FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Ephesians 4:7; [Romans 12:5, 6]; Ephesians 4:10, 11; [I Corinthians 9:1]; Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 4:12, 13

By grace, each one of us is given a measure of Christ's gift. It is a challenge in the church today to bring out the giftings of each member in particular. Many believers do not know their giftings or callings and many of those who do know them are not functioning in that capacity.

The gift ministries are set in the body to equip and perfect the saints. Christ exhibited every one of the gift ministries mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. He fills all things in the Church through these ministries. All true ministry is found in Jesus Christ and is imparted as we behold his glory. Ministry is simply the fruit of growing in Christlikedness. Christ gave the diversity of the ministries for the perfecting of the saints. To be one of these equipping or perfecting ministries takes a commission. These ministries are set to help us grow in that likeness of Christ.

The Apostolic ministry requires a personal commission from the Lord himself (I Corinthians 9:1). The Apostles are master builders of the temple of the Lord, which is the Church body. An Apostle has great authority and addresses issues, errors, and doctrine in the church. The true Apostolic anointing compels the Church to draw near to the Lord and be conformed to his image.

Prophets reveal the will of the Lord in certain matters to which God wishes to speak. The vision, impression or piece a prophet is given is only a part. The parts must be put together with the others to get the whole picture. A prophet is also to equip and perfect the saints by helping them learn the voice of the Lord himself. They are to aid the saints in getting the eyes and ears of the Lord and gaining the heart of the Lord himself.

Evangelists are to impart a love for the lost world and a passion for winning souls. They are to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry so they have that heart and burden for the lost.

Pastors are ones who tend or herd the flock. They not only feed, but also protect them from predators. A pastor guards, protects, watches and keeps healthy. They are to help the believers carry the heart of shepherding and the heart of the Lord. The basic foundation of this ministry, as with all of them, is a love for the Lord.

Teachers not only impart knowledge but also a love for the truth. Their teaching will carry great logic, clarity, truth and will compel the saints to love the scriptures. The true teacher imparts such a knowledge of God's ways that those who hear are drawn to the Word themselves.

All these ministries are designed to work together as a team and never alone. The goal of the ministries is stated in Ephesians 4:12 and 13. All that is done by ministers is so the body of Christ can come to a knowledge of the Son of God. When the fullness of Christ is born in us, the Church will once again be the testimony of Christ by the full giftings of every particular member being helped and headed by those who are ordained of God.