The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Five-Fold Ministry Gifts

Today, we continue our study on Spiritual Gifts.  We look first at the gifts of Christ for His body. The importance of understanding these gifts, or offices, as they are also called can never be overemphasized in Body of Christ. Paul explains these gifts in Ephesians 4:11-16. And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers; 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, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lay in weight to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into all things, which is the head, even Christ:  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)

The five-fold ministry offices listed above are gifts that Christ gave for the nurture and equipping of His church. They should not be used for control, domination or competition. The use of these gifts in the wrong way continues to be a serious problem in the Body of Christ. We are in need of much teaching and training in these areas.  Some teach that there are no longer apostles and prophets. We will not debate that issue, but will continue to look to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit for guidance.  We know that the founding apostles had a distinct role in establishing the church. However, the New Testament mentions enough additional apostles to indicate that this office, with that of prophets is as continuing a ministry in the church as the more commonly acknowledged offices of evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Those who walk in these offices or profess to do so, have a great call and responsibility. We must first be equipped before we can equip others. We must walk in a level of spiritual maturity before we can help others to mature in the things of Christ. We will all be forever learning and growing, but need to show some maturity and spiritual growth before we are placed in these offices. We cannot use these gifts/offices for power, prestige, position or money and expect to be effective in Ministry and Kingdom Building. We must use them as instructed in Ephesians and throughout the Scriptures. 

We must work to equip the saints. Equipping means a making fit, preparing, training, perfecting, and making fully qualified for service. In classical language the word is used for setting a bone during surgery. Jesus, the Great Physician, through giving these gifts, made all the necessary adjustments so the church will not be out of joint. Broken lives must be mended just like broken bones. All of the limbs must be in place if the church is to grow properly. Every member must be taught how to operate in his/her gifts and callings. The work of the ministry is for all born again believers, not just those in five-fold offices. Again, we emphasize the importance of those in these offices walking in maturity, stability, and integrity in order to effectively teach and lead others. As we do so, we see church growth through numerical expansion, and edifying through internal strengthening of members.  The offices require spiritual gifts. Regardless to the office, the person who is called, ordained, commissioned or licensed to fill that office should qualify for it on the basis of the particular spiritual gift-mix God has given to him or her.  We must study and seek God for more understanding about our spiritual gifts and how to walk in them. We must never forget that all gifts must operate by “LOVE”. Kingdom Blessings!