Standing Firm

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. [1 Corinthians 16:13]

Biblical TeachingsPodcast Episode

Doctrine 11: Ministry -The Body of Christ

Cathy

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. [Acts 20:24]

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the four-fold purpose of teaching the church:

  1. Evangelization of the world
  2. Worship of God
  3. Building of the body of saints in the perfection of His son
  4. Meeting human needs with a ministry of love and compassion

We are going to briefly review the five-fold ministry which is part of the spiritual gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4. These gifts are still active and necessary for proper governance of the church of today. The ultimate purpose of the ministry (the church) is building up the body of Christ, equipping, discipleship, and spreading the gospel.

Benefits of Sound Doctrine

  1. Sound doctrine equips you do what you are called to do.
  2. Sound doctrine baffles the devil, he doesn’t know what to do with it.
  3. Sound doctrine will give you the ability to trust in the Holy Spirit leading.
  4. Sound doctrine will prevent you from straying from the Lord.
  5. Sound doctrine gives you a deep sense of awe for God.
  6. Sound doctrine gives you a reverential fear of the Lord.
  7. Sound doctrine is imperative for all believers in these last days.
  8. Sound doctrine will cause you to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
  9. Sound doctrine will produce a church that allows the Holy Spirit to lead.
  10. Sound doctrine will provide power and supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit.
  11. Sound doctrine provides a life of peace, prosperity, and purpose.
  12. Sound doctrine gives you a solid foundation for everything in your life.
  13. Sound doctrine prevents you from living in fear and anxiety.
  14. Sound doctrine will give you boldness in the Holy Spirit.
  15. Sound doctrine will give you the ability to be a living sacrifice.
  16. Sound doctrine will help prevent you from receiving the antichrist spirit.
  17. Sound doctrine gives you discernment about heaven and hell.
  18. Sound doctrine will allow you to live a holy life.
  19. Sound doctrine will keep you from falling away from the faith.
  20. Sound doctrine will prevent you from being deceived.
  21. Sound doctrine will help you from going insane in this crazy world.
  22. Sound doctrine will help you to STAND FIRM.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. [Ephesians 4:11-13]

We are all called to be ministers of the gospel, however there are ministry gifts that are different. The five-fold ministry is a term that refers to the five ministry roles that God has called specific believers to fill. These roles are essential for building up the body of Christ, equipping, discipleship, and spreading the gospel. Each of these roles have a different function and purpose, but they work together to edify the body of Christ.

There are people set apart for the ministry. I like to call this the 5 G’s for a ministry (govern, guide, gather, guard, and ground)!

  • Apostle (govern)
  • Prophet (guide)
  • Evangelist (gather)
  • Pastor (guard)
  • Teacher (ground)

APOSTLE-GOVERN

The Apostle’s role encompasses a multifaceted and foundational role that plays a crucial part in the growth and establishment of the Church.

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 3:10-11]

In building strong relationships, apostles’ model Christlike humility and servant leadership, contributing significantly to the growth, health, and vibrancy of the Church. Through these various roles, apostles play a pivotal part in advancing the Kingdom of God.

  • The role of an apostle starts but goes beyond being a visionary.
  • Apostles serve as foundational builders.
  • Apostles establish doctrinal and structural groundwork for church growth.
  • Apostles have spiritual authority overseeing and guiding believers.
  • Apostles equip and mobilize believers for effective ministry.
  • Apostles function as catalysts for spiritual transformation.
  • Apostles foster revival and a renewed passion for Christ.
  • Apostles may pioneer efforts in new regions.
  • Apostles address doctrinal challenges.
  • Apostles ensure the preservation of the gospel’s integrity.

PROPHET-GUIDE

The role of a prophet is often regarded as a spiritual guide, which encompasses a distinct and vital purpose within the church.

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. [2 Peter 1:20-21]

  • Prophets are messengers who convey the word of God, offering guidance and insight.
  • Prophets bring clarity and understanding to the present, helping individuals navigate their spiritual journeys.
  • Prophets are crucial in cultivating an environment within the church where members actively listen to and respond to divine guidance.
  • Prophets create an atmosphere that encourages believers to seek and discern the will of God in their lives.
  • Prophets serve as guides, illuminating the path of faith.
  • Prophets ensure the community walks in alignment with God’s purpose.

EVANGELIST-GATHER

The role of an evangelist is often characterized as a spiritual gatherer. They have the gift of building huge crowds of people.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. [2 Timothy 4:3-5]

  • Evangelists have a unique calling to passionately proclaim the message of salvation.
  • Evangelists draw people into a transformative relationship with Christ.
  • Evangelists actively engage in conversations about faith outside of the church or are not even part of a church.
  • Evangelists play a key role in gathering people to a church.
  • Evangelists facilitate a welcoming environment for individuals to encounter the life-changing power of the gospel.
  • Evangelists inspire a sense of unity and community, contributing to the growth and expansion of the church.

PASTOR-GUARD

The role of a pastor is often seen as a spiritual guardian for the church. The pastor has multiple roles and a huge responsibility to the people of the church.

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. [Jeremiah 3:15]

  • Pastors are the shepherds entrusted with the care and guidance of the spiritual well-being of the flock.
  • Pastors deliver sermons to the church.
  • Pastors conduct rituals including but not limited to baptisms, leading communion, officiating weddings, conducting funeral services, and more.
  • Pastors provide support, counseling, and pastoral care to individuals within the church body.
  • Pastors stand as guardians, ensuring the safety of the community.
  • Pastors provide spiritual oversight (making sure believers are growing in their faith, standing firm on biblical principles, and using wisdom)
  • Pastors provide protection against false teaching (goodness this should be the case, but some of them are not willing to take this stand).
  • Pastors create a safe environment for people to feel a sense of belonging.
  • Pastors provide guidance for moral and ethical matters and lead by example.
  • Pastors preserve the unity within the body.
  • Pastors address the spiritual needs of people within the body.

TEACHER-GROUNDED

The role of a teacher within the church is foundational, serving as a grounding force for spiritual growth and understanding.

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. [James 3:1]

  • Teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of imparting knowledge and insight into the Scriptures.
  • Teachers help believers establish a firm foundation in their faith.
  • Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the understanding of theological concepts.
  • Teachers provide clarity on the principles of the Word.
  • Teachers ground believers in the essential biblical doctrines.
  • Teachers foster a deep and rooted faith that can withstand the challenges of life.
  • Teachers serve as pillars of wisdom and understanding.
  • Teachers contribute to the solid foundation upon which the spiritual lives of believers are built.

Within the 5-fold ministry, we find the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each one has a specific role of edification within the body of Christ. Together, these distinct roles form a harmonious synergy that reflects the multifaceted nature of God’s purposes for His people.

Apostles govern, prophets guide, evangelists gather, pastors guard, and teacher’s ground. Each ministry gift provides an environment where believers can grow, thrive, and fulfill their God-given destinies.

The 5-fold ministry should be apparent in the church that you attend. When there is unified ministry of these gifts there is the unmatched ability to equip, empower, and unify the body of Christ. This is a beautiful structure that the Lord has set up within the church to advance His Kingdom!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
[1 Corinthians 16:13]

 

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