IMPORTANT BELIEFS
FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY ( all 5 given by Jesus to mature His body)
Our view on 5-Fold ministry
We are a Five-Fold ministry church, dedicated to equipping and sending out believers in accordance with Jesus' mandate and gifts to His body, as described in Ephesians 4.
God is restoring the Five-Fold ministry because He wants His body, the Ecclesia, to make a profound impact in this world. This is so that Jesus can come and receive His full inheritance: a mature Body of believers in every nation and among all people.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
It's interesting to note that the role of Pastor, as we emphasize it today, was not prominently highlighted in the first-century church according to the Bible. This specific office is mentioned only once in Ephesians 4:11.
People believe the Apostolic, Prophetic disappeared but they enforce a function that is not named as the main influence in the early church.
Jesus gave five essential ministries to His body, and it is crucial to embrace all five to reach full maturity. Ephesians 4 clearly outlines this five-fold ministry. If we dismiss the Apostolic and Prophetic ministries, we undermine the necessity of the others as well.
There are no verses in the bible indicating that Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists ceased to exist after the first century.
Romans 11:29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
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Once God gives them, He never takes them away.
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Spirit gifts and 5-fold office of ministry are callings.
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These roles are not careers but callings. God calls you, and church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognize and affirm this calling for you to serve the church.
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These roles are gifts given to the church. They are functions, not titles, and do not represent a hierarchy. Jesus calls them to serve, and they are foundational to the church.
Eph 4:13 Says UNTIL we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,
We need 5 UNTIL WE REACH UNITY.
This is not a buffet where we pick and choose what we like. If we do, we end up rejecting some of Jesus' gifts to us. Being selective means, we are accepting some parts of Jesus while ignoring others. We are in a time of Apostolic transformation, which is not about us or our ministries. It is about Jesus coming to receive His full inheritance: a mature Body of believers in every nation and among all people.
The Apostolic Prophetic ministry remains invaluable for the church today for many compelling reasons:
1. Foundation and Direction
The Apostolic and Prophetic ministries are foundational to the church, providing essential direction and vision. They are often seen as visionaries and pioneers who help to set the course for the church's mission and purpose. They ensure the church stays aligned with biblical mandates and God's current directives.
2. Spiritual Authority and Governance
Apostles and prophets help to govern the church and maintain doctrinal purity. Their guidance in apologetics is crucial for addressing false teachings and ensuring that the church remains rooted in sound doctrine. This governance also extends to maintaining order and discipline within the church body.
3. Edification and Encouragement
The Prophetic ministry plays a significant role in edifying, exhorting, and comforting the believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophetic words can provide encouragement, strengthen faith, and bring comfort during difficult times. This ministry helps believers understand God's perspective and His plans for their lives.
4. Revelation and Insight
They receive scriptural revelations and insights from Holy Spirit that are crucial for the church's growth and effectiveness. This scriptural revelation helps the church navigate through challenges, understand the times and seasons, and make strategic decisions that align with God's will.
5. Activation and Mobilization
Apostles and prophets often have a unique ability to activate and mobilize believers into their God-given callings and ministries. They equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), ensuring that every believer is active and productive in their service to God.
6. Intercession and Spiritual Warfare
Prophetic intercession and spiritual warfare are key components of the prophetic ministry. Prophets often stand in the gap for the church, interceding for God's protection, provision, and guidance. Their role in spiritual warfare is crucial for confronting and overcoming the powers of darkness that seek to hinder the church's mission.
7. Cultural and Societal Impact
The Apostolic Prophetic ministry often extends beyond the church walls, influencing culture and society. Apostles and prophets are called to be transformative agents, bringing kingdom principles into every sphere of influence, including politics, education, and business. This broader impact helps to advance God's kingdom on earth.
8. Unity and Maturity
The ministry of apostles and prophets is vital for promoting unity and maturity within the body of Christ. They work to bring different parts of the church together, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. This unity is essential for the church to mature and reach its full potential in Christ.
Conclusion
The Apostolic Prophetic ministry is indispensable for the contemporary church. It provides necessary direction, governance, edification, revelation, activation, intercession, cultural impact, and unity.
As the church continues to navigate an increasingly complex world, the guidance and oversight of apostles and prophets are crucial for fulfilling its mission and advancing the kingdom of God.
Whether a church today uses the word “apostle” as a ministry title, or not, is largely irrelevant. What is important is that we acknowledge that God is still calling some of his sons and daughters into apostolic ministries.
We should cooperate with what God is doing by equipping, sending, and supporting his apostolic ministers (Send out ones) to further His Kingdom on earth.
Biblical proof
There are 25 Named Apostles in the Bible. We have 11 named NT Prophets.1 named Evangelist (Phillip)
No named Pastors in entire Bible and 4 named Teachers.
A complete list:
1. Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:1)
2. Simon Peter (Matt. 10:2)
3. Andrew (Matt. 10:2)
4. James the son of Zebedee (Matt. 10:2)
5. John (Matt. 10:2)
6. Philip (Matt. 10:3)
7. Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3)
8. Thomas (Matt. 10:3)
9. Matthew (Matt. 10:3)
10. James the son of Alphaeus (Matt. 10:3)
11. 2 Unnamed Apostles (2 Corinthians 8:23)
12. Simon the Zealot (Matt. 10:4)
13. Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4)
14. Matthias (Acts 1:26)
15. Paul (Gal. 1:1)
16. Barnabas (1 Cor. 9:5-6, Acts 14:4, 14)
17. Andronicus (Rom. 16:7)
18. Junius (Rom. 16:7) (Women)
19. James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19)
20. Silas (Silvanus) (1 Thess. 1:1, 2:6)
21. Timothy (1 Thess. 1:1, 2:6)
22. Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25)
23. Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6-9 & 1 Corinthians 3:22)
24 Thaddaeus (Matt. 10:3), or Judas the son of James (Luke 6:16)
In many English versions it says messenger, but in Greek, Apostolos. The word Apostolos does not appear in most English translations but does appear in the Greek, Strong’s word 652, Apostolos.