Within the ministry gifts or offices, there are what many call the “fivefold” ministry. Paul listed them, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11 NASB). They are as follows:
Apostle. An Apostle is a foundation layer or pioneer (1 Corinthians 3:10). They will usually flow in and out of all five offices or gifts.
Prophet. Prophets speak for God to the church and are usually called to speak to the church as a whole. This office is very different from the spirituals or manifestations spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. Many within the body may be used by God to give a prophetic utterance and not hold the office of a Prophet.
Evangelist. Again, this is an office/gift given to the church. Evangelists are soul winners, but there may be many in the body of Christ who have a burden to win souls who do not hold this office. Evangelists are called to stir up the church – motivate and move it’s people into action.
Pastor. Pastors are married to the church. They are committed to and their heart has been given to it.
Teacher. The teacher’s heart is for truth. Their desire is to dissect the Word to make sure the church thoroughly understands the truth of scripture.
The Role of a Preacher
To preach literally means, “to proclaim after the manner of a herald” (Strong’s concordance). This always implies exhortation and “always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed” (Strong’s concordance). Preachers have a passion for the Word of God. All of the first four ministry gifts often function as a preacher, particularly prophets and evangelists.
Characteristics of a Pastor
The pastor functions as a preacher when he feels a sense of urgency for his church, and when exhorting them to apply the truth he has taught. There are specific characteristics of a pastor that may not be prevalent in the other ministry or office gifts.
Pastors must be able to teach. The pastor is always a teacher. His heart is to teach and instruct his people. It has often been pointed out that in Ephesians 4:11, “He gave some…as pastors and teachers,” is one gift. There may be teachers given to the church that are not pastors, but a pastor is always a teacher.
Pastors must feed the flock. Peter said, “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2 KJV). One of the pastor’s primary jobs is to feed his people the Word of God. Where a teacher may have a specific thrust in his teaching, a pastor seeks to feed his people a balanced diet of the Word. Paul as an apostle, functioning often as a pastor, said, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27 KJV). Good pastors are expositors of the Word and will frequently teach through entire books of the Bible.
God Bless you
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