Introduction

While every believer is a priest (1 Pet 2:5,9; Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:6) to those they come in contact with during their normal lives (that is, you are a priest to

(1) intercede to God on their behalf,
(2) make up the hedge of protection to keep the devil and destruction away from them, and
(3) minister / speak to the people on behalf of God),  and

while every believer has the ministry of reconciliation as an ambassador of Christ (2 Cor 5:18-20), there is a special grace of ministry that the Lord Jesus Christ gives to some believers (not all believers), specifically the five offices or works of

(1) an apostle,
(2) prophet,
(3) evangelist,
(4) pastor, and
(5) teacher.  

Eph 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

This is what we call the "five fold" ministry.  They are Jesus' spiritual administration of the company.  The purpose of this ministry is to train the rest of the Body of Christ to go do the work of the ministry.

Eph 4:12-13
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 fulness of Christ:

In the original greek, there are no punctuation marks.  While the King James translated it with punctuation as above, it should be a purpose state saying "he gave some... for the perfecting (maturing) of the saints for the work of the ministry (of reconciliation) for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ". 

Most people think that the five fold is the only ministry, call them "ministers", and expect them to do all the work, while they "lay" around doing nothing (and are unhappy and frustrated doing it).  That is wrong.

Quit expecting your pastor or "minister" to do everything, and get in the battle yourself, and fulfill the calling of God on your life.  Heal the sick, raise the dead, get people born-again, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, empowered and activated for their priesthood, in Jesus' name.  So be it. 


MAIN SCRIPTURES:

I Cor     12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,
after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues

Eph        4:11-16
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;and some, evangelists; 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 fulness of Christ:  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 to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in 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.

"SET" AND "GAVE":
Notice that God set (i.e., ordain), called, or gave the ministry thru certain persons.  Men do not call, nor set in the church, nor give the offices of the five fold.  Men do confirm the anointing of a person, after having seen the fruit of it, by laying on of hands to recognize and confirm what God is already doing thru the person.

Sometimes a person sees a need and wishes to meet it (maybe moved by the love of God); however, this do not mean they are "called", merely they have chosen to "go ye".


TITLES:
Don't get taken up with titles or names!  Receiving one of these five fold gifts is a calling and anointing to perform a certain type of work.  The important thing is performing that work.  Some people seek the title for the praise of men (pride of life), and some people stumble over the titles that others use (little faith and understanding of God's Word or work).  We should be concerned with doing the work, and producing the proof, and not with the title.  If you are an apostle or bishop, it should be self-evident by the anointings, revelation, and work.  Putting the name Apostle or Bishop before your name will neither make you more anointed nor produce the work.  Judge spiritual things, in that, does the one bearing a name or title bear fruit of that work?

There are several areas of heart matter that I will believe it is vital to understand:

• Using a title or being called by others by a title does not, by itself, put a person in sin (i.e., pride).  It is a heart matter, but it is wise to avoid temptation.

• If a minister insists on being called by a title, there is probably a heart matter issue.  Did Jesus demand to be call Christ Jesus, or Paul by Apostle Paul?  I don't see the names of the offices ever used as titles in the New Testament.
  

• If you are under a person's authority, such as a pastor or bishop, and you have trouble calling them by their title, you have a heart matter issue that you need to address.

• While the Word says give honor unto who honor is due, even double honor, it mostly refers to compensation and respect.  But respect must be done in a way that does not give a path to build up pride.  Pride is an easy thing to let slip in.  For example, while it is all right to celebration of what God has done in your midst, a yearly pastor's appreciation opens doors to a building of pride, year after year after year.  I have see even the people preferring the pastor to God, and spending far more time giving the pastor praise than God.  Give honor back to God for what He has done, even thru earthly vessels.  I don't remember what that verse was where they had the Apostle John appreciation day?  Do you? 

FAITH:
Any gift or work of God is manifested at God's will, but God is moved by faith in His Word (which is His will).  What I mean is this, don't judge a minister by lack of anointing or miracles where he is in a group of people who have no faith in God's Word.  Remember Jesus could do little in nazareth because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5-6).


DIFFERENCES:
Each minister will be different, because of:

• different set of "ministering gifts" (i.e., motivation, five fold, and charismatic)
• different background, experience, and expertise
• different revealed knowledge in different areas.

For example, one apostle will not minister exactly like another apostle.  One teacher will not teach exactly like another teacher.  One minister may have great rhema (revealed knowledge) on love, and another minister on faith.


SIMILARITIES:
There will be some similarities between ministers in the same office, because there is usually some similar gifts operating in a specific office.  Also, the office has its own anointing that is recognizable.


JUDGE:
Discern if what is being preached, taught, or prophesied is truth (1 Cor 14:29):

1. does it line up with the Word of God  (Isa 28:9-10).
2. does it bear witness in your spirit ( (1 John 2:20,27, Rom 8:14).
3. is it in love, the character of God, to edify, exhort, and comfort  (Jam 3:17).
4. is it for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17).

If it does not, then put it on a shelf (that is to put aside), and leave it alone.  Judge spiritual things (1 Cor 2:15), not people as individuals.  Seek for two or more witnesses or confirmation that it is truth (Deut 19:15, 2 Cor 13:1). with the Holy Spirit, empowered and activated for their priesthood, in Jesus' name.  So be it. 

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Apostle

DEFINITION:
The greek means "one sent forth".  Translated in the King James New Testament:

• 78 times as "apostle(s)"
• 2 times as "messenger"     (2 Cor 8:23, Phil 2:25)
• 1 time as "he that is sent"       (John 13:16)

TYPE OF WORK:
Think of Paul's work as an example to the following:

• establishes new churches or works, a founder (1 Cor 3:10, Eph 2:20).
• strengthens existing works, particularly ones they established.
• strengthens and encourages individuals (particularly other five-fold ministers), mentors them, and facilitates them in accomplishing their god-given assignment.
  

The "work" is not in buildings, organizations, or number of people, but is in the spirit of men.  Therefore, we do not judge by appearance, but by the heart (spirit).  Also, an organization could cease to exist, and great fruit still remain from its work.

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         Organization (ruling).  Needed to establish works.
Five Fold:             Could move in any or all five as needed by God for new works.
Charismatic:          Power gifts (faith, miracles, gifts of healings)
                            (1 Cor 2:4-5, 1 Cor 4:18-20, 2 Tim 1:7).

EXAMPLE:
The apostolic office is the only one I have noted that men can grow into.  That does not mean that ministers do not grow in ability in their offices. I mean, that normally, God takes a man through other offices first before making him an apostle.

• Jesus had at least 70 disciples with him for sometime.  Then he prayed all night to find God's will for who the twelve apostles would be (Luke 6:12-13). 
• Paul and Barnabas were prophets and teachers before moving into the office of an apostle (Acts 13:1-5)

Acts 13:1-5
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

LOOK FOR:

• outstanding spiritual gifts
• deep personal experience with God
• power and ability to establish churches
• ability to provide adequate spiritual leadership
• has a "father's heart.  That is, the heart of "the Father"
  

24 APOSTLES NAMED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

1. Simon Peter (Matt 10:2)
2. Andrew (Matt 10:2), Peter's brother
3. James, son Of Zebedee (Matt 10:2)
4. John,  son Of Zebedee (Matt 10:2)
5. Philip (Matt 10:3)
6. Bartholomew, Philip's brother (Matt 10:3)
7. James, son Of Alphaeus (Luke 6:16)
8. Judas, son Of Alphaeus (Luke 6:16)
9. Matthew, son Of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14, Luke 6:15)
10. Thomas (Matt 10:3)
11. Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15)
12. Judas Iscariot (Matt 10:4)
13. Matthias (Acts 1:26)
14. Barnabas (1 Cor 9:5-6, Acts 13:1-3, 14:4, 14:14, Gal 2:9)
15. Andronicus (Rom 16:7)
16. Junia (Rom 16:7)
17. Apollos (1 Cor 4:6-9)
18. James, The Lord's brother (Gal 1:19, 2:6, Jam 1:1)
19. Silas (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
20. Timothy (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
21. Titus (2 Cor 8:23)
22. Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25)
23. Paul (Gal 1:1, 2:8)
24. Jesus Christ (Heb 3:1)

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Prophet

DEFINITION:
Means means "a forteller" or "a seer".  Always translated in new testament as "prophet(s)".

TYPE OF WORK:

1. Speaks for God, by direct, divine inspiration and revelation.

• Revelation may be received prior to speaking or at spur of moment.
• Sometimes received in visions or dreams.

2. Preaching often is to reproof error and call to repentance.
3. Preaching progresses in:

• establishing truth
• calling back to truth
• rebuking and appealing to come back to truth
• foretelling things to come (rewards or judgements).

4. Speaks to edify, exhort, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3).

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         Prophecy.
Five Fold:             Prophet, and maybe others.
Charismatic:          revelation gifts (word of wisdom, word of knowledge,
                            discerning of spirits), and prophecy.

Note: A person who prophesies is not necessarily a prophet, but a prophet will move in the gift of prophesy.  Prophesy normally reveals the secrets of a person's heart (1 Cor 14:24-25).  A word will come from God thru a prophet many times when someone has been receiving something from God but is not yielding in his heart (rebuke/call to repentance/second witness).

EXAMPLE:
Agabus:

Acts      11:28
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts      21:8-11
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.  And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.  And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.  And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

JUDGE:
Judge prophecy (or any other message).  See introduction on judging (1 Cor 14:29).

Note: Some points of interest:

1. We are not to be lead by personal prophecy, given to us by others, but lead by the Holy Spirit.  Prophets come usually to confirm or reproof, but sometimes to reveal.
2. God normally speaks to us first and has been dealy with us on an issue before prophesy thru another comes.
3. Prophets should not always tell what they see and hear in the spirit realm.  They should ask God what they should do with it.  God may just want them to pray.
4. We build on the Word of God, not on prophesies or other signs and wonders.   We do not follow signs; they follow us.  There are times when the anointing may not be manifesting for the signs, but the Word always works.  It never returns void.
5. If a person tries to operate a gift, when the anointing is not being manifested, they open themselves up to evil spirits.

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Evangelist

DEFINITION:
Means "one who brings the glad tidings (evangel)".  Always translated in new testament as "evangelist(s)".

TYPE OF WORK:

1. Preaches (which means to declare) salvation unto the lost, in the simplest form.  An evanglist usually will come up with a salvation message out of any verse in the bible.
2. Can preach to the saved, usually to exhort (encourage), most likely about doing evangelistic type activites.  The evangelist will end up his exhortation with a salvation call.
3. Usually is a traveling ministry (moves around alot).

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         mercy, exhortation, give.
Five Fold:             Evangelist, and maybe others.
Charismatic:          miracles, gifts of healings

Note: You do not have to be an evangelist to do "evangelistic" activities, that is, to "go ye" and witness and get someone saved.

EXAMPLE:
Philip:

Acts 8:5-8
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8:34-35
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 21:8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Timothy:

2 Tim 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

HAVE NEED OF THE OTHER FIVE FOLD:

• Evangelists are not pastors (to look after the flock) or teachers (to stablize).  Without at least these two, all of his new fruit will fall away with no one to go get them.

• In Acts 8, Philip did not impart the Holy Spirit to the people, but the apostles did.  Also, it is questionable whether he had discernment of spirits, because of the case with Simeon (Acts 8:21).

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Pastor

DEFINITION:
Means "shepherd", one who tends, watches over, guides, feeds, and protects the flock.  Translated in new testament as:

• always as "shepherd(s)", except in Eph 4:11 as pastor.
• other words used to refer to a pastor:

1. shepherd   (Heb 13:20, 1 Pet 2:25, 5:4)
2. bishop       (1 Tim 3:1),
3. overseer    (Acts 20:28),
4. elder         (1 Tim 5:17).

TYPE OF WORK:

1. A pastor's main work is showing the love of the Cheif Shepherd, Jesus (John10:11, Heb 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4) to the sheep.  A pastorial anointing is must evident on a one to one basis, as the love of Jesus pours forward, particularly with mercy, rather than being recognizable in teaching and preaching.

Jeremiah   3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

2. Has oversight of a church, to watch over it as a protector, as a provider (feed), as a leader (guide), and to tend to needs (hurts, discipline):

Acts      20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter    5:1-2
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3. Can preach, teach (1 Tim 3:2), counsel, love, and show mercy.  Usually does not travel, but stays with the sheep.  Without pastors, most sheep would go astray.

1 Tim      3:2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         mercy, exhortation, give, organization (rule).
Five Fold:             pastor, and maybe others.
Charismatic:          word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues, and
                            interpretation of tongues

EXAMPLE:

1. A pastor's heart is very tender toward the sheep, particularly the new born babes in God.  Let me explain it this way, if in the natural someone has this beautiful little baby in your church, and you just love to hold it and play with it.  But when the baby starts vomiting on you, or his diaper is full and stinky, its time to hand the baby back to mommy.  Well, a pastor's heart is like a mother's for her child.  He loves the baby, even when the baby gets up and says the most unscriptural thing in church, or has just come back in crying again over the same sin attack from Satan for the seventh time today.  The pastor loves him, and gently cleans him up, and puts him back out to play.
2. A pastor, working with the Holy Spirit, will know when a member is in trouble.  This allows him to pray the person through, while maybe not even having seen or spoken to the person in the physical.
3. A pastor will get a word of wisdom or word of knowledge when counseling to be able to answer the hard questions.

SHOW HONOR TO WHO HONOR IS DUE (Pastor):
Take care of your pastor, particularly in the natural:

I Tim      5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

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Teacher

DEFINITION:
Means "teacher", one who instructs or teaches.  Translated in new testament as:

• "master": in the gospels applying to Jesus. In James 3:1.
• "teacher" everywhere else in the new testament.

TYPE OF WORK:

1. A teacher is an establisher, and a strengthener.  He is not an establisher in works (apostolic), but in rooting and grounding people in the Word of God, in the truths of the Bible, so that they can stand the attacks of Satan, and walk in faith.  Without a teacher, people:

• would not be able to grow up in the Lord, to stand and walk,  
• be carried about by every wind of false doctrine (Eph 4:14),
• might move in the gifts, but never come to maturity of character (love walk).

II Tim     3:16 -17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Notice that teachers were above miracles, and gifts of healings (1 Cor 12:28).  If you don't get teaching, you have to get healed again, and again, and again.  But proper teaching will get you where you can continually walk in your health (healeth), and you will not need to be healed (that is maturity)!

Romans    12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2. A teacher will emphasize the accuracy of the Word, and usually teach line upon line, precept upon precept.  He will teach systematically, and use examples and illustrations, to assist your understanding.

Isaiah    28:9-10
Whom shall he teach knowledge?  and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

3. Usually is a roving or traveling ministry (Acts 13:1 - Paul).  The knowledge is not dry, but fresh, new, and alive!

Matthew   13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

Hebrews    6:1-2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

4. A teacher will have strong revealed knowledge from God!

I Cor     11:23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

Gal        1:11-12
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

5. The teaching will be by divine ability and anointing. (John 14:26)

Note: Though a teacher may be based in a church, and teach at that church, he is a part of the five fold ministry.  He should also teach (minister) from the pulpit.  There is a difference between teaching and preaching at pulpit.  A teacher is not a "Sunday School teacher" as we think of them; we all have some natural ability to teach or explain things.  Also, some in the church may have a motivational gift to "teach" (Rom 12:7), but this is not a divine call, gift, or anointing into the five fold.  A Sunday School teacher will not have the deep revelation knowledge given directly by God that a five fold ministry teacher would have.

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         teaching, exhortation, organization (ruleth).
Five Fold:             teacher, and maybe others.
Charismatic:          word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy.
                           (strong revelation gifts)

EXAMPLE:

• Jesus continually taught in the synagogues.
• Paul as shown above (Acts 13:1, 1 Cor 11:23, Gal 1:11-12).
• Apollos (1 Cor 3:6, Acts 18:27)

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