WHAT ARE THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRIES?

• There are five ministries given by Christ to the Church.

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It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be
pastors and teachers… - Ephesians 4:11 

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• The apostle is one sent on a mission and often plants churches, setting them in order.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on
it. But each one should be careful how he builds. - 1 Corinthians 3:10

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The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint
elders in every town, as I directed you. - Titus 1:5

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(See also Acts 14)

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• New Testament prophets must be seasoned in the charismata—waiting on the Lord for His words for the church.

During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus,
stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman
world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) - Acts 11:27-28

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the
Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. After we had been there a number of days, a
prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own
hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the
owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” - Acts 21:8-11

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Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. - 1 Cor 14:29

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(See also 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 and Revelation 2-3)

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• The evangelist preaches the Word and proclaims Christ and “the good news of the kingdom of God.”

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in
Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he
did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many
paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. - Acts 8:4-8 (See also Acts 8:26-40)

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the
Seven. - Acts 21:8

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• Pastors must care for the members of the congregation (or “flock”), protecting and leading them.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. - Ps 23:1(See also the full chapter of Ps 23.)

They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain. - Isaiah 56:11

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“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD.
Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because
you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow
punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 23:1-2

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I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. - Ezekiel 20:37

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“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” - John 10:11

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Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be
shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:28

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Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but
because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it
over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter 5:2-3

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• Teachers devote themselves “to the study and observance” of the Word, to teach “its decrees” to make it “clear” and give “the meaning so that the people could understand.”

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its
decrees and laws in Israel. - Ezra 7:10

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people
could understand what was being read. - Nehemiah 8:8