The five fold ministry refers to the five primary roles and functions of ministers described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” These five roles are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Apostles
The word “apostle” means “one who is sent out.” The role of an apostle is to spread the gospel and plant new churches through missionary work and church planting. Apostles have a burden to see people come to faith in Christ and churches established. They are pioneers and builders. Apostles demonstrate signs, wonders, and miracles to confirm their message (2 Corinthians 12:12). Prominent apostles in the New Testament include Paul, Peter, John, and James.
Some key responsibilities of apostles include:
- Pioneering new churches and ministries
- Overseeing churches and ministries
- Appointing and guiding church leadership
- Casting vision and direction
- Providing spiritual oversight and accountability
- Handling discipline and settling disputes
- Demonstrating signs and wonders
- Traveling frequently to preach, teach, and equip
Prophets
The Greek word for prophet means “one who speaks on behalf of another.” Prophets represent God’s interests and speak His mind and counsel. Prophets call people to repentance and obedience to God. They speak edification, exhortation, and comfort to believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). Their messages provide direction, wisdom, revelation, and correction.
Some responsibilities of prophets include:
- Bringing correction and rebuke
- Challenging the status quo
- Exposing sin and deception
- Calling people to repentance
- Bringing timely and revelatory messages
- Guiding and advising leadership
- Providing supernatural direction and wisdom
- Imparting vision
- Foretelling future events
Evangelists
Evangelists have a special ability to clearly communicate the gospel and win unbelievers to faith in Christ. Their mandate is to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus. Evangelists are gifted in preaching, teaching, and apologetics. They recruit others to the cause of Christ and mould new converts into mature disciples through follow up and discipleship.
Some responsibilities of evangelists include:
- Preaching the gospel with clarity and passion
- Calling unbelievers to repentance and faith
- Defending and answering objections to Christianity
- Leading people to salvation through proclamation of the gospel
- Doing follow up with new believers
- Discipling and mentoring new converts
- Training others in evangelism and apologetics
- Planting evangelistic churches
Pastors
Pastors are responsible for the day-to-day care and oversight of a local church. As shepherds, they feed their flock through preaching, teaching, and counselling the Word of God. Pastors protect, lead, care for, and spiritually nourish believers under their charge. Their hearts are set on serving those within their congregations.
Some duties of pastors include:
- Preaching and teaching the Word of God
- Providing spiritual leadership and vision
- Counseling and caring for members
- Officiating weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc.
- Visiting the sick and shut-ins
- Praying for members
- Administering the affairs of the church
- Leading services and events
- Providing doctrinal oversight
- Modeling Christlike character
Teachers
Teachers have an ability to understand and explain the Word of God clearly to others. They contribute to the understanding, growth, and maturity of believers through tireless study and application of scripture. Teachers give attention to detail and accuracy when interpreting the Bible. Their lessons provide clarity, depth, wisdom, and practical guidance for Christian living.
Some responsibilities of teachers include:
- Researching scripture thoroughly
- Bringing clarity and understanding to Bible passages
- Communicating scriptural truths effectively
- Expounding the gospel message
- Training believers in Christian doctrine
- Equipping Christians for ministry
- Producing Bible studies and curriculum
- Exposing theological error
- Mentoring and discipling others
How the Five Fold Ministry Gifts Work Together
These five roles are distinct but interdependent. They complement and strengthen each other to equip the church thoroughly to fulfill its God-given mission. Apostles lay foundations while pastors build upon them. Teachers ground believers in truth while prophets call for its application. Evangelists reach the lost while teachers nurture new converts. All are needed for maturation and unity of the church (Ephesians 4:12-16).
The five fold ministers equip believers for works of service and catalyze spiritual growth. Churches should actively identify, equip and release people into these ministry roles based on their gifting. Focus on function, not necessarily formal titles. All believers are called to do the work of ministry, not just church officials (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). These roles exist to equip others, not monopolize ministry. The church needs all five gifts to be healthy and complete.
Modern Day Apostles
There is debate on whether the office of apostle continues today. Cessationists argue miraculous gifts like apostleship ended with the original apostles. Continuationists contend apostles are still needed to plant churches and oversee ministries. Apostolic functions evidently continue, but preeminent authority now rests with scripture rather than any individual.
Those who insist on the title “apostle” today should exemplify the qualifications listed in scripture: eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:22), appointment by God (Galatians 1:1), signs and wonders to confirm their message (2 Corinthians 12:12), spiritual fatherhood through church planting (1 Corinthians 4:15), and Christlike character (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). Modern apostles should humbly recognize the unparalleled greatness of the original Twelve (Ephesians 2:20).
Are Only Men Called to the Five Fold Ministry?
The five fold ministry gifts are available to all believers regardless of gender, race, or background. Scripture nowhere limits these functions to males. The Holy Spirit gifts all followers of Christ (Acts 2:17-18). Both men and women exercised these gifts in the New Testament, including Junia the apostle (Romans 16:7), the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36), Philip the evangelist and his prophesying daughters (Acts 21:8-9), Nympha the pastor (Colossians 4:15), and Priscilla the teacher (Acts 18:24-26).
That said, scripture reserves governing and teaching authority over men for qualified men (1 Timothy 2:11–3:7). So women with teaching and leadership gifts should exercise them primarily over other women, not the entire church. But within biblical parameters, the five fold ministry is open to any Spirit-filled believer regardless of gender.
Cautions Regarding the Five Fold Ministry
Firstly, these roles describe function, not status or title. Those who truly have these gifts demonstrate them in spirit-empowered ministry; they have no need to demand titles or recognition. Self-appointment is meaningless.
Secondly, these gifts are not vocational job descriptions, but roles believers operate in to serve the kingdom. Do not reduce them to mere professions or source of pride.
Thirdly, fulfill these roles based on gifting, not gender, age, or any other criteria. Biblical qualifications must be met, but stereotypes should not restrict anyone functioning in their gifts.
Lastly, the five fold ministers exist to equip the body, not monopolize ministry themselves. The clergy-laity divide has no place in the body of Christ.
Summary
The five fold ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are crucial to equipping the church for works of service. All believers have a part to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit gifts and empowers every follower of Christ. Churches should help believers identify and employ their gifts. A church that embraces all five gifts without reservation or restriction will experience greater health, maturity and multiplication for God’s glory.
