5 THINGS TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE 5 FOLD MINISTRY
Ephesians 4:11–13 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 stature of the fulness of Christ…
There are 5 Ministry Gifts given to the Body of Christ that are known as the 5 Fold Ministry. These are people gifted to the Body of Christ to edify believers. They are the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. Here are 5 things to understand about being called into the 5 fold ministry:
It’s a Sovereign, Supernatural Call
Nobody “appoints” you into an office, and you can’t just decide you’re an Apostle or Evangelist because you feel like it. You do not receive the call because someone prophesied it, or a friend told you so. No human hands you the office – God Himself calls and sets you in it. A person who is truly called to the full time ministry is divinely summoned and empowered by Christ Himself.
Every Office Carries Its Own Anointing
Each of the five offices comes with a unique Anointing. When you step into one – whether you’re teaching, pastoring, evangelizing, prophesying, or pioneering churches – you will carry a specific anointing tailored to that gift.
God Equips Those He Calls
God will never call you to do something without giving you the equipment to get the job done. The same Lord who calls you will also prepare you and equip you. Whatever He calls you to, He supplies the supernatural equipment to get the job done.
Ministry Is Proven by Power and Fruit, Not Just a Title.
Many are called, few are chosen. It’s not enough to feel the call, you have to answer the call and be found faithful. Slapping a title on yourself doesn’t make it real – the proof is in the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life and the fruit that follows. True ministry shows itself in changed lives, not just on a business card.
I meet many people who say they are a Pastor, with no fruit of a Pastor. Or say they are an Evangelist, but have no fruit of an Evangelist. You will know them by their Fruits!
You Can Function in More Than One Office
According to Acts 13:1, Acts 14:14… Barnabas and Paul were both ‘prophets’ and ‘teachers.’ In other words, they were gifted by the Holy Ghost to stand in both offices.