Dale’s View of the Five-Fold Ministry in Ephesians 4
Part Two. It will help you to read my first article–Preliminary Comments…
“11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 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” Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV
The following concepts are not new to me as I have prayed, mused, read, and studied the Scriptures regarding the state of the Church for years. However, I need to study more about this subject. Any insights that you have would be greatly appreciated!
As you read through this information ask yourself if any or several of these functions are true of you.
- The Apostolic Function
The Apostle (one sent as a delegate, or messenger, who is sent forth with orders) is a person sent to establish kingdom values in biblically unconquered or unchartered geographical, sociological, and intellectual spheres of life. This person creates the context for biblical behaviors to advance into arenas that are void of the Truth, —whether that be the academic, political, economic, or judicial spheres. A person functioning in an apostolic capacity generates a movement where the Church becomes causal, moving as one to establish beachheads for the kingdom of God in all spheres of life. These arenas can be large or minuscule but the presence of a person functioning in the Apostolic role changes the cultural landscape with his or her presence. They are like spiritual vanguards advancing where few, if any, have gone before.
Sadly, some of these are “forbidden arenas” by many in the Evangelical Church
While I was pastoring, I noticed how reluctant the elders and many on the leadership team were to advance Kingdom purposes into unchartered areas. Safety and security are predominate values in the institutional church. As Benjamin Franklin once said:
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” I would add that theses social justice churches will eventually lose their liberty, safety, and security!
Areas like homosexuality, abortion, and equipping youth to face the ideological challenges before college seem to be off limits. Also explaining the literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis, which can go against the “intellectual elites” in a congregation is nearly always deemed “not worth the kickback.” Transgenderism and the ideologies of Critical Race Theory and the Social Justice movement are rarely addressed from a biblical perspective. Another great taboo is politics and how the Christian church should navigate these waters based on the Scriptures.
For a person functioning with an Apostolic spirit no arena is off-limits.
A person functioning in an apostolic capacity takes on the task of rigorously addressing these types of subjects with truth and grace. He or she seeks to understand how we can live righteously in light of biblical values. Here is the irony: If church leadership taught Scripture accurately and empowered gifted people to function in their apostolic roles, the congregation would follow and the potential for life transformation would be dramatic! Most evangelical churches, at least here in Oregon, are stymied or impeded by such challenges and one of the reasons is they lack the recognition or authentication of these functions described in Ephesians 4.
Moving into uncharted realms:
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel [good news] where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation” – Romans 15:20 NIV
Apostles are part of the present Body of Christ:
“27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 NLT
Below are some synonyms that I have gathered that demonstrate the apostolic function.
Characteristics: entrepreneur, visionary, pioneer, brave, vanguard, resolute, fortitude, a strategist, innovator, missional with the intent to keep looking outward, risk taker, courageous, and willing to suffer.
OH MY, do you think the American Church is in desperate need of such people with those characteristics? What do you think? It is obvious what my answer is.
A present day example
A gal named, Suzanne Gallagher, who was a member of the church I served for 30+ years, started an organization called, Parent Rights’ In Education. She engages with School Boards, has fought to bring legislation to stop transgenderism in our schools and is exposing the LGBTQIA+ indoctrination through school curriculum. Her ministry is becoming nationwide, and God is using her to help change the landscape toward righteousness.
She is an example of a person functioning in an Apostolic capacity. She is a visionary, entrepreneur. No one in the state of Oregon was attempting to do this until she came along and moved into the den of lions, regularly receiving threats, opposition, and intimidation. She is advancing God’s kingdom principles into a sphere of influence which is void of truth, and is being currently overrun by destructive ideologies. May her tribe increase!
I repeat the following statement at the end of each function:
Do you have this function? If yes describe how you are exercising it.
I would suggest that you look for people within your Christian community functioning in this capacity and point them out, affirm them when you see them operate, and celebrate their efforts. In short, you will be authenticating the work of the Spirit of God in them and you will be giving them permission and affirmation (which we all need) to keep functioning in their righteous pursuits. This is not about being sensational, it is quietly recognizing the Holy Spirit working.
- The Prophetic Function
The Hebrew word for prophet translated almost everywhere in the Hebrew text is the word, navi. The word is somewhat misleading because a navi is not primarily a “future-teller,” but a “spokesman” (for God). Rather than foretell the future (though occasionally the navi does that), the role of the biblical prophet is primarily to convey God’s messages to the people (usually as a moral critique) as well as a purposeful message providing sound direction.
The prophet – “one who speaks for God to men” – evaluates and assesses the status quo, describes, and discerns what the true state of spiritual reality is and what it ought to be. They clarify, observe, and know what needs to be done to bring the body of Christ into biblical alignment. The prophetic person uses exhortation (urging one another) to stimulate the body of Christ on to a biblical cause and course of action.
The person with the prophetic task is usually ahead of the pack and helps bring about conviction, illumination, and direction for the body of Christ and what they ought to be doing. Of course, this is not confined to the local organized church, but within other types of gatherings, home groups, families, Christian organizations, discipleship settings, missional communities and home churches that are attempting to advance kingdom purposes.
Characteristics: Challenger, clarifier, illuminator, disturber, discerner, demonstrative, persuader, questioner, courageous, risks taker, exhorter, protector of truth and a predictor of what will take place when the body of Christs acts righteously, or what will take place if the words of truth are not heeded (Acts 11:28).
“Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”) …” – Act 13:1 NLT
“And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [gave strength to] them” (Acts 15:32).
28 “Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers,”– 1 Corinthians 12:28
There were also many prophetesses in the Scripture:
- Miriam (Exodus 15:20)
- Deborah (Judges 4:4)
- Huldah, (2 Kings 22:14)
- Anna (Luke 2:36)
Do you have this function? If yes describe how you are exercising it.
I would suggest that you look for people within your Christian community functioning in this capacity and point them out, affirm them when you see them operate, and celebrate their efforts. In short, you will be authenticating the work of the Spirit of God in them and you will be giving them permission and affirmation (which we all need) to keep functioning in their righteous pursuits. This is not about being sensational, it is quietly recognizing the Holy Spirit working.
- The Evangelistic Function
The Evangelist (“the bearer of Good News”) consistently communicates the message of the Kingdom of God to unbelievers and is expectant of a positive response from them.
All believers ought to be evangelizing as a way of life. When evangelists function in their capacities they stimulate, teach, model, equip and/or inform the general body of believers how and what we ought to be doing — “fishing for people” (Matthew 4:19).
Characteristics: Intentional, regularly engages people with the Good News, proclaims, testifies, relational, personable, loves people, genuine, risk taker, a courageous and an intentional “go-to-them” mentality.
“The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food” – Act 21:8 NLT
“…And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? …That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news’” – Romans 10:15 NLT
Keith Slater, a friend of mine for many years functions in an evangelistic capacity almost every day of his life. In his words, “I see people as “saved” or “not saved.” His favorite question is: “If you were to die today would you know where you are going?” Sharon and Ken Mulder, a couple we have known for years function with this divine grace on a regular basis also. Steve and Debbie Liepe are functioning in an evangelist capacity and the new church they are participating in recognizes this and they are equipping the whole church how to increase their ability to evangelize. Pretty Cool!
Do you have this function? If yes describe how you are exercising it.
I would suggest that you look for people within your Christian community functioning in this capacity and point them out, affirm them when you see them operate, and celebrate their efforts. In short, you will be authenticating the work of the Spirit of God in them and you will be giving them permission and affirmation (which we all need) to keep functioning in their righteous pursuits. This is not about being sensational, it is quietly recognizing the Holy Spirit working.
4. The Pastoral Function
One who comes along side of those in the body of Christ to guide, nurture, encourage, protect, give direction, and provide care and comfort to help foster obedience and transformation. This is one of the most prevalent of the five-fold functions and clearly the institutional church considers pastors to be an office as well as well as a function. However, there are many others in the body of Christ who carry out a shepherding ministry. When Constantine made Christianity the state religion the role of pastoring became the dominate and elevated office.
Generally, as the church is organized in today’s age, a person who has the combination of both the teaching and pastoring capacities usually make the most successful pastors. This is especially true in smaller churches as both functions are necessary for the Body of Christ to be healthy.
Characteristics: Compassionate, loyal, devoted, caring, sensitive, wise, instructive, protector, expectant, guide, wisdom, nurturer, cultivator of relationships, understanding, discipler, develops people into maturity to become faithful followers of Christ.
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock–his church, purchased with his own blood…” – Act 20:28 NLT
“…so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV
Do you have this function? If yes describe how you are exercising it.
I would suggest that you look for people within your Christian community functioning in this capacity and point them out, affirm them when you see them operate, and celebrate their efforts. In short, you will be authenticating the work of the Spirit of God in them and you will be giving them permission and affirmation (which we all need) to keep functioning in their righteous pursuits. This is not about being sensational, it is quietly recognizing the Holy Spirit working.
- The Teaching Function
One who explains, articulates, instructs, and clarifies biblical truth so that God’s people gain wisdom, understanding, and become mature in Christ by obeying the truth that is taught. I think the most effective pastors also function with the teaching ability.
However, I have seen very powerful church ministries thrive when the lead pastor is a teacher and another person on the leadership team’s predominate function is pastoring. Of course, the function of teaching the Word of God is vital for the health of any church.
As an aside, form follows function. Our church buildings are reflective of the almost exclusive role a teacher plays in the local church. There is a center stage, with rows of seats, where people sit in the congregation and listen to the teacher. Probably the churches that met in homes in the New Testament era were in a circular configuration when a person taught and the people participated.
Characteristics: teaching skills, orderly, systematized, knowledgeable, intelligent, inquisitive, studier, communicator, and a researcher.
“For this reason, I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”
– 1 Cor. 4:17 NIV
Do you have this function? If yes describe how you are exercising it.
I would suggest that you look for people within your Christian community functioning in this capacity and point them out, affirm them when you see them operate, and celebrate their efforts. In short, you will be authenticating the work of the Spirit of God in them and you will be giving them permission and affirmation (which we all need) to keep functioning in their righteous pursuits. This is not about being sensational, it is quietly recognizing the Holy Spirit working.
An excellent resource that I have used is the book by Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost titled: The Shaping of Things to Come. I have believed this information for years and years, but Hirsch not only authenticated my understanding but expanded on it. Also, one of my favorite books that he has written is, The Forgotten Ways. Read and internalize the content from these books and you will be positively motivated in your inner being and you will aid in bringing maturity to the Body of Christ ☺!
In Christ,
Dale