What does the Bible say about the fivefold ministry?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that Christ gives gifted servants to his church to proclaim his Word, shepherd his people, and equip every believer for faithful ministry, so that the body grows into maturity in him. Ephesians 4:11-13 names apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers as Christ's gifts for this purpose, with the enduring goal of building up the church in unity and truth. Apostolic and prophetic ministry laid the church's foundational witness, while pastors, teachers, and evangelists continue serving under Scripture. Church leaders must be qualified, godly, and able to teach, as 1 Timothy 3:1 and Titus 1:5 show. Ministry is not reserved for a few, but equips all saints to serve and speak God's truth faithfully.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:11
He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
- Ephesians 4:11-13
[11] He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; [12] for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
- Ephesians 4:12
for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
- 1 Corinthians 14:31
For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted.
- Ephesians 4:13
until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
- 1 Timothy 3:1
This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.
- Ephesians 5:19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Lord;
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
- Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;
- Acts 15:32
Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them.
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