The History of The Five-Fold Ministry Structure

The concept of the five-fold ministry comes from Ephesians 4:11, "It was he who gave some to be (1) apostles, some to be (2) prophets, some to be (3) evangelists, and some to be (4) pastors and (5) teachers." Primarily as a result of this verse, some believe God has restored, or is restoring, the offices of apostle and prophet in the church today. Ephesians 4:12-13 tells us that the purpose of the five-fold ministry is, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

Because there are five offices listed in Ephesians 4:11, the ministry gifts are often referred to as the "five-fold." While not everyone may occupy an "office," every believer will have certain dimensions of particular offices in their lives. In our study of the five-fold, below are key elements of heart passion, main gifts, emotions, and goals as they relate to specific giftings.

1. Apostle (Fellowship)

The apostle's heart passion is for the whole, the whole Body of Christ, wholeness in every area, the whole picture. Their main gifts are found in their ability to lead, organize, develop, build, and expand. Apostles are less emotional and more structured. Their goal is to see things organized and running smoothly. (Eph.2:20).

2. Prophet (Worship)

The prophet's heart passion is found in inspirational creativity. Their main gifts are seen in their creative abilities and in a sense of timing and rightness. The prophet may be quite emotional - with both ups and downs. The prophet's goal is to continuously experience the creative flow. (Peter 1:21).

3. Evangelist (Evangelism)

An evangelist's heart beats with passion for souls, for the harvest. They are highly invigorated and intense, continuously aware that there is a limited time to do a massive work. They have a keen ability to be persuasive and their main goal in life is to persuade others to see what they see, and that is Christ who wants a personal relationship with every man, women and child. (2 Tim.4:5).

4. Pastor (Stewardship or Ministry)

Pastors have a heart for people. Their gifting is in a God-given anointing to love people and to heal their hurts. At times, pastors' emotions can be very sensitive as they seek to feel the people and are led with compassion for them. A pastor's goal is for people to be healthy, safe and cared for. (Jer.23:4).

5. Teacher (Discipleship)

A teacher's focus and passion is for truth. Their gift is an ability to research and present clearly the truth and they find. The teacher is the apostle in that they are less emotional and more structured. Their goal is to see the truth clearly communicated and assimilated. (1 Tim.4:6).