Embracing the Fivefold Ministry for Church Unity

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Gifts

The church, like an MMA fighter, must be well-rounded and trained in various disciplines to be effective. Each role within the fivefold ministry—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—contributes uniquely to the growth and health of the church. Ignoring any of these gifts leads to an unbalanced and weak church. Just as an MMA fighter must train in multiple fighting styles, the church must embrace and honor the different gifts within the body of Christ. This diversity ensures that the church is strong, resilient, and capable of fulfilling its mission.

When the church recognizes and values each of these roles, it becomes a fuller representation of Christ. Apostles are builders and visionaries, prophets bring God's voice and direction, evangelists focus on outreach, pastors care for the flock, and teachers ground us in the Word of God. Each role is essential, and none is more important than the other. By embracing this diversity, the church can achieve unity and maturity, becoming a powerful force for God's kingdom. [05:23]

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: Think about the different gifts within your church community. How can you honor and support each of these roles to contribute to the overall health and growth of the church?

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Day 2: Unity and Maturity Through Diversity

The fivefold ministry is designed to bring about unity and maturity in the church. When each role functions properly, the church grows and matures, becoming a fuller representation of Christ. This unity helps us avoid being swayed by false teachings and equips us to do the work of ministry effectively. The diversity of gifts within the church is not a source of division but a means to achieve a greater unity and maturity.

By recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, the church can grow in strength and resilience. This diversity ensures that the church is well-rounded and capable of addressing various needs and challenges. Embracing this diversity requires humility and a willingness to learn from one another, ultimately leading to a stronger and more unified body of Christ. [08:12]

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: How can you contribute to the unity and maturity of your church by embracing and valuing the diverse gifts within the body of Christ?

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Day 3: Humility and Honor in the Body of Christ

Recognizing and receiving from the different gifts within the church requires humility and honor. No single role is more important than the other, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. By honoring and learning from each other, we can grow and mature as a body. This humility allows us to appreciate the unique contributions of each role and to receive the benefits of their gifts.

When we approach each other with humility and honor, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for the health and growth of the church. By recognizing the importance of each role and learning from one another, we can achieve a greater unity and maturity in Christ. [13:28]

Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: In what ways can you show humility and honor to the different gifts within your church community? How can you learn from and support each other to grow and mature as a body?

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Day 4: Embracing Tension and Frustration

The tension and frustration we feel within the church often stem from our own orientations or aversions to different roles. These feelings can be opportunities for growth. Leaning into the areas that make us uncomfortable can help us mature and become more balanced in our faith. Embracing this tension allows us to grow beyond our comfort zones and to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse gifts within the church.

By facing these challenges head-on, we can learn to appreciate the unique contributions of each role and to grow in our own faith. This process requires patience, humility, and a willingness to be stretched and challenged. Ultimately, embracing this tension leads to a stronger and more unified church, capable of fulfilling its mission and purpose. [43:10]

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: What areas of tension or frustration do you experience within your church community? How can you lean into these areas to grow and mature in your faith?

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Day 5: The Role of the Fivefold Ministry in Personal Growth

The fivefold ministry is not just about church leadership but also about personal growth. Each of us has a leaning or orientation towards one of these roles, and recognizing this can help us understand our strengths and areas for growth. The goal is to receive from all five roles to achieve the fullness of Christ. By embracing the diversity of gifts within the church, we can grow in our own faith and become more effective in our ministry.

Understanding our own orientation towards one of these roles can help us identify our strengths and areas for growth. By receiving from all five roles, we can develop a more balanced and mature faith. This process requires humility, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to personal growth. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the fullness of Christ and to become more effective in our ministry and service to others. [37:18]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is your orientation towards one of the fivefold ministry roles? How can you receive from the other roles to achieve a more balanced and mature faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the concept of the fivefold ministry as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13, which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The analogy of an MMA fighter was used to illustrate the importance of being well-rounded and trained in various disciplines. Just as an MMA fighter must train in multiple fighting styles to be effective, the church must embrace and honor the different gifts within the body of Christ to achieve unity and maturity.

We discussed how each of these roles contributes uniquely to the growth and health of the church. Apostles are builders and visionaries, prophets bring God's voice and direction, evangelists focus on outreach and bringing people to Christ, pastors care for and shepherd the flock, and teachers ground us in the Word of God. Each role is essential, and none is more important than the other. The tension and sometimes frustration we feel within the church often stem from our own orientations or aversions to these different roles.

The sermon emphasized the need for humility and honor in recognizing and receiving from these gifts. When the church functions properly, with each part doing its work, the whole body grows and matures, becoming a fuller representation of Christ. This requires us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and embrace the gifts that may not come naturally to us. The ultimate goal is to achieve unity, maturity, and the full measure of Christ, so that we are not easily swayed by false teachings and can effectively do the work of ministry.

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Key Takeaways

1. Rounded Church**: Just as an MMA fighter must train in various disciplines to be effective, the church must embrace and honor the different gifts within the body of Christ. Each role—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—contributes uniquely to the growth and health of the church. Ignoring any of these gifts leads to an unbalanced and weak church. [05:23]
2. Unity and Maturity Through Diversity: The fivefold ministry is designed to bring about unity and maturity in the church. When each role functions properly, the church grows and matures, becoming a fuller representation of Christ. This unity helps us avoid being swayed by false teachings and equips us to do the work of ministry effectively.

3. Humility and Honor in the Body of Christ: Recognizing and receiving from the different gifts within the church requires humility and honor. No single role is more important than the other, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. By honoring and learning from each other, we can grow and mature as a body.

4. Embracing Tension and Frustration: The tension and frustration we feel within the church often stem from our own orientations or aversions to different roles. These feelings can be opportunities for growth. Leaning into the areas that make us uncomfortable can help us mature and become more balanced in our faith.

5. The Role of the Fivefold Ministry in Personal Growth: The fivefold ministry is not just about church leadership but also about personal growth. Each of us has a leaning or orientation towards one of these roles, and recognizing this can help us understand our strengths and areas for growth. The goal is to receive from all five roles to achieve the fullness of Christ.

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Introduction to MMA and Church Analogy
[04:30] - The Importance of Diverse Training
[05:23] - The Fivefold Ministry
[07:18] - Reading from Ephesians 4
[09:01] - The Modern Church Model
[10:03] - Challenges and Misconceptions
[11:12] - Goals of the Fivefold Ministry
[12:40] - Gifts to the Church
[13:28] - Jesus as the Perfect Model
[14:15] - Understanding the Five Roles
[19:15] - Practical Demonstration
[22:52] - The Tug of War in Church
[25:33] - The Importance of Each Role
[30:41] - Balancing the Tension
[32:10] - Unrealistic Expectations in Church Leadership
[33:31] - Honor and Humility
[35:24] - Orientation and Aversion
[37:18] - Personal Growth and the Fivefold Ministry
[39:06] - Addressing Frustrations
[41:28] - Understanding Different Lenses
[43:10] - Leaning into Discomfort
[44:45] - The Role of the Evangelist
[46:17] - Receiving and Growing
[49:33] - The Fullness of Christ
[50:47] - The Importance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit
[52:26] - Living Beyond Ourselves
[54:39] - The Beauty of the Body of Christ
[56:10] - Purpose of the Fivefold Ministry
[57:52] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 4:11-13, what are the roles that Christ gave to the church, and what is their purpose?
In the sermon, how is the analogy of an MMA fighter used to explain the concept of the fivefold ministry? [04:30]
What are some of the unique contributions of each role (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher) to the growth and health of the church as discussed in the sermon? [07:18]
How does the sermon describe the importance of humility and honor in recognizing and receiving from the different gifts within the church? [06:25]

Interpretation Questions

How does the fivefold ministry contribute to the unity and maturity of the church according to Ephesians 4:11-13?
The sermon mentions that tension and frustration within the church can stem from our own orientations or aversions to different roles. How can these feelings be opportunities for growth? [35:24]
What does it mean to "stretch beyond our comfort zones" in the context of embracing the fivefold ministry, as mentioned in the sermon? [43:10]
How can recognizing our own leaning or orientation towards one of the fivefold ministry roles help us in our personal growth and understanding of our strengths and areas for improvement? [37:18]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own orientation or leaning towards one of the fivefold ministry roles. How can you actively seek to learn from and honor the other roles within your church community? [37:18]
The sermon emphasizes the need for humility and honor in recognizing and receiving from different gifts within the church. How can you practice humility and honor in your interactions with others in your small group or church? [06:25]
Think about a time when you felt tension or frustration within the church. How can you reframe these feelings as opportunities for growth and maturity? [35:24]
The sermon suggests that we need to stretch beyond our comfort zones to embrace the gifts that may not come naturally to us. What is one specific area or role within the fivefold ministry that you find challenging, and how can you take steps to grow in that area? [43:10]
How can you contribute to the unity and maturity of your church by embracing and honoring the different gifts within the body of Christ? [08:12]
Identify one person in your church who operates in a different role within the fivefold ministry than you do. How can you intentionally learn from and support this person in their ministry?
The sermon mentions that the ultimate goal is to achieve the full measure of Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to grow in your faith and knowledge of Christ, contributing to the overall maturity of the church? [08:12]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "To do it God's way actually requires a working together. It requires a humility. It requires an honor. It requires a working together, a mentality that, you know, none of us have it all together, but somehow in the body of Christ, when the body of Christ begins to function properly, we're all growing. We're maturing. We're learning to rely on one another." [06:25](

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2. "Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until this important here. This will continue until we all, come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's son, that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ." [07:18](

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3. "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly as each does, as each part does its own special work. It helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." [08:12](

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4. "So the challenge in this is, depending on where we've come from, what we've grown up in, and the challenge of just an imperfect, immature body, we've either experienced none of this or we've experienced it imperfectly and we can tend to not value this or not see it as necessary or to see it as it's passed away or all those things and just go, this is too confusing, too hard, not necessary or as it's being taught in some places that it has come to pass." [10:03](

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5. "So what are some of the things that we read in this? It says that part of the goal or the role of this is to bring about unity. Right? And there's knowledge, the knowledge of God's Son. There's maturity. There's the full measure of Christ. So these are some of the things that's bringing about that the body is no longer infants, that we don't fall into false teaching, that we become a mature representation each part is doing its work and the whole body is healthy, growing, and full of love." [11:12](

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### Quotes for Members

1. "If somebody were to go into MMA, they probably have their thing that they're naturally gifted at, the thing that they enjoy the most, the thing that they feel the strongest in. But if they were to ignore the other styles, the other gift sets, they'd be in big trouble. And that's what happens a lot of times. You're taking these different things. So what ends up happening is somebody wants to go into that. They have to especially train in the areas that they're not as strong. Maybe the areas that they've had, had no experience in, they have to learn and it still may not be their strong suit as they go along, but it allows them to be in the fight and have the potential to win the fight." [04:30](

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2. "So is it that they carry a gift or they are a gift? Tomato, tomato, I don't know. You know, like, do you see like the tension in a little bit? There's hesitancy a little bit because it's like, I don't wanna say they're a gift because that sounds like a prideful thing. No, I think when you understand what these are, and this isn't like some pyramid scheme that God created. It's not a hierarchy. I wouldn't even say it's a governmental structure. They are gifts to bring unity and maturity to the body of Christ so that we come to the full measure of Christ." [12:40](

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3. "So what does it look like to model this where it's a healthy way, where there's, there is this pull, this intentionality around these. But can you see where if you're in a church that is allowing God to bring that. That gift to the body. And if a body learns to honor that and receive it, how that the body could grow and be more healthy and mature. Because when, when we, when we're just in a place where we're only exercising one thing, we become very unbalanced." [30:41](

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4. "And so there's this thing where you kind of do have to hold on, but you're holding on in a tension, a beautiful balanced tension that there are moments when it's like, you know what I'm discerning that in this season, that the, the body needs a little more of this, right? That, that maybe, maybe in another season, we need a little more of that. And so there is a little bit of pull. There's a given and take, and what's the thing that holds it all together right here. I think it's, it's honor and humility. That's what makes this work." [33:31](

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5. "And so what does that mean? That means that it needs to exist also in the five fold. You guys, if he getting tired yet, see now, you know, it's like, you know, it's like to stand up here all the time, but can you see the beauty of what God's designed? And so there's this thing where you kind of do have to hold on, but you're holding on in a. A tension, a beautiful balanced tension that there are moments when it's like, you know what I'm discerning that in this season, that the, the body needs a little more of this, right? That, that maybe, maybe in another season, we need a little more of that. And so there is a little bit of pull. There's a given and take, and what's the thing that holds it all together right here. I think it's, it's honor and humility. That's what makes this work." [33:31](

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