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Five Fold Ministry

The document discusses the five-fold ministry gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11- apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. It argues that these gifts establish a balanced group of leaders to govern the church based on individual giftedness. While some denominations reject this model, it provides an alternative to the traditional hierarchy with a single senior pastor. The document then examines different leadership models in the Old Testament before discussing how the New Testament model differs as believers now have direct access to God through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

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Antoine Sainvil
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
559 views

Five Fold Ministry

The document discusses the five-fold ministry gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11- apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. It argues that these gifts establish a balanced group of leaders to govern the church based on individual giftedness. While some denominations reject this model, it provides an alternative to the traditional hierarchy with a single senior pastor. The document then examines different leadership models in the Old Testament before discussing how the New Testament model differs as believers now have direct access to God through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Uploaded by

Antoine Sainvil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE MAKING OF A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD: FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31

Introduction:

The Scripture verse above highlights five distinct areas or roles of ministry which God has given to the
Church as a gift, so that it can operate in totality and reach maturity. Essentially the five-fold ministry
establishes a group of leaders to govern the Church based on giftedness in one of five areas, which together
provide a holistic and balanced perspective to complete Christian ministry.

This model stands somewhat in contrast to the more traditional hierarchy Church model with a Senior
pastor, associate and assistant pastors.

All five streams of giftedness are highly unlikely to be represented and well balanced in one or two
individuals.

The five-fold model functions on the basis that leaders with the gifting of an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist,
Pastor or Teacher oversee ministry areas where they have a proven anointing to grow and edify the Church.

Much of this controversy stems from a lack of thorough understanding of the various gifts and ministries
God has given the church to help lead, guide, direct and edify the saints outlined in Ephesians 4:11. The
major concern centers upon the abuse of power and the self-appointment of people to positions of
influence and authority that are not in submission to the Holy Spirit or accountable to other leaders or to the
body of the Church.

The question of the operation of the five-fold ministries in the Church today is largely dictated by the
traditions of each individual denomination and their historical interpretation of Scripture on this topic
varying from complete rejection to an open embrace.

It is difficult for any formal body of believers to approach the New Testament in a totally objective manner.
Much of how one perceives New Testament leadership hinges on our present experience and environment.

As we probe this topic, we are essentially trying to eliminate any man made parameters of leadership that
have permeated into the structure and philosophy of Church leadership and rediscover the foundational
model and principles Jesus intended to underpin the operation of the body.

Before we discuss this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we need to explore church history to
remind ourselves of some principles of leadership that God has ordained and used in the life of his children.
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Background

Since the beginning of human life, God has always ruled His children in the model of a Theocracy. Theocracy
simply means that there is only God in charge and therefore men and woman must follow God’s direction
and will for their lives both individually and corporately.

Democracy has never been the modus operandi in the Body of Christ.

God anoints, He appoints and He directs. We really do not have a vote on any subject whatsoever if we are
Spirit led. Having to vote means that we are unable to reach unity and agreement through discussion and
prayer and that is not God’s will for His children.

Biblical history shows us different models of leadership that God has appointed to rule over His children.
Each model was effective for that time and season and as time rolled forward, so God changes his models of
leadership to coincide with His divine purposes for that season.

Key Points:

I. Leadership models in the Old Testament

A. In the Old Testament alone, we see many completely different models of leadership ordained by God:

1. Before leadership offices were initiated by God, His divine blessing and presence was with covenant
bearers. i.e. the age of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants).

2. The 400 years of captivity in Egypt saw no Israelite leaders appointed. (Although Moses and Aaron
were being prepared for what was soon to come).

3. Then followed direct divine ordination and selection by God for specific tasks and seasons, i.e.
Moses.

4. After being set free from Egyptian slavery, the Levites (descendants of the 3rd son of Jacob) are
called to the office of Priest (Numbers 3:5-12). Aaron, Moses’ brother was also a Levite (Exodus
4:14).

5. We then see the appointing of judges to rule the people, i.e. Othniel, Deborah, Gideon and Samson.

6. This was followed by the appointment of kings to rule over the people, i.e. Saul, David and Absalom.

7. During the time of the judges and the kings, God raised up the office of the prophet, although the
Bible does refer to Abraham and Aaron as prophets (Gen 20:7)
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B. Overall we see 6 different forms of leadership during the Old Testament:

1. Covenant bearers - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob


2. Divinely directly/appointed - Moses, Joshua
3. Priests - Aaron, Levites
4. Judges - Deborah, Gideon, Samson
5. Kings - Saul, David
6. Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel

C. The offices of prophet and priest were already in operation during the time of the judges and the kings,
i.e. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge at the same time (Judges 4:4).

1. The period of the judges only operated for 185 years starting with Othniel as the 1st judge, and
ending when the last judge Samuel who anointed Saul as the 1st king of Israel.

2. Saul’s anointing started a new model of leadership using kings as rulers.

3. The 3 offices that had the greatest effect on leadership during the Old Testament were the offices of
priest, prophet and king. The Bible says that Jesus Christ operated in all three of these offices.

 Jesus is called the King of kings.

 Jesus is called our High Priest and Intercessor standing at the right hand of God.

 Jesus spoke about a prophet not being honored in his own country referring to Himself. His
disciples and other followers often spoke of Him as a prophet.

 Because Jesus had fulfilled these offices just as He has fulfilled the Old Covenant by His eternal
sacrifice, it is no longer necessary for us to be ruled by priests, kings or prophets in the way that
occurred during Old Testament times.

 We are no longer a single nation needing to hear from God through another person because
God has made a way for us through Jesus Christ to have direct communication with Him because
His Spirit lives in our lives.

o Every ministry is an extension of the ministry of Christ Himself, who is the chief
cornerstone of the foundations.

o Ultimately Christ Himself will replace the five-fold ministry leadership. The 5-fold
ministries are only temporary. Christ’s leadership is and will always be eternal.

D. Though apostolic ministry seems exclusive to the New Testament, we discover from the scriptures that
apostolic ministry was demonstrated in the Old Testament.
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1. Two key biblical figures that exemplify this truth are Abraham and Moses.
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2. Each of these men were prophets, but from God’s interaction with them, we discover there was a
type of apostolic anointing on their lives. They demonstrated three apostolic traits:

 They reflect the character of God.

 They established individuals in the faith of God.

 They exercised great spiritual authority and power.

3. Moses, like Abraham, demonstrated apostolic grace.

 When God spoke of his ministry, He said that Moses was not like other prophets.

 Apostles and prophets are similar, but the apostle’s ministry is greater than the prophet’s
because of the spiritual authority of the office.

 This is what Moses represented in his day. He was a prophet, but there was something greater
about him.

 When God sent Moses to Pharaoh, He told Moses that Aaron would be his prophet, and Moses
would be as God to Pharaoh.

 This is a clear demonstration of the apostolic grace. Moses would reflect God’s character as he
fulfilled his ministry.

 Finally, like the modern day apostle, Moses established people in the faith of God.

II. Leadership Models in the New Testament

A. The New Testament leadership model looks entirely different than any of the Old Testament examples we
looked at.

1. We will also see that although prophets are mentioned in both Testaments, their ministries are
slightly different.

2. The greatest reasons for the new leadership model in the New Testament are:

 All of God’s people now have direct access to God the Father through Jesus Christ.

 The Holy Spirit who is the constant presence, power and witness of God (Christ), now resides in
each individual who professes Jesus Christ as Lord of his/her life.

3. Because of these two significant factors, God created a new leadership model for the church.
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 At this point we encounter the considerable controversy in Christian circles relating to the
validity of the “five-fold ministry.”

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THE MAKING OF A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD: FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS

 Some maintain that the five-fold ministry was only meant for the “Apostolic age” (30-90 AD).

 Others object on the basis that it creates an elite hierarchy of leadership.

 Properly understood, the five-fold ministry in fact takes the emphasis away from a hierarchical
leadership and places the weight of ministry towards a spread of responsibility across the
Church body.

B. If we look at Ephesians 4:11-13 more closely again, we’ll be able to make a few interesting observations:

1. Spiritual gifts are supplemented by the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers
(Eph. 4:11), which are as different as oil and water and yet brought together by divine chemistry
creating together an indissoluble bond. The whole book of 1 Corinthians is really about this unity.

2. What is the purpose of these ministries?

 For the perfecting/maturing of God’s people


 For the work or equipping of the ministry
 For the edifying/building up of the Body of Christ.

3. For how long?- Until we all come to complete unity in the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of
God

 Until we are all full mature/full grown in the Lord


 Until we all reach the full measure of the stature of Christ.

4. It is fairly safe to say that the three purposes for these ministries are just as relevant today as they
were 2000 years ago - probably more so today than ever before.

5. Also, this verse states that four things are required before these ministries will not be required
anymore and none of these four requirements have yet been met in the Body of Christ today.

6. These ministries are alive and very much needed in the local church today.

III. The ministry gifts in the local church today

A. The five ministries in discussion are Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.

1. First, with the ministry gifts the believer himself or herself is the gift given by Christ to His
church.

 They are Jesus’ ministry gifts to His church because the church can never be what He intends
without them. For example, the apostle Paul was Jesus’ gift to the Gentile believers.
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 In contrast, with spiritual gifts, the gift is given to the person, who is then able to minister it to
others.

 Therefore, with ministry gifts, the person is the gift, and with spiritual gifts, the person has the
gift.

2. With a ministry gift, every aspect of the total ministry makes up the gift.

 It is like an athlete who runs the mile faster than anybody else. His whole life centers on running
the mile.

 Similarly, for the person who is a ministry gift to the church, his whole life centers on being an
apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher.

 Paul often compared Christian ministry to the activities of athletes because there is so much that
is parallel between them in terms of the need for training, discipline, and dedication.

 A ministry is a lifework. On the other hand, the nine supernatural gifts are brief, dramatic,
brilliant, arresting manifestations that happen and are finished.

3. Third, a ministry gift cannot be divorced from a person’s character.

 It has to be so because of the very nature of ministry gifts; it is essential to their outworking.

 On the other hand, with spiritual gifts, character is not necessarily involved.

 All believers may exercise the spiritual gift of prophecy. Yet God never says we will all be
prophets.

o Prophesying, in itself, does not give you the ministry of a prophet, nor the character that
necessarily corresponds with a ministry gift.

o However, if you receive a supernatural gift, it does increase your responsibility. And a
responsible person will conduct himself in such a way that the gift will go together with the
rest of what he does.

o What we find is that not all who receive a gift take that responsibility or are mature enough
in that way.

4. There are those who would say that they have incorrectly been called the 5-fold ministries
because they believe pastor and teacher are actually mentioned in scripture as a combined entity. I,
on the other hand, believe there is a distinct anointing and teacher gift and not all pastors possess it.
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5. These leadership ministries are not merely "titles" but ministry functions or job descriptions.

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6. The focus can and may never be on a man or woman, but rather on the task being
performed in obedience to Christ for the benefit of the Church body.

7. The purpose is purely to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ
may be built up.

8. Our ministry is the ministry of Christ expressed through the believer by the anointing of the
Holy Spirit.

 Christ is our Apostle (Hebrews 3:1)

 Christ is our Prophet (Luke 24:19

 Christ is our Evangelist (Matthew 9:35)

 Christ is our Pastor (1 Peter 5:2-4)

 Christ is our Teacher (John 3:2).

9. Every ministry is an extension of the ministry of Christ Himself, who is the chief cornerstone
of the foundations.

10. Ultimately Christ Himself will replace the five-fold ministry leadership. The 5-fold ministries
are only temporary. Christ’s leadership is and will always be eternal.

B. The essential ingredient in the establishment of New Testament leadership within the local Church is to
ensure that all these gifts are in operation and that they are exercised in unity together. None can be
dominant, none can be absent.

1. Much of the danger associated with misuse and abuse of these gifts can be avoided if they are not
set up as an individual’s specific title or a formal office of the Church leadership structure, but rather
as recognition of a proven area of passion and anointing that a leader expresses in his or her
ministry.

2. Any local Church can maintain the New Testament directive simply by ensuring there’s an
established team of leaders.

3. The collective giftedness of the leadership team incorporates all five distinct areas of ministry and
ensures their influence in the life of the Church.

C. There are certain things we must remember about spiritual gifts and also the five-fold ministers who are
gifted to the church. Gifts or calling do not equate to maturity.
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1. Fivefold ministers are servants. Matthew 20:25 states “whoever wants to be great must be a servant
of all.” Jesus is the greatest servant of all, he gave his very life for those he loves.

2. A calling on a minister’s life, i.e. five-fold minister, is one aspect of their ministry for the Lord, their
character is the second aspect. How much their character has been matured directly relates to the
level of authority that the Lord commissions them to have.

3. I Timothy 3:1-7 gives the qualifications of an overseer and all fivefold ministers have to have been
proven in these areas before the Lord will release them into the fullness of their call.

4. Every Christian needs to be accountable to those that are called to look after and equip them,
including five-fold ministers.

D. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Read: Ephesians 3:7-21)

MINISTRY GIFTS IN EPHESIANS 4:11

IV. Apostle

A. There are three main divisions of apostles.

1. The foundational apostles who wrote the Scripture by inspiration in the first century.

 The Canon was closed forever with the final book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ written
around 90-96 AD.

 This was the final book of Scripture written before the death of the last Apostle John in 100 AD.

 These apostles lived no more after the first century and there can be no other apostle of this
type.

2. Secondly, there were the twelve apostles chosen by the Lord and sent out in apostolic mission of
whom Judas Iscariot became the betrayer of Jesus and later Matthias replaced him by the Lord's
sovereign choice through casting lots (Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:23-26; Prov. 16:33).

 These twelve are unique in their calling.

 It’s a calling that will be given to no other person because these twelve have been chosen to
symbolically become the twelve foundations of the wall of the holy city of New Jerusalem.

 The 12 apostles chosen by Jesus were witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:15; Acts 4: 33)

 On these twelve foundations their twelve names will be written (Rev 21:14).
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3. Thirdly, the apostles who were given to the Church as a gift by the Lord Jesus himself (Eph. 4:11).
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 There were many other true apostles (Acts 14:3-4; Romans 16:7; 1 Corinthians 15:5-7; Galatians
1:1,19) . There were also false ones (2 Corinthians 11:13-5; Revelation 2: 2).

 These apostles were there in the first century and have continued to operate in their calling and
gift for these last two thousand years.

 Nowhere in the New Testament is there the slightest hint of these apostles of the Church ceasing
to exist.

 Neither are we told that these people will be there only for the first century Church and then no
more.

 While some believe that apostles died out with the original twelve it is clear that the twelve
trained and raised up post-ascension apostles to do the work: Andronicus, Junia (a woman),
James, Barnabus, Timothy, and Paul are just a few. This has continued on throughout the ages,
whether they were recognized as apostles or not.

o Because of the spirit of Babylon invading the Church through Roman Catholicism, the
voice of the apostles had ceased to exist because of severe persecution to all these
mighty men of God, many of whom became martyrs for the sake of proclaiming the
truth of Jesus Christ.

o When this religious Babylon will fall during the first half of the week of Daniel (Rev.
17:16-17), then God says to the apostles and prophets of the Church in heaven and earth
to rejoice over the demise of this religious harlot Babylon forever (Rev 18:20, 24).

 God has restored all the lost gifts of the Church completely in the 20th century.

 Now in the 21st century, it is the time for the Church to rise up and shine forth the light of the
gospel of Jesus to the whole world (Matt. 5:14).

B. Apostle is derived from the Classical Greek word apostolos, meaning "one who is sent away, a messenger
or ambassador." So Christian apostles are messengers sent forth by Jesus specifically to proclaim the gospel
of the kingdom of God.

1. Apostle Paul was specifically called by Jesus to preach Jesus among the Gentile world (Gal 1:1, 15-
17).

2. God chooses and sends specific men and women from His Church as messengers with a specific
message to reach specific people groups (Gal 2:8-9).

3. They will be able to exercise a divine authority over the sphere of influence which God has
appointed for them to do ministry (2 Cor. 10:12-16).
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4. Apostles are the last and the least to receive honor from people because they are sold out to please
God and God alone (Gal 1:10).

C. The apostle, more than the others, is focused on the kingdom of God advancing in the earth.

1. An apostle is “one who is sent” in order to extend the borders of God’s kingdom and establish it in a
region or sphere.

2. An apostle will probably have first been one of the other ministry gifts, and will be able to flow in
various roles.

D. Apostles have been given especially to church pastors and leaders for help and guidance.

1. Apostles are leaders and visionaries. They bring direction to the church.

2. They have the courage and ability to keep the Church moving forward, growing and building in new
directions.

3. They are peacemakers, troubleshooters and problem solvers.

4. They can make demands that appear unreasonable at times but they are gladly accepted because
people recognize their authority.

5. They have the big picture in focus and don’t get caught up in minor issues.

6. Apostles are also fathers or mothers, able to nurture and disciple the other ministry areas.

E. An apostle normally has a measure of all the other five-fold gifts, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist;
therefore, they have an understanding to train and equip the Body of Christ and can step into these roles as
God leads.

1. Many apostles are a Senior Pastor of a local church but do not restrict themselves to the work of a
pastor, they have pastors that work with them to shepherd the church body.

2. Every apostle is unique in his ministry. Apostolic ministry manifests itself in various ways. However,
there is some common ground among all apostles.

3. No matter what their specific call is, apostles will exhibit characteristics of ambassadors or fathers
and mothers as they minister in the Church.

F. The apostle’s role in the kingdom of God may parallel an ambassador’s role in any earthly kingdom.

1. Ambassadors are important to any nation. Oftentimes, they carry the nation’s peace, prosperity, and
safety by their words and actions.
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2. Though every member of the Body of Christ functions as an ambassador for Him at some time, it is
the primary role of the apostle. Paul compared apostolic ministry to that of an ambassador.

3. Ambassadors are the highest officials and/or representatives in government.

 The word translated ambassador in the New Testament comes from the Greek word presbeuo.”
It means to be a senior representative.

 Therefore, we conclude that among those God call into ministry, the apostle is the senior
representative of the kingdom of God.

4. Ambassadors are sent forth with specific guidelines of the one who sent them.

 An ambassador does not choose what his assignment is. The ruler or government decides this.

 An ambassador does not become or function as an ambassador unless designated. The same is
true for the apostle. The Lord appoints an apostle.

5. Ambassadors have an invested/inherent authority. Ambassadors are sent out with all authority and
power of the commissioning government.

 Since they stand in place of the governing leadership, they walk in their power.

 Ambassadors are given this authority that they may fulfill their commission.

 Ambassadors cannot assume authority that is not given to them.

6. Ambassadors are expected to have wisdom, counsel, and knowledge of their ruler.

7. Ambassadors are entrusted with the responsibility of representing those who sent them.

 Therefore, the training and discipline placed upon them is great.

 They must have personal integrity and character.

 In addition, they must be able to represent those who have commissioned them with knowledge
and dignity.

8. Apostles are no different. They resemble ambassadors in all of these ways.

G. Apostles only have authority over what God gives them.


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1. An apostle over one organization cannot assume apostleship over any other organization or people
in the Kingdom of God. God, alone, gives him his sphere of influence.
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 Some apostolic ministers have ignored this fact and tried to usurp authority in churches and
organizations where the Lord has not sent them.

 The apostle only has authority and influence in the places where God has sent them.

2. Above all the other offices, the apostles are to represent the voice of Christ and be in his stead as
they minister in the Church.

 Apostles are expected to speak and act even as Christ would.

 Apostles have to possess the nature of Christ.

 The apostle’s actions have to be a reflection of the mind of Christ operating in them. (I
Corinthians 2:16)

3. The apostle’s role in the kingdom is similar to that of a father. The apostles, themselves, referred to
themselves as fathers and to those who partook of their ministry as their children.

 The apostle will supply the spiritual needs of those entrusted to him.

 Paul explained to those at Corinth that as a father works and provides (spends) for his children,
so he labors and expends his time, energy, and effort to provide for them spiritually.

 He wanted their souls to be saved.

 Apostles have to avoid becoming “lord” and “kings” over the people of God. God has set them in
the Church to serve.

 The apostle’s personal concern has to be tempered with grace and patience.

 Apostles will execute judgment and discipline in the Church. However, love is to be the
motivation for the rebuke.

 Apostles will also impart revelation and knowledge to the Church as a father does to his children.

G. Nine functions of the apostle: Although there are varieties of ministries and operations, apostles have
essentially the same functions. Some functions are not exclusive to apostles. However, apostles will differ
from other ministries in the execution of those functions.

1. Preach & teach the Word of God (I Tim. 2:7).

 Apostles are gifted to preach and/or teach the word of God under divine inspiration and
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 They are anointed to make known the mysteries of God through the Word. This is performed
with boldness and sobriety.

2. Impart spiritual gifts (Acts 8:17; Romans 1:11; II Tim. 1:6).

 Apostles have the ability to bring forth the gifts of God in believers.

 They have the power to impart wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

 Apostles can bring to light the spiritual gifts resident in believers and impart gifts (by revelation
of the Spirit) through the laying on of hands.

3. Establish and/or oversee churches and organizations.

 Because apostles are sent with a divine message, God uses some to start organizations as
vehicles to present their messages.

 In addition, apostles will start new churches and ministries in areas where they are sent to
preach.

 This is to give structure to those who have heard the message. For example, Paul and Barnabas
started many churches to give the new converts some organization to the worship of God.

4. Evangelize.

 Every apostle has a message. Apostles are gifted to go into areas that have not been open to the
gospel or areas that are stagnant. Jesus sent the original twelve out to preach.

 Every apostle will function as an evangelist, whether to the Church (to bring balance and order)
or to the lost (for redemption and salvation).

5. Raise up leaders (Acts 15:39; II Tim. 2:1-2; Acts 6:3-6).

 Because of the authority given to them, apostles have the anointing and responsibility to raise
up leaders.

 This is done for the advancement of the kingdom of God.

 Apostles will have Timothys and Elishas in ministry so that the work of the Lord will continue
after they have left the scene.


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If an apostle is the head of a religious organization, he will have the ability to recognize gifts and
ministries in individuals and set them in the Church as directed by the Spirit.
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6. Expose false apostles & doctrine.

 Apostles are stewards of the mysteries of God.

 They have the wisdom and foresight to warn against deception.

 They will contend for purity of faith and doctrine in the Church.

 They, like the prophets of old, will warn and speak against false apostles openly.

7. Perform signs, wonders, healings, & miracles.

 The apostle has a miraculous ministry.

 Apostles are gifted men or women, not only to perform signs and wonders, but in the revelation
gifts of the Spirit.

 The word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, and prophecy will operate
regularly in their ministries. (Acts 2:43)

8. Lay spiritual foundations in the Church.

 Apostles have the authority and anointing to lay spiritual foundations in the Church.

 Though no modern-day apostles will write scripture, they are equipped to reveal the hidden
truths of God’s Word and lay the proper foundation for the people of God to grow thereby.
(Ephesians 3:4-5).

9. Establish churches in the faith (Gospel).

 Apostles have the unique ability to bring people back to the purity of the faith.

 They are able to instruct babes in Christ until they become mature in their personal relationships
with God and in their doctrinal beliefs.

 They can promote stability and growth in the Body of Christ. (Acts 16:4-5).

H. So what does It take to be an apostle?

1. A calling directly from the Lord Jesus Himself.

2. The courage to do something that no one else has done before.


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3. The strength to be different and to rock the boat when it needs rocking!
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THE MAKING OF A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD: FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS

4. The notion that the way things are... are not the way things should be!

5. Knowing that there just has to be a better way of having "church."

I. If you have an apostolic calling, you have a hereditary flaw. You always see the wrong in the church. You
are like a building inspector examining the foundations and you are the only one that finds all of the cracks.

1. You attend a church meeting and instead of coming to receive, you leave with questions.

2. You wonder why those with a real anointing are not allowed to minister.

3. You wonder why the Pastor preached the same thing that he learned at bible school 10 years ago.

4. (Perhaps you pass the time by making some notes of your own to at least make it interesting!)

5. You wonder why the numbers grow, but change in the people's hearts do not.

6. Most of all you wonder...why didn't God attend?

J. Summary of the apostle’s role and responsibilities:

1. Are referred to as "wise master builders" or "spiritual architects" (1 Corinthians 3: 10).

2. Casts and keeps God’s vision burning before the churches and ministries they oversee.

3. Recognizes, raises up and equips five-fold ministers and releases them into ministry.

4. Leads, nurtures, corrects, rebukes and spiritually oversees the body of Christ they are responsible
for.

5. Lays foundations for churches and ministries, or sets in order those already established (1
Corinthians 3:10).

6. Is a spiritual mother or father with governing authority and supernatural anointing to regions,
countries or nations as Christ appropriates it.

7. Are pioneers of new churches. (1 Corinthians 9:2; 1 Corinthians 3:6).

8. Grounds the Church in truth (Colossians 1:25).

9. Brings correction in erroneous ministry, preserves unity in the Body (1 Corinthians 3:3-5).

10. Plants new ministries. (2 Timothy 1: 6; 1 Corinthians 4:15).


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11. Has a ministry of miracles, signs and wonders (2 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 2:43).
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12. Has a ministry of prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6: 4).

4Ekselans School of Ministry: Institute for the Formation of Christian Leaders 2013-2015
THE MAKING OF A MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD: FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS

13. Lays on hands for impartation of ministry (Acts 6:6).

14. Imparts spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11).

15. Makes final decisions if one cannot be reached by those they oversee.

16. Is accountable to Jesus Christ and other five-fold ministers in there sphere of influence.

17. Networks with other five-fold ministers either locally, nationally or internationally.

HOMEWORK:

1. What are the five-fold ministry gifts?


2. What were the 6 different forms of leadership during the Old Testament:
3. How was apostolic ministry demonstrated in the Old Testament?
4. Reading Ephesians 4:11-13, what are some interesting observations that we can make?
5. What does the word apostle mean?
6. Where are the three main divisions of apostles?
7. How is an apostle an ambassador? Please explain the various ways.
8. What are the nine functions of an apostle?

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4Ekselans School of Ministry: Institute for the Formation of Christian Leaders 2013-2015

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