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“"Ministerial Gifts to the Church"”

Thoughts for Today:

Our passage today is a continuation of the statement Paul began in verse 8 regarding the gifts Christ gave to the church when He ascended to heaven. God gifted certain people with a calling (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor and teachers), and then gave these individuals to the body of Christ as gifts. Let's take a closer look at each of these ministries:

Apostles -- The apostolic ministry is a governing ministry. The biblical definition refers to one who is sent out by God as a spiritual statesperson to establish and fortify the church, while paying careful attention to Scriptural principles and doctrine. Scripture describes three kinds of apostles. The first: appointed by God the Father -- His Son, Jesus Christ. The second group: appointed by Jesus -- His twelve Apostles (these specific men we commonly refer to with a capital "A"). And the third: appointed by the Holy Spirit -- for example, Andronicus, Junia, Timothy, Barnabas and many others.

Prophets -- This is a guiding or preaching ministry and refers to those who speak the Word of the Lord in the Spirit.

Evangelists -- The evangelistic ministry is a gathering ministry. All believers should share their faith with others (drawing upon the power of the Holy Spirit). However, an evangelist ministers under a certain anointing and does so as a vocation.

Pastor -- The pastoral ministry is a guarding ministry and refers to those who protect the flock from the wolves who seek to destroy. In our passage today, the Greek word POIMEN was translated "pastor;" however, according to Strong's Concordance it means "shepherd."

Teachers -- The teaching ministry is a grounding ministry and seeks to firmly establish all believers in the truths of Scripture.

Questions to Ponder:

I often see Christians who are confused about their calling. As a result they don't participate. They ask, "Am I called to be a teacher, prophet, evangelist, etc?" All believers are to teach (1 Peter 3:15), but that doesn't mean they are teachers. All believers can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31), but that doesn't make them prophets. And all believers should minister to the lost by sharing their faith, but that doesn't make them evangelists. Have you held back in some way because of uncertainty regarding your "calling"? Where does your church need help right now? Will you begin to serve today?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.