Introduction

Good morning, church family. Today, we're gonna be diving into a truly powerful passage from the book of Ephesians, specifically Ephesians 4:11. In this scripture, the Apostle Paul lays out what is often referred to as the 5-fold ministry. These are the offices or roles that Christ has gifted to His church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Now you might be asking, what's the big deal about these roles? Why do they matter?

Well, according to Jan Foss, "God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through." And that, brothers and sisters, is the heart of the 5-fold ministry.

Let's read Ephesians 4:11 together,

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers."

Today, we're going to break down the purpose, components, and benefits of this 5-fold ministry.

Shall we pray?

Dear Heavenly Father, as we delve into Your word, may our hearts be open to the understanding and revelation You have for us. Help us appreciate the importance and value of every role in the 5-fold ministry, and may this understanding deepen our love and commitment to serve Your church. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

So, are y'all ready? Let's get started.

The Purpose

The purpose of the 5-fold ministry is multifaceted and deeply significant in the life of the church.

Equip the saints for the work of ministry: Each role in the 5-fold ministry has a unique function, but they all share the common goal of preparing and empowering every believer to serve God and His people. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are not meant to do all the work themselves, but to train, guide, and inspire others to take part in the mission of the church.

Build up the body of Christ: This means fostering unity, maturity, and growth among believers. The apostles lay the foundation of the church with their teachings and leadership. The prophets speak God's truth, often challenging the status quo and calling the church to repentance and renewal. The evangelists spread the good news of Jesus Christ, inviting others to join the family of God. The pastors care for the flock, providing spiritual nourishment, protection, and guidance. The teachers instruct in the ways of God, helping believers understand and apply the scriptures.

Promote the knowledge of the Son of God: This is not just intellectual knowledge, but a deep, personal, transformative knowledge of Jesus Christ. The 5-fold ministry is designed to help believers encounter Christ in a real and powerful way, to know His love, grace, and truth, and to become more like Him in character and conduct.

Attain to the unity of the faith: This means working towards a shared understanding and expression of the Christian faith. Despite our differences in background, culture, personality, and perspective, we are all part of one body, one faith, one baptism. The 5-fold ministry helps us to appreciate and celebrate our diversity while maintaining our unity in Christ.

Protect the church from false teachings and practices: The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the truth of the gospel and the integrity of the church. They are called to discern and refute what is false, harmful, or misleading, and to uphold what is true, healthy, and edifying.

More than roles or titles: It’s about serving the body of Christ in love and humility, for the glory of God and the good of His people. It's about equipping, building, knowing, uniting, and protecting. It's about seeing each other through, not seeing through each other.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share your own experiences with 5-fold ministry. How has this impacted your life and your faith?

The Components

Now, let's delve into the components of the 5-fold ministry ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO