So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

 

When the fivefold ministry is fully functioning within our body of believers, we will experience the fullness and richness of church life that Christ intended for us. This enables us to live our faith with fresh expressions because of our church’s ongoing apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching ministries.

By embracing our apostolic ministry, we can spread the gospel in new places and new ways. By embracing our prophetic ministry, we can bring the gracious words of the gospel and create hope and new possibilities for people.

By embracing our evangelistic ministry, we can proclaim the gospel and win people for the kingdom. By embracing our pastoral ministry, we can support and nurture the spiritual well-being of people through the gospel. By embracing our teaching ministry, we can equip and edify people with the gospel.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when churches are judged based on size rather than health. That is why many people are drawn to who is standing on the platform rather than who is equipping them to be more effective in their callings and kingdom assignments.

We need disciples, not converts. We need coworkers, not consumers. We need active ministers of reconciliation, not just attractive numbers of churchgoers. Above all, we need a heart open to listen to Jesus so that we might always be ready to obey what He says. When we open ourselves to receive His gift of the fivefold ministry, we can function more consistently and effectively for His namesake.