We have grace that was given according to the measure of Christ's gifts...
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
Before we talk about the 5 fold ministry...
These are the 4 keys I want to impart on you in regards to ministry gifts:
#1 It’s a gift over a title.
Just because you have the title… doesn’t mean you’re operating in the gift given by God.
#2 Don’t idol the title.
Your identity is found in Christ… not your title.
#3 Your gifts bear good fruit.
Your fruit is evidence of these gifts.
#4 If we are to carry a title… it’s servant
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
How do we receive these gifts?
God gives these gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Born again.
Discipleship.
Obedience.
How do I know my gifts?
Be surrendered to God daily.
Get into environments where God wants to use you.
Make sure you’re under healthy godly covering & counseling.
How do I grow in my gifts?
Exercise your gifts.
What are the 5 fold ministry gifts in Ephesians 4?
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
Apostles are builders, they lay down the foundation alongside the prophets.
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, (Ephesians 2:20)
Apostles plant churches, rebuke false doctrine, confront the body of Christ with correction & lead armies.
Prophets war for God’s kingdom.
Read about Elijah in 1 Kings…
Prophets pray. They continue to stay prayed up & only speaks with God wants them to speak.
Great example of this is Micaiah in (2 Chronicles 18)
Evangelists plant seeds in the world.
Their mission is not to save souls… but to plant seeds & water them in the field… then let God do the increase.
Jesus saves the soul.
We are called plant.
They must be wise when it comes to soul winning.
11 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)
They are not called to bring people to church… but prioritize bringing souls to Christ.
We can learn more in Acts 8 with Philip the evangelist.
Pastors.
They pray & share God’s word to people.
God has chosen shepherds to be over His sheep.
15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15)
A pastor doesn’t just preach on Sunday… they are there to steward the sheep all week.
Teachers.
Teach Gods word with sound doctrine.
They build roots into the disciples and build them up to grow and bear fruit.
There’s so much more we can talk about each gift.
And we need to remember it is a ministry gift over a title.
God given.
God ordained.
God appointed & anointed.
The Lord gave us these gifts for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry & for the edifying of the body of Christ.
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12)