to preach at or to a group of members who passively embrace whatever is being taught.
The five-fold ministry is more accepted today than before. Some offices are more received than others, namely Pastor, Evangelist and Teacher. I conducted a survey of a group of Christians to get an overview of the perception of the five-fold ministry. While, the Bible tells us the foundation of the Church is upon the apostles and prophets. By apostles, this mention is of the New Testament apostles as mentioned and the bible and by prophets the reference is those of the Old Testament. It by no means infer that today’s apostles and prophets can start teaching and making new doctrine. We must remember that it is Jesus Christ who is the Chief cornerstone. (And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20).
OFFICE OF APOSTLE
The office of apostle is more dominant as of this write. The concensus is that the apostle is the head, the first – therefore, the intention of the fold-fold ministry is one of hierarchy and status, although that is not true. Each of the offices is to work collaboratively to do the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The apostolic work of the first century Church comprise of six functions.
1. Taking the gospel to unreached areas
2. Plant churches
3. Appointing and training initial Church leaders
4. Deal with specific problems
5. Promote unity in the Body of Christ/Networking Churches
6. Demonstrate and impart supernatural dimension of the Kingdom of God
These functions have not changed and many churches define the responsibilities and duties the apostle as the aforementioned. It is believed that apostles operate as modern-day pastors. It is imperative that the Church builds it foundation with Jesus Christ as its head. It is Jesus Christ who gave birth to the Church rather than the doctrine of man which dominated the clergy system.
Apostles are traveling itinerants. They are ‘sent’ by the God and a particular church to plant other churches. Apostles establish churches from the ground up. They help the churches become self-sufficient and train its members to maintain the church. Apostles are true missionaries and do the work of such.
JESUS AS APOSTLE
Jesus Christ is the Chief Apostle of the Church. He established the Church by the shedding of His blood. He trained the disciples to do the work of the ministry upon His ascension. He imparted and taught the 12 apostles how to train others.
The apostle is still being restored to the body of Christ. There are those who do the work of apostle with evidence and power of the Holy Spirit. Some of the attributes of an apostle are signs, wonders and miracles.
APOSTOLIC ORGANIZATIONS
In “Rethinking the Five-Fold Ministry,” Frank Viola explains that there were a group of Christians in the 19th century who were receiving prophecies about the Millennial Age, which is now. In 1824, a Presbyterian pastor, Edward Irving, began teaching that the 5-fold had disappeared and needed to be restored to the Church.”
As a result, a number of apostolic organizations evolve. The first of these was the Catholic Apostolic Church in 1832. They appointed 12 apostles and Henry Drummond a wealthy banker took the highest position and was apostle to Scotland. Each of the 12 was apostle to a particular country. By 1901, all of these apostles died and the Catholic Apostolic Church along with it.
Another 12 apostles were chosen, thus the New Apostolic Church was born. This church was dispersed and in 1907, the founder John Alexander died. John Alexander also established the City of Zion in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1906, Los Angeles had a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Azusa Street revival. From this a new generation of apostles came forth. Continued attempts to restore the five-fold resulted in movements such as the New Order of Latter Rain Movement in the late 1940s and the Charismatic Movement in the 1960s. As the Charismatic Movement dimmed, Peter Wagner led a conference in 1996 entitled the “National Symposium on the Post-Denominational Church.” This was the beginning of the New Apostolic Churches. Today this movement is said to be restoring the five-fold ministry. The New Apostolic Church Movement was reorganized in 1999 and renamed the International Coalition of Apostles.
OFFICE OF PROPHET
One of the offices that have been in existence since biblical times is the office of prophet. The Old Testament includes both major and minor books of the prophets. The office of prophet is different from the gift and spirit of prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the ability to prophesy as God deems necessary, while the spirit of prophecy is when the environment is conducive to move the Holy Spirit. This usually occurs in the congregational setting. The prophet, like the other offices, has specific functions to serve the body of Christ. Prophets correct, rebuke, give strategies, judge, warn, guide and direct according to the Word of God. A prophet utters the mind of God. God reveals to them by dreams and visions and speaks to them audibly. Prophets are also referred to as seers and watchmen. Prophets are often persecuted and without honor in the family, community and country because these people are generally too familiar to the prophet. Prophets also operate in the word of knowledge and word of wisdom. Some prophets are sometimes sent to minister leaders.
Prophets sometimes travel in small groups known as schools. A school or company of prophets is a group of prophets being trained by a senior prophet. This distinct group mentioned in the bible is referred to as sons of prophets. They were educated in the college whose office was to instruct the Jewish people orally about the principles of the Mosaic law. Some of the Jewish prophets were particularly distinguished as writers and their instructions consisted of predictions which were added to the sacred books and became canonical authority. Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, as well as Huldah the prophetess all had schools where they trained and mentored prophets. Elijah was a head prophet who mentored and trained Elisha. This term today applies to short-term training sessions for prophets or prophets in training. This mentoring style of training of prophets tends to the trainee the mantle of their office. Prophets are ordained by God like all other 5-fold ministers. Jeremiah 1:5 states that “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” This confirms that like Jeremiah, prophets of God are born and not nominated by man. Prophets are sometimes called out into their office by another prophet or by someone who is operating out of a spirit of prophecy.
Prophets called by God experience four principles while maturing in their office. They are refereed to as the Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and the Jordan principles. During the Gilgal principle, the prophet experiences separation, this separation is from both their flesh and past then consecrated unto God. The next principle is Bethel. This is when the prophet desires to know God and be in His presence like never before. Next is the Jericho principle. Here the prophet learns to walk by faith and not by his own strength. This is where he begins to truly trust in the Lord. The last principle a prophet-in-training experience is the Jordan. Here is where the flesh dies and the prophet becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus thus begins the work the Lord has called them to do.
|
Prophet Principles |
|
|
Gilgal |
Separation |
|
Bethel |
Desires to know more of God |
|
Jericho |
Walks by faith |
|
Jordan |
Flesh dies/New creation |
TABLE 2
“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heave in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you. “So they wend down to Bethel. Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho…Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you live, I will not leave you. “So the two men walked on.”
It is not by accident that these principles are named after biblical geographical locations. 2 Kings 2:1-6 shows how Elijah the prophet received messages from the Lord regarding his travel. His prophet-in-training Elisha determined to not give up vowed to continue his walk with Elijah.
In the 21st century, School of Prophets continues to train the prophets of God. They do not necessarily travel in schools as in the biblical days. Today’s schools are educational organizations that train prophets in a classroom setting. Gateway Ministries in Richmond, Virginia is an example of such school. This school trains and teaches many prophets and as a result, others have graduated and started Schools of Prophets to train and educate others.
Bishop Bill Hamon, the founder of Christian International in Santa Rosa, Florida has been instrumental in bringing the office of prophet and prophetic ministry to the forefront in the 20th and now 21st centuries. Schools of Prophets have been established all across the United States because of his work. Before his ministry, many have shied away from operating in this God-ordained office. As it is understood that the Charismatic Church is one of the fastest growing church in the world, Hamon believes the Church must form armies under an apostolic-prophetic leadership. Hamon oversees 600 churches in 19 countries. He believes God has ordained him to restore doctrines that have been lost in the Church. He is known as the Father of the Apostolic-Prophetic movement. Christian International began in 1968.
Closing the mouth of the prophet has stopped the growth and maturing of many ministries. Many are afraid to embrace this office because of their lack of knowledge about it. Many have received the works of the psychic (false prophet) yet when they encountered a true prophet of God become uncomfortable and leery. The works of the false prophets have tainted the attitudes toward the office of prophet.
JESUS AS PROPHET
Jesus, himself is a Prophet. In the story about the woman at the well he told her how many husbands she had. She recognized him as Prophet because of what He revealed to her.
The Woman at the Well
John 4:3-19
“He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."
The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.” NKJV
Jesus headed to Galilee through Samaria, the shortest route. He sat at Jacob’s well for a rest. A woman came to draw water. This alone was prophetic. Jesus was the source by which she would draw not physical water but spiritual water. Jesus asked her water and she instantly made reference to her nationality and status. It was not common for Jews and Samaritans to interact. Further, she did recognized Jesus as the Savior, yet she had no relationship with Him. Jesus brought to her attention that “if you knew me or had relationship with me you would ask me for water and you would receive living water.” Living water represents eternal life. Jesus tells her to get her husband and when she remarked “I have no husband” Jesus noted that she was correct and exposed her sins. This made the woman aware that He was a Prophet. As Prophet, Jesus defied tradition, ministered to the woman, operated in the Word of Knowledge and revealed that which she tried to hide, her sin; which is also characteristic of prophets. It was throughout this encounter that the woman at the well was delivered and set free.
Today, prophets are operating in the Church like never before. Charismatic and non-denominational churches tend to embrace in this office. The prophetic word is to be judged by other prophets at the assembly. Also, the prophetic word is confirmed by the Word of God.
OFFICE OF EVANGELIST
The third office of the five-fold mentioned in Ephesians 4 is the evangelist. The evangelist is a soul winner. The 1970s and 80s were productive seasons for evangelism. Their message is the message of Jesus Christ, The Good News. The evangelists have an anointing that draws people. The bible admonished us to evangelize and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
Billy Graham one of the greatest evangelist of our time made it his life work to minister to the souls of people. He evangelized the world through mass media and communication i.e. television, radio, books, newspapers, magazines in Braille, to the handicapped, and blind. He held many crusades, festivals and evangelistic productions. I believe evangelistic churches follow the model of Evangelist Billy Graham with the vision and intention of ministering all over the world. Mr. Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1950 which was headquarted in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The evangelistic ministry is generally an outreach ministry. It is difficult to have people receive the gospel when they are hurting, hungry or going through a crisis.
While evangelism is not as prominent in the Church as in the 70s and 80s, the means of evangelism, in and of itself, has changed. Evangelism is also done through the arts like never before. Music, plays, movies and even books have become part of the mainstream as modern-day evangelism.
JESUS AS EVANGELIST
Jesus did the work of an evangelist. He fed the crowd with two fish and five loaves of bread. Matthew 14:15-21 reminds us of how we must take in consideration the natural needs of people when we evangelize. This particular evening the disciples wanted to send the crowds away to tend to their own needs. The food available was only two fish and five loaves of bread. Jesus said “bring them here to me”. He asked the crowd to sit, blessed the fish and bread and it was multiplied more than enough to feed 5000 people. Also, 12 baskets full of food were left over.
When we evangelize we must take into account the need of the people first. Nowadays, people are concerned about their homes, jobs, educating children, healthcare, food and family. Too many do not have enough finances to maintain themselves. As we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe, God will show us how to minister to the whole person so that they will receive the Word of God to such a degree that their entire life is changed.
It is crucial that we continue to win souls for the Kingdom of God. Today, the focus has been on program while the state of the individual, family and community goes array.
FOURTH AND FIFTH OFFICE
The fourth and fifth office of the five-fold ministry is the pastor and teacher. Both the pastor and teacher have been fully functioning in the 20th and 21st century. Churches have been birthed throughout with the pastor as leader of the congregation. The National Baptist Convention International is one organization that has fully embraced the office of pastor. This network and fellowship amongst the Baptist churches is tremendous. Also within religious organizations pastors exchange services and speaking engagements with one another to minister to the people of God.
OFFICE OF PASTOR
Pastors are compared to the shepherd and the congregation to sheep. The pastor is to give life to the congregation by feeding them the Word of God. The Word of God is referred to as milk and meat. Milk is the foundational, basic teachings and principals of Christianity. Milk is given to the newer Christians, babes in Christ. Meat or the deeper revealed Word of God is given to the more spiritually mature saints. The pastor counsels, visits the sick and guards over the members, the flock. He helps keep the sheep from wandering off and is the covenant man of God over a set church.
JESUS AS SHEPHERD
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23, is a blueprint of the functions of the pastor exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23
The
Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He
restoreth my of righteousness for His name' sake. soul:
He leadeth
me in the paths
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I
will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth
over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
Pastors are positioned in the Church with the following duties for the benefit of the flock:
Remove the burdens and lighten hardships through prayer, counsel and teaching to give clarity to life circumstances.
Relieve or eliminate and assist when in need.
Repel the works of the enemy through intercession
Refresh by providing new vigor through a fresh revelation of the Word of God
Relax or help to calm flock by listening with a compassionate heart
Restore confidence in their walk with the Lord through encouragement
Reprove or correct to keep from repeating harmful decisions
Rejoice by celebrating with the sheep when they overcome and are blessed
Requite by accepting sheep when they return and loving them unconditionally
Restrain when possible to keep from getting devoured by the enemy
Rewarding the sheep by acknowledging when they do well
Receiving the sheep by totally accepting them as Christ receives us
Although the pastor has been more visible than any of the five-fold offices, the others are gaining momentum and making great exploits in advancing the kingdom of God. Pastors also operate in the office of teacher. This is the fifth office and often times considered in conjunction with the pastor. Some believe in this instance, there are four offices rather than five governmental offices in the Kingdom of God.
JESUS AS TEACHER
The teacher has been operating since before the Church. Jesus Christ is the Great Teacher. He taught masses of people, small groups and individuals alike. He taught about the principles of the Kingdom of God, how to function in the God-given authority, how to treat mankind and more. He strategically taught about the spiritual things through parables, by example and through the working of miracles.
OFFICE OF TEACHER
The teacher is necessary in the Church to root and ground people in the Word of God. While there is no such office as a preachers’ office, most are teachers. Because one may have a natural ability to teach does not mean they should stand in the office of teacher.
One who functions in the office of teacher is anointed to teach the Word of God so that it is easily understood. Today, we have access to biblical teachings through television, radio and the internet. Many pastors use these tools to teach the Word of God to masses of people. The televangelist has used the television to save souls but we now have many teachers on both the secular and television networks.
NUMBERS PROVE THE PLENTEOUS HARVEST
The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). 94% of the world’s ministers are in the United States. Of these 94% on 6% of the world is receiving ministry. There are over 2,000 languages in which the Word of God has not been translated. Further, of 10,000 villages in India only 50 have had Christian witness. Only 1% of the Japanese population is Christian.
In Latin America, at least five million people in the jungle lowland have not been reached with the gospel. Only 500 Protestant missionaries are ministering to over 750,000 Muslims. Evangelism must continue throughout the world. Each soul must have the opportunity to salvation. Training the people of God to witness and share the Word of God will aid in getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
A 21ST CENTURY OBSERVATION
Five-fold ministry is operating in the Church but has not been fully restored. There is rarely a place of worship where all are in operation but its beginning to take shape and function with one accord. The pastor continues to be the dominant office in the Church. There are instances where the others (Apostle, Evangelist or Teacher) function as a five-fold minister. Otherwise, they operate in serve and helps ministry. Other leadership includes elder, bishop and deacon. While the apostle, evangelist and teacher are of the least prominent, it is not clearly understood that these three offices tend to overlap. Apostles are often considered traveling evangelists, in the sense that they go to other nations and spread the Gospel. By nations, it is inferred as outside of local or home church. Also, the apostle has the divine ability to teach the Word of God when necessary. So, although each office is endowed with particular abilities and functions, they operate as God deems necessary. The office of prophet is not strongly considered which is indicative of anyone who operates in this office. The prophet is rejected by qualification. The Word of God tells us that a prophet is without honor in his own house. (But Jesus said unto them, a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and his own house. Matthew 13:57) The pastor who is compared to a shepherd and members to sheep remains a major part of the Church today. To have only a few of the offices function in the body of Christ is divisive. This induces separation by denominations, members and leadership. Certainly, submission and accountability is a necessity to the Church functioning, but the Holy Spirit gives us power to lead and be led.
The hand is a good example of how the five-fold ministry is one unit working together.
On the hand, the office of apostle is represented by the thumb. The thumb is the first finger and represents the first headship of the Church with the God-give authority to touch/sometimes operate in the other five-fold offices. The apostle sets up churches in cities, countries and nations. He incorporates the Word of God and helps in any area necessary to establish the Church.
The forefinger on the hand is the second finger. It represents the prophet. The finger points to, guides and direct as it denotes the functions of this office of prophet. Prophets were feared yet sought out in the Old Testament.
The third finger on the hand, the middle finger represents the evangelist. This finger like the evangelist extends to the world. Evangelists reach out to the community to save souls so that they may enter the Kingdom of God.
The office of pastor is represented by the fourth finger known as the ring finger. This finger is the one by which a covenant is confirmed in a marriage. The pastor is married to the sheep and has a covenant relationship with them. He prays and guards over the flock, feeds them the Word of God to keep them from wandering off.
The smallest and fifth finger known as the pinkie signifies the teacher. The pinkie helps ground the rest of the hand. Without the pinkie it would be difficult to grasp anything; which gives a greater potential to lose and drop things. The same is true with the teacher. Without the office of teacher, the body of Christ will get lost and start falling apart because of lack of training about the spiritual things.
The following survey was conducted to give clarity as to how the Church embraces the 5 fold ministry today.
Interview/Survey
Do you believe five-fold ministry is fully operating in this day and time?
Are any of the five-fold offices operating at your place of worship?
If so which are operating at your place of worship?
Do you operate in a five-fold office?
If yes, which one? (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher)
Which office do you think is not prominent today?
Throughout your lifetime which office was most prominent
Do you believe that there will be a full manifestation of the five-fold ministry in the earth all at the same time?
Of these offices, which do you find is not easily embraced in the church?
Why do you believe this office is not well received?
What is your religious affiliation? (COGIC, P.A.W. Full Gospel, etc.)
As compared to the 80s and 90s, how do you find ministry differs today?
Do you believe the five-fold ministry is necessary in church today?
Should each of the five-fold ministers be submitted to one another?
As agents of change, how can five-fold ministers affect the climate of the church today?
Results of Interview/Survey
(1, 2) Most Christians believe that five-fold ministry is operating at some level in the church, as well as, in their place of worship.
(3) The pastor and teacher are the dominant gifts in the church, prophet is becoming more recognized many are not clear about the apostle and the evangelist is no longer on the forefront as many years ago.
(4) A majority of church leaders operate in one of the five-fold offices while others operate in the ministry of helps.
(5) At some point or another, leaders have operated in more than one of the offices.
(6, 7) This survey confirms that evangelist, teacher and apostle are the least prominent in the church and the prophet is hardly regarded at all. Therefore, the pastor is still the most visible of these 5-fold offices.
(8) While most believe there will be a full manifestation of the 5-fold offices, a few believe one will be more dominant.
(9, 10) All surveyed agreed that the prophet is not well received in the church due to lack of understanding and fear of may be revealed.
(11) Those who participated in this survey are of various denominations, and religious backgrounds.
(12) As compared to the 80s and 90s there are more churches, televangelists and liberty to operate in the spiritual gifts. People are more apt to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(13) All agree that 5-fold ministry is necessary.
(14) Submission and accountability is a necessity and paramount to the effectiveness of ministry.
(15) Survey showed that 5-fold ministry can positively affect the church climate by teaching and training the people of God so they can become spiritually mature and the church can be edified.
CONCLUSION
Certainly, 21st century ministry includes the five-fold. It is now becoming a part of the fabric of society. While many denominations may not fully embrace these offices they function in them at some level.
Terminology plays a large role in how we perceive and embrace any given office. Missionaries are now being considered apostles or apostolic in nature; while those doing the work of counselor to the saints may actually be prophet.
It is the familiar that makes the Church comfortable. We must receive all of the gifts given to the Church to induce growth, unity, and true worship. The five-fold ministry is coming to fully function in the body of Christ, one with another. With this, unity will come forth, the saints of God will become more rooted and grounded and victory will be evident.
Let us focus on the relationship with Christ Jesus and not get too consumed with the title of a service. Most importantly, we are to receive and embrace one another in love and let love have its perfect work.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Apostolic Times, Jonas Clark Ministries, Effective Ministries and Believers, www.jonasclark.com; 2005
Compact Bible Dictionary; Earl Radmacher, Ron Allen and H. Wayne House; Thomas Nelson Publishing; 2007
Holy Bible, King James Version, Hendrickson Publishers, 1997
Life and Time of Samuel the Prophet, by a Grandfather; H. E. Carrington, Printer, Bath; London; Longman and Co.; Paternoster-Row, 1843
The Prophet’s Dictionary: The Ultimate Guide to Supernatural Wisdom; Paula A. Price Ph.D; Whitaker House; 2006
Prophetic Activation Symposium Workshop Manual; Redemptive Fellowship Church; Kingdom Dominion Summit; 1999
Rethinking the Five-Fold Ministry; Viola, Frank; Present Testimony Ministry; www.ptmin.org; 2005
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