The New Testament identifies several types of ministers and offices within the early church, each with distinct roles and functions. Young people who feel called can benefit from the help and direction of older experienced ministers.
It is so hurtful and destructive if a young person feels called to preach but winds up in a ministry where God did not want him to be. Just because one is called to "preach" doesn't mean they can function well in every ministry. Here’s a summary of the various types of ministers mentioned:
1. Apostles - (The office is not active now - the function of an Apostle - winning souls and establishing churches is active in the current day.)
Description: The apostles were foundational leaders in the early church, sent out by Christ to spread the Gospel and establish churches. The term "apostle" means "one who is sent."
Key Verses:
Luke 6:13: "And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles."
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles..."
Examples: The Twelve Apostles (e.g., Peter, John, James) and Paul.
2. Prophets (The office of the foreteller is not active today. One may have the gift of a prophet to powerfully forthtell the word of God.)
Description: Prophets were individuals who received direct revelations from God and spoke forth messages for the edification of the church.
Key Verses:
Acts 11:27: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch."
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets..."
1 Corinthians 12:28: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets..."
3. Evangelists
Description: Evangelists were traveling ministers who preached the Gospel to new areas and spread the good news of salvation.
Key Verses:
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists..."
2 Timothy 4:5: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
Example: Philip is referred to as an evangelist (Acts 21:8).
4. Pastors/Elders/Bishops
Description: Pastors were shepherds of local congregations, responsible for teaching, leading, and caring for the spiritual well-being of believers. Although the New Testament indicates that the terms Elders/Bishops/Pastors can be used interchangeably, it also at times appears that an Elder, may or may not be involved in Pastoral care.
Key Verses:
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors..."
1 Peter 5:2: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof..."
1 Timothy 3:1: "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
Titus 1:7: "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God..."
1 Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
Acts 14:23: "And when they had ordained them elders in every church..."
Titus 1:5: "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city..."
5. Teachers
Description: Teachers were responsible for instructing believers in the doctrine and truths of Scripture, helping them to grow in faith and knowledge.
Key Verses:
Ephesians 4:11: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."
1 Corinthians 12:28: "And God hath set some in the church... teachers..."
6. Deacons
Description: Deacons were appointed to serve the physical and practical needs of the church, allowing the apostles and elders to focus on preaching and prayer.
Key Verses:
1 Timothy 3:8: "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre..."
Acts 6:3: "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
Example: Stephen and Philip were among the first deacons (Acts 6:5).
Now, I want to ask you a question. Has God called you to "preach?" Of the above available options (Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher, Deacon) to which ministry has God called you? Are you an Evangelist? A Pastor? A Teacher?
I can assure you that he did not call you without a purpose. I also assure you that he didn't call you to the ministry of sitting on the pew and waiting for your "turn."
There are too many churches that need pastors. If God called you to pastor, then move in that direction.
There are multitudes of lost people. If God specifically called you to be an evangelist, then get busy...move in that direction.
The Bible knowledge base of God's children is abysmally low. Some groups and Christians even frown on education. If God called you to be a teacher, get busy moving in that direction, teaching and training God's people.
If you are a pastor, I implore you to help the "preachers" under your ministry to find THEIR "ministry." God called them for a purpose. I assure you that the purpose was not for you to have "backup," or "bragging rights." These "preachers" in your work may spend their ministerial lives in frustration if they are not properly guided and counseled. They must not be allowed to sit on the pew their whole lives, awaiting their turn at the pulpit. They must find their God-given call/purpose and fulfill it!
If I can help, reach out today!
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