There are 2 types of gifts we carry.
The five-fold ministry gifts from Jesus Christ
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- Ephesians 4:11
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The gifts from the Father that we carry throughout our lives.
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- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
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Gifts of Jesus Christ
The five-fold ministry is created so that the leaders in the congregation can function in them and work together to bring about the message that God has for His followers. There is a distinction between having a title and functioning in your gifts. These are not up to you, only God can prepare you to a position in the church.
We ensure that we follow God’s anointing of each individuals role in the church by praying and following what he puts on our hearts. Not all people will be appointed to these roles, and your role is subject to change. God doesn’t keep us in one place.
The Scripture
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
-Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
1
The Apostles
Works in all 5 gifts
Known as the pioneer and the visionary.
Apostles are sent out by God to proclaim His message. Thus they are often relocated to start churches and minister to the people.
Apostles are also responsible to equip people to do the work of the ministry. They usually are used to shift the mindset of congregations and governments to a kingdom mindset.
Apostles and prophets usually work closely together.
2
The Prophets
Gives direction
Liberates God’s truth and messages.
Prophets receive messages from God to share with others. This is imperative to preparing the people they minister to.
Prophets also have a role in interceding for people. Therefore, prophets often prophesize over others to strengthen and build up the church and its leaders.
3
The Evangelists
Outreach
Brings people to Christ.
Evangelists gather people. They go out out into the world to share the news of Jesus to people who haven’t heard the gospel. Normally they do this through preaching and teaching.
Evangelists also have a heart for discipleship, they help new believers grow in their faith.
4
The Pastors
Devoted to the congregation
Shepherds and protects the sheep.
Pastors nurture and care according to the spiritual needs of the people in their congregation. Like evangelists, pastors also do this through teaching and preaching though evangelists and teachers are better equipped. This is usually achieved through sermons and bible studies.
5
The Teachers
Brings balance to the body of Christ
Instructs others in the teachings of God.
A teacher is someone who is responsible for instructing others in the things of God. They often do this by breaking down the word of God. That can be in a Bible study setting or from the pulpit.
Teachers also have a heart for equipping people to be able to study the Bible on their own.