Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors & teachers. These are collectively called the “5-Fold Ministry.” Laying aside for a moment the controversy relating to the first two gifts listed in Eph 4:11, I believe there is still much misunderstanding relating to these ministries. We think that these are the top gifts, or maybe what church members should aspire to. We look to our pastors as the pinnacle of “church-dom”, thinking that one day if we are spiritual enough then maybe we could become a pastor or a missionary. These are looked on as the head honchos in the church, the ones who should be revered. The church in America believes it is these 5 ministries that comprise the work of the church. I think this is entirely backwards.
In reality, these 5 ministries are really basic offices in the church. They are foundational, if you will. When building a house, the foundation is not the objective, it is merely the starting point. The house is the thing. Yes, the foundation is crucial to the strength of the house. But the foundation without the house is pointless. Eph 4:12 says that Jesus has placed Christians in these roles for the purpose of “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” What is the ministry of the church? Is it to be a pastor, or to be an evangelist? Is it to be a missionary? Is it to aspire to be a Sunday School teacher? These are all excellent vocations, and they are foundational to building the house. I do not seek to undervalue these offices. However, I believe the work of ministry goes far beyond these five offices.
The church is called to be in unity, with full knowledge of the Son of God. The church is called to the exact level of maturity exhibited by Christ. That’s quite a tall order. Can we collectively walk as mature as Christ? Can we have the faith to move mountains? Can we have the faith to heal amputees? Eph 4:15 says we should grow up in all things into Christ. In all areas of our life, we are called to walk as Christ walked, speaking the truth in love. The only way we can do this is if we are equipped. The only way we can do this is if we are trained. We need our 5-Fold Ministers to equip us. We need these offices to give us weapons to fight. We need these offices to give us the tools to do our job. That is what equipping means in Eph 4:12.
No one looks at a house and says, “Nice foundation,” because the foundation cannot be seen! No one should look at the church and say, “Nice evangelist,” because the evangelist is foundational. The pastor is foundational. The apostle is foundational. These ministers’ sole purpose is to equip the saints for the work of ministry! The saints are the house. People should see the work that the saints are doing, and glorify God.
How strange it is, that we have turned things around so much. We believe it is our job to attend church once or twice a week, listening to the pastor, or the teacher, or the evangelist. Sometimes we hear a prophet, or an apostle. We see them doing the work, and we pat them on the back. “That was a good word, pastor.” Then we put our tithe check in the plate and head out the door. Our eyes must be opened to see that continued instruction in using the John Deere 900D Draper will never yield any crop. We must climb in and start harvesting!
Saints, we need to walk worthy of our calling! Do not think that your calling is “go to church once a week and don’t fall asleep.” That’s not a calling. Do not fall into the trap of believing your pastor is the only one that should have a vision, the only one that should be seeking God daily. God has an amazing plan for each of us, and it’s laid out in Eph 4:13-16.
And if you are currently called to one of those five ministries, then God bless you! Do not get discouraged! Keep on equipping the saints. The work you are doing is incredibly important. If constantly holding the plumb line to the stones seems tedious, ask for another portion of the grace of God. And realize that God rejoices to see the plumb line in your hand! (Zech 4:9,10)
