The Fivefold Ministry refers to the five ministry roles of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher in Ephesians. It’s the Biblical blueprint to equip people and develop Kingdom leaders.
Jesus exemplified the perfect ministry during His time on earth and was the full embodiment of all the giftings together. Because Jesus lives in us and through us (Galatians 2:20), we strive to live as Jesus (1 John 2:6) and continue His works on the earth. (John 14:16). As saints, we have the call to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) and have the mission to reconcile all things to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
The Fivefold Ministry is for today. As the text clearly states, the Fivefold Ministry of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers are purposed to build up the Body of Christ until the Body of Christ reaches unity of faith and knowledge and is fully mature, matching the fullness of Christ.
- Fivefold Ministry should produce the following outcomes:
- Equip the believers for works of service
- Build up the Body of Believers in growth and maturity
- Create unity of faith
- Increase in knowledge about God, Jesus, and the Kingdom
- Grow believers to be mature in their faith with sound doctrine
- Develop strong believers who are secure in their faith
- Mature the saints to be able to stand in the face of the challenges and deceits of the world
- Disciple believers in continual growth with an ever-increasing outward manifestation of love
In summary, The Fivefold Ministry is a framework to grow, build and mature the Body of Christ to continue the workings of Jesus through the lives of the saints.