Following Jesus 70

Who in the church is responsible for Ministry? Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “ And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV)

 

Ephesians 4:11-12 describes two groups of ministers. First, leaders. Among the different kinds of leaders the Apostle Paul lists include Apostles (ἀπόστολος). An apostle means a delegate, an envoy, or a messenger. The word apostle particularly refers to the 12 immediate followers of Christ: known as the Twelve Apostles. It can also be used to refer to the Apostle Paul and in general to Christians who are sent by the church to share the gospel: missionaries for example.

 

Another category of leaders who minister were prophets (Προφήτης). These individuals were those who proclaimed the inspired words on behalf of God. They included “foretellers” who were engaged by God in predictive prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) and secondly “forthtellers” who even to this day are involved in the heralding of God’s edifying Word of Truth (I Corinthians 14:6-19).

 

A third category of leaders who minister are evangelists (εὐαγγελιστής). An evangelist is an individual who announces the gospel. This is the primary and sole message of the evangelist. The message is that (1) God exists; (2) God is holy; (3) man is sinful; (4) God became a man; (5) Jesus Christ, the eternal God-man lived a sinless and righteous life; (6) He died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross; (7) He was buried; (8) He bodily rose again; (9) He ascended into heaven; (10) He will return to earth in power, might and glory.

 

The final group of leaders who minister are Pastor-Teachers (Ποιμήν διδάσκαλος). A pastor or shepherd is one who guides and guards the flock of God. A teacher is one who teaches the flock of God.  They are both the same person.

 

The second group of minsters Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:11-12 are the saints. The task of leaders are to equip the saints. To equip means to train them for the task at hand. 

The ones who the leaders train are known as the saints. They are called the holy and those who belong to God. They are those who are in a covenant relationship with God.

 

For what purpose do the leaders train the saints? The text says it is “for the work of ministry. Work refers to the task or responsibility given by a master to His servant. The ministry is to render assistance or help by performing certain duties. It is to be done by a humble person for God’s glory.

 

Who are the recipients of ministry, which is taught by God’s leaders and conducted by the saints of God? The text says it is the body of Christ. Ministry is done for the building up of the church.