THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY

The five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are the core leadership of the local church and their purpose is to train and empower the

members of the congregation for ministry. The work of ministry belongs to the people of the congregation. The function of the leadership is to equip the members to do their ministry to each other and in the world. These gifts of the Holy Spirit empower individuals to fulfill their particular calling in one of the five leadership functions.

• Apostle – The English word apostle is derived from the Greek word apostolos and means, “one who is sent forth.” An apostle is a person who is sent forth to new territories as a church planter, providing leadership over church bodies and maintaining authority over spiritual matters pertaining to the church.

• Prophet – A man who is moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, his hearers.

• Evangelist – All Christians are called to share the gospel, but an evangelist is a person who has a special gift of sharing the “good news” of salvation through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

• Pastor – A pastor is a shepherd of a flock. He is responsible for spiritually caring for, protecting, guiding, and feeding a group of believers entrusted to his care.

• Teacher – The Greek word for those with the spiritual gift of teaching is didaskalos. From the root of this word we get our English word, “didactic.” The word didasko means to teach, instruct, instill doctrine, explain, and expound. Those with the spiritual gift of teaching love to study the Word of God and can effectively share God’s truth with others

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