Embracing the Fivefold Ministry for Church Maturity
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the call of the Lord and the function of the church, particularly focusing on the fivefold ministry. This concept, rooted in Ephesians 4, emphasizes the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each of these roles is essential for the growth and maturity of the church. The fivefold ministry is designed to bring balance and maturity to the body of Christ, much like a weightlifter who must balance upper and lower body workouts to achieve overall strength.
We began by discussing the different lenses through which people view church leadership. A pastor-led congregation focuses on the care and growth of the people, while an apostolic-led church emphasizes building the kingdom and releasing people into their callings. Both approaches can create tensions and challenges within the congregation, as people have different values and priorities.
We then reflected on last week's events, particularly the ordination of Laura as a prophet. This was a significant moment, acknowledging her 30-year journey of prophetic words, training, and raising others. It's not just about titles but about recognizing and honoring the grace on her life. This ordination stirred questions and perhaps some discomfort, but it was a step towards embracing the fullness of the fivefold ministry.
The fivefold ministry aims to bring the church to maturity and unity. It's not about creating a hierarchy or a pyramid scheme but about serving and building up the body of Christ. Each role within the fivefold ministry carries a unique grace, and together, they help the church attain spiritual maturity and the fullness of Christ.
We also discussed the natural tensions that arise within the church. For instance, some people may value teaching and scripture highly, while others prioritize worship and the presence of God. These differences can create friction, but they are also opportunities for growth. Just as a weightlifter must balance different muscle groups, the church must balance different aspects of ministry to achieve overall health and maturity.
In the world, there's a high value for coaches and personal trainers who push us to grow in areas where we are weak. Similarly, in the church, we need to embrace the different gifts and callings that may make us uncomfortable. This discomfort is often a sign that we need to grow in that area. The fivefold ministry helps us develop a balanced and mature faith, reflecting the fullness of Christ.
We concluded by acknowledging that this is just the beginning of our exploration into the fivefold ministry. It's a scriptural structure that we believe will have a significant impact, not just within our church but potentially on a regional and even global scale. We are committed to diving deeper into this topic in the coming weeks.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of the Fivefold Ministry: The fivefold ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4, is essential for the growth and maturity of the church. Each role—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—brings a unique grace that contributes to the overall health of the body of Christ. This structure is designed to bring balance and maturity, much like a weightlifter who must balance upper and lower body workouts to achieve overall strength. [02:04]
2. Embracing Different Leadership Styles: Different leadership styles within the church can create tensions but also opportunities for growth. A pastor-led congregation focuses on care and growth, while an apostolic-led church emphasizes building the kingdom and releasing people into their callings. These differences can challenge and excite people, pushing them to grow in areas where they may be weak. [06:20]
3. Recognizing and Honoring Gifts: The ordination of Laura as a prophet was a significant moment, acknowledging her 30-year journey of prophetic words, training, and raising others. It's not just about titles but about recognizing and honoring the grace on her life. This recognition helps the church embrace the fullness of the fivefold ministry and the unique gifts each person brings. [05:04]
4. Balancing Different Aspects of Ministry: Just as a weightlifter must balance different muscle groups, the church must balance different aspects of ministry to achieve overall health and maturity. Some people may value teaching and scripture highly, while others prioritize worship and the presence of God. These differences can create friction, but they are also opportunities for growth and maturity. [12:25]
5. Growth Through Discomfort: In the world, there's a high value for coaches and personal trainers who push us to grow in areas where we are weak. Similarly, in the church, we need to embrace the different gifts and callings that may make us uncomfortable. This discomfort is often a sign that we need to grow in that area. The fivefold ministry helps us develop a balanced and mature faith, reflecting the fullness of Christ. [21:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - The Importance of the Fivefold Ministry
[05:04] - Recognizing and Honoring Gifts
[06:20] - Embracing Different Leadership Styles
[12:25] - Balancing Different Aspects of Ministry
[21:33] - Growth Through Discomfort
[35:45] - Closing Prayer
[37:23] - Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:7-16 (ESV)
> "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.' (In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the five roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, and what is their purpose according to the passage?
2. How does the sermon describe the different leadership styles within the church, and what tensions can arise from these differences? [06:20]
3. What was significant about Laura's ordination as a prophet, and how does it relate to the concept of recognizing and honoring gifts within the church? [05:04]
4. How does the analogy of a weightlifter relate to the balance and maturity of the church as discussed in the sermon? [12:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the church to attain "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God" as mentioned in Ephesians 4:13? How does this relate to the fivefold ministry?
2. How can the different leadership styles (pastor-led vs. apostolic-led) create both challenges and opportunities for growth within a congregation? [06:20]
3. In what ways can recognizing and honoring the unique gifts of individuals, like Laura's prophetic gift, contribute to the overall health and maturity of the church? [05:04]
4. How can the discomfort caused by different gifts and callings within the church be a sign of areas where growth is needed? [21:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you noticed a particular emphasis on one of the fivefold ministry roles over the others? How has this affected your spiritual growth and the overall health of the church?
2. Think about a time when you felt uncomfortable with a particular aspect of church leadership or ministry. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [21:33]
3. How can you personally contribute to balancing different aspects of ministry within your church? Are there specific areas where you feel called to grow or serve more actively? [12:25]
4. In what ways can you help recognize and honor the unique gifts of others in your church community? How can this practice strengthen the body of Christ? [05:04]
5. Consider the natural tensions that arise within your church. How can you approach these tensions as opportunities for growth rather than sources of conflict? [06:20]
6. How can you embrace the different gifts and callings within your church, even if they make you uncomfortable? What steps can you take to grow in areas where you feel weak? [21:33]
7. Reflect on the analogy of the weightlifter. Are there areas in your spiritual life that you have neglected? How can you create a more balanced approach to your faith journey? [12:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Essential Roles in the Church
The fivefold ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4, is essential for the growth and maturity of the church. Each role—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—brings a unique grace that contributes to the overall health of the body of Christ. This structure is designed to bring balance and maturity, much like a weightlifter who must balance upper and lower body workouts to achieve overall strength. The fivefold ministry is not about creating a hierarchy but about serving and building up the body of Christ. Each role within this ministry carries a unique grace, and together, they help the church attain spiritual maturity and the fullness of Christ. [02:04]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Which of the fivefold ministry roles do you feel most drawn to or impacted by? How can you seek to grow in understanding and appreciating the other roles?
Day 2: Embracing Diverse Leadership Styles
Different leadership styles within the church can create tensions but also opportunities for growth. A pastor-led congregation focuses on care and growth, while an apostolic-led church emphasizes building the kingdom and releasing people into their callings. These differences can challenge and excite people, pushing them to grow in areas where they may be weak. Embracing these diverse leadership styles helps the church to be well-rounded and effective in its mission. It is important to recognize that each style has its place and value in the body of Christ. [06:20]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt challenged by a different leadership style in the church. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
Day 3: Recognizing and Honoring Spiritual Gifts
The ordination of Laura as a prophet was a significant moment, acknowledging her 30-year journey of prophetic words, training, and raising others. It's not just about titles but about recognizing and honoring the grace on her life. This recognition helps the church embrace the fullness of the fivefold ministry and the unique gifts each person brings. Honoring these gifts is crucial for the church to function effectively and for individuals to feel valued and empowered in their callings. [05:04]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on the spiritual gifts you see in others around you. How can you encourage and honor these gifts in your church community?
Day 4: Balancing Different Aspects of Ministry
Just as a weightlifter must balance different muscle groups, the church must balance different aspects of ministry to achieve overall health and maturity. Some people may value teaching and scripture highly, while others prioritize worship and the presence of God. These differences can create friction, but they are also opportunities for growth and maturity. By embracing a balanced approach, the church can ensure that all aspects of spiritual life are nurtured and developed. [12:25]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Which aspect of ministry do you feel is most emphasized in your church? How can you contribute to bringing balance in other areas?
Day 5: Growth Through Discomfort
In the world, there's a high value for coaches and personal trainers who push us to grow in areas where we are weak. Similarly, in the church, we need to embrace the different gifts and callings that may make us uncomfortable. This discomfort is often a sign that we need to grow in that area. The fivefold ministry helps us develop a balanced and mature faith, reflecting the fullness of Christ. Embracing discomfort can lead to significant spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's work in our lives. [21:33]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify an area in your spiritual life where you feel discomfort. How can you embrace this discomfort as an opportunity for growth and seek God's guidance in this process?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's interesting because in the world there's a high value for coaches, especially right now. There's a hunger for coaches. If you need a personal trainer, you know, if you realize like, man, I need to learn how to, you know, do all the stuff better. People will hire that they'll, they'll hire a personal coach, a business coach, whatever it is that they're missing. So, so that somebody can push them and grow them and, and help them with what they need. And yet in the church, the tendency a lot of times is we, we look for the things that make us more comfortable. That's more like us that we really enjoy. And the tendency is sometimes to push away those things that make me uncomfortable." [21:08]
2. "How many of you have ever seen those pictures of weightlifters? Now, there's all kinds of pictures of weightlifters. But my favorites are the ones where the one guy loves the upper body workout and despises leg day. Gets to the point where he hates leg day. He doesn't do leg day. He has no value for leg day. And then that one day he wears shorts and you're like, oh, that's just weird. Like, how are those little things holding up that, you know? See him with, like, pants on. You're like, man, that dude. The one day he wears shorts, like, oh, wow." [11:28]
3. "So all of us, every one of us, myself included needs stretched and pulled. I need grown and matured in some areas and some of the areas I'm uncomfortable. And I'm the same way with like the prophetic at times. That's been a challenge even in Laura's growth process. I mean, we'd go to prophetic things and I'm like, Oh boy, this is not my wheelhouse, you know? And in the uncomfortability, like stepping out and going, I know, it's like I'm going to be embarrassed. I'm going to be you know whatever and hard but going but you know what because of that I've grown in those things too." [31:17]
4. "It's the call of the Lord and walking in the function. And why is that? So, here's the thing. There's some tensions that will develop. I didn't mean to talk so much. I really want to hear you guys. But it will create some tensions in the room. pastor-led congregation. It's about the care of the people. It's about them growing. And that's great and wonderful. But how many of you know, like, there's so much more that the church is supposed to do? There's so much more that the church is supposed to be and called to. Right?" [05:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think part is just becoming aware of your natural bend, but also what's missing and the Lord puts us in a family to help develop and mature us. And I think that's the goal." [13:11]
2. "And so I think the Lord has created something that again, I think all these five we see in Jesus, Jesus was the perfect representation of these. And I think he, he placed the five fold there, uh, so that we develop those things as well. And I would say even within the five fold, it's a microcosm of the church. And I see this tendency sometimes that once somebody discovers the call of God on their life, that I'm a prophet or I'm a, whatever, I'm an apostle that then that just becomes who I am. And it's used a lot of times as an excuse to not have to carry the rest." [22:17]
3. "So, you know, when we talk about this, all of us are wired a little differently. And so, all of us will have higher values for certain things and a lesser value for others. It's not necessarily wrong or right. It's just the way that we're wired. But I think it requires an intentionality that when we look at the fivefold, it's meant to bring this balance. It's meant to bring this maturity." [06:49]
4. "It's growing in a balanced way, right? It's the fullness of Christ. It's the maturing. It's the maturing of Christ. It's the unity. And so I think sometimes you can have profits that are lone rangers in environment and because of that and it's not held in that balance, it becomes maybe more of an irritant. People don't know what to do. They don't know what to do with that person. You don't know what to do, but there's something about embracing that when somebody comes alongside and says, I see this on your life and we receive you causes them to go, okay, but in that it's like what are the pieces that I still need as well." [24:53]
5. "We want to dive into this a little bit deeper because for a lot of reason, I think it's in, it's in the Bible. It's the scriptural structure of what the church is supposed to look like and how it's supposed to function. And the why, um, we have a lot of prophetic words over this house, that this is a pre an apostolic hub. We can dig into what that means, but I know it's supposed to have impact way beyond here. At a minimum, a regional, but we even have prophetic words where the nations would be impacted because of this little place. And I'm just childlike enough to believe it." [29:43]
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