Here is a set of thoughts to help church leaders understand a little more about the five-fold ministry gifts. Help understand how they think, how they minister, their motives and generally what makes them ‘tick’.
Tolerate difference or celebrate difference.
Everyone in a room has a tendency of 5-fold because we are all shaped by Christ.
What moves them to do what they do?
- Apostle thinks expansion; perpetually dissatisfied – if its not expansion its not apostolic. A divine delegate sent with attorney to act on behalf of another. Can operate in all 5 gifts with measure.
- Prophet thinks direction, if it’s not going anywhere it’s not prophet. Always has the direction question.
- Evangelist has to have addition, every believer equipped. Relegate the evangelist to travelling ministry. Mt 9:37, 38 they are labourers – the rare special forces sent ones. They don’t need a place to preach; they go out and start something.
- Pastor – sees cohesion, family – pulls all together. Moved by peoples needs.
- Teacher – is all about getting information into them. Open peoples hearts to word. Every new revelation is a discussion.
If you don’t have the grace of the prophetic in a church you will drive off the ministry. They – young prophets will leave. Same with other gifts.
Perspective – how gift works around elders.
Not all 5 in church, but all 5 to touch church
1. Apostle: broad-view, blue-print of whats going on.
2. Prophetic: has a telescopic view, great clarity, but don’t see how this piece fits into that piece. Overview and specific view – good to have in a church.
3. Evangelist: wide-angle no matter what people get saved, not much worry about doctrine but souls saved!!
4. Pastor: is X-Ray. Whats in your heart?
5. Teacher: Microscopic … you want to tell them ‘stop worrying about detail and get over it’
Inclination:
On their own – this is what they do.
- Apostle – focused on getting the job done. Not go to 6 mtgs to get one decision – won’t work. Authoritative.
- Prophetic – generally say wait; apostles – generally wants to move now.
- Evangelist – everyone should be winning souls – you all heard it so all go do it.
Everyone equipped.
Evangelists today need to do more about convincing by demonstarting signs, wonders & miracles and less discussion. - Pastor – everyone doing what God’ want you to do – inward. Over protected.
- Teacher – wants all to get involved into the word and so become – Bogged-down.