Lesson 5 Understanding the Five Fold Ministry Scripture tells us about a spiritual battle raging and this battle can be seen through the truth of God s word and by walking in the spirit.. Example: 2 Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. As a born again believer walks in the spirit, we see the spiritual battles raging all around us. Jesus stated in John 10:10 the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.. Any time we see sickness, poverty, death and destruction; satan is the author of all these situations. Drug addiction, alcoholism, divorce, strongholds of anger, jealousy, envy, strife, fornication, adultery, hatred, witchcraft, racisms, idolatry and any other ungodly act of the flesh is the symptoms of the root cause; sin. Many pains and sufferings Christians face in life are self-inflicted and no one to blame but ourselves. Truth Message God is good & satan is bad. God knew the church would come under severe persecution and delivered to us a church government that all born again believer should honor and submit too as the authority called by God to direct, teach, instruct and edify the body of Christ. KJV Ephesians 4:4-16 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Eph 4:4 KJV) 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he says, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait 1 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him (Chist) in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom (Christ) the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. In Ephesians 4:4-16, Paul is setting up church leadership and government to establish a healthy and prosperous church built on love and organized by called individuals to establish a culture of love with guidance, instruction, exhortations and discipline. The five fold ministry exists today for that purpose. Notice in Ephesians 4:4-5 states there one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father. A recent study indicates there are over 33,000 different denominations or religions that name Jesus in their doctrine of faith. Not all believe in the virgin birth, not all believe Jesus was God manifested in the flesh and some say that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers. See what man-made religion has done to the body of Christ? Division!! Truth Message a partial truth will kill you as quick as a lie I know there must be true believers scattered all over the world that worship in some of these different denominations and believe in one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father. Unfortunately most church denominations or church governments are not biblically aligned with God s word to assure the doctrine of Christ, and not a man s doctrine is proclaimed in spirit and truth. Definitions and duties of the Five Fold Ministry Offices Apostle is called of God. An apostle would be like our modern day general of an army. An apostle rallies the body of Christ through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Pastor of the local congregation he (pastor) leads. The Apostle observes current events and hears instructions from the Holy Spirit to inform and direct local congregations of perspective according to God s word. The Apostle will get involved with church discipline if asked by the Pastor. If the Pastor is not handling the discipline of the local congregation according to God s word; the Apostle has the authority to apply biblical discipline and correction. An Apostle is typically overseeing multiple congregations and visits them to assure consistency and truth of doctrine is being adhered too. The Apostle may be called in by the pastor or individual believers to determine issues with the local congregation of believers. 2 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
The Apostle promotes unity in the Body of Christ by emphasizing the keeping of the faith. The Apostle has usually held other Five Fold Ministry offices in previous years before being called as Apostle. Scriptural definition of an Apostle o Called of God and not self appointed Understands and can spiritually discern the body of Christ in local congregations to point out or suggest the gifts or office individuals should pursue based on Romans 12 Prophet is called by God, not self appointed. The prophets of today is much like the prophets of the past; they hear Gods voice and speaks exactly what God tells them to speak, adding nothing and taking nothing away from the narrative God has given them. A prophet typically speaks of future events to individuals, local congregations and even nations according to God s word. A prophet s word is always judged by God s word and the element of time. Other believers will usually see and confirm a prophet based on their words coming to pass. Scriptural definition of a Prophet Evangelist is called by God, not self appointed. The Evangelist is easily recognized as a zealous and fiery individual with a drive to save souls. Evangelist operates everyday in whatever situation or location they may find themselves with focus on Spreading the Gospel of Jesus as the Holy Spirit leads. Many Evangelist are also very 3 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
good teachers and vice versa. Evangelist are typically invited by the pastor to minister Gods word to the local congregation and stir up or ignite a renewed passion for God s word in a sometime complacent church body. Scriptural definition of an Evangelist Pastors Is called by God, not man and not self appointed. The pastor has been given a special compassion to lead with love, a local congregation of believers. The pastor interacts with Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist and Teachers and can actually hold one or more offices of the Five Fold Ministry. Pastors obtain vision and direction from Jesus the Head of the Church and is normally confirmed by the Apostle that has been placed over that local congregation. The Pastor has been given a specific geographical area by God to minister. The Pastor is a very integral part of the city or community s welfare working together with local government officials as well as other pastors in the community to promote unity in the body of Christ. Scriptural definition of a Pastor o Stays informed of current events and how it may affect the body of Christ one Teachers Is called by God, not man and not self appointed. The teacher has been given a special desire to read, study and meditate upon God s word for teaching others the truth of God s word.. The Teacher interact with Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist and Pastors and can actually hold one or more offices of the Five Fold Ministry. Teacher s passion and vision to make disciples is the primary focus of his or 4 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
her duty. Teaching with love and compassion and following the example of Jesus, the greatest teacher that ever lived. Scriptural definition of a Teacher o Stays informed and uses current events to teach and the body of Christ and how to apply the truth of God s word to their lives. This has been a brief overview of the Five Fold Ministry called by God for one purpose: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Truth Message- God is expecting us to put aside our own agenda s and opinions and obey His word to come under the authority of the Word of God. To be edified and prepared to do Kingdom Work in UNITY of the faith, by the knowledge and truth of God s word and leadership of the Five Fold Ministry. Notice who is not included in the Five Fold Ministry; Deacons and Elders. Why was the office of deacons and elders not included in church government? Because there is other activities and services that need to be provided and deacons and elders are assigned by God for this purpose. Deacons NLT 1 Timothy 3:8-13 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. 5 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
Scriptural definition of Deacons Some Duties of a Deacon Facilities: The deacons could be responsible for managing the church property. This would include making sure the place of worship is prepared for the worship service, cleaning up, or running the sound system. Benevolence: Similar to what took place in Acts 6:1 6 with the daily distribution to the widows, the deacons may be involved in administrating funds or other assistance to the needy. Finances: While the elders should probably oversee the financial business of the church (Acts 11:30), it may be best left to the deacons to handle the day-to-day matters. This would include collecting and counting the offering, keeping records, and so on. Ushers: The deacons could be responsible for distributing bulletins, seating the congregation, or preparing the elements for communion (the Lords Supper). Logistics: Deacons should be available to help in variety of ways so that the elders are able to concentrate on teaching and shepherding the church. Lead by example. Elders Although scripture does not outline an elders job description or responsibilities like a deacon, a thorough word study give us some understanding of the purpose of an elder. The word elders is found 179 times in both old and new testament. In the OT is typically designates a older individual (Hebrew word zaqen ) or with grey hair (Aramaic word siyb ) and is usually very near the priest in providing support for temple worship. In the Gospels it is used more to define as someone very close to the priest and is still defined by religion as a spiritual resource to the priest. The church age beginning in the book of Acts gives a little different perspective of an elder and gives a little clearer of their purpose. Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 6 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with
Acts 21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. As we read a little more in scripture we find an elder is actually an overseer or bishop and works closely with the pastor and other church government officials to assure sound doctrine remains constant in the body of Christ. KJV Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. An elder is a spiritual advisor and leader in the church and should have the same qualifications as other church leaders. Scriptural definition of Elders o Stays informed of current events and how it may affect the body of Christ one The word elders is use twelve times in Revelations and identifies twenty four individuals that continue to serve the God Head in praise and worship into eternity. This is an interesting fact for those individuals serving in this capacity today. NOTES 7 Walking in the Spirit Study 2018- Written & Reviewed by David & Melda Bartholdi with