History
The idea of “Fivefold Ministry” is the modern idea that there should be five offices or ministries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) within every church. There is no historical record or writings from the early church fathers that record five offices in operation at the local church level. In fact, the five offices are not talked about as official positions until the “latter rain movement” in post World War II era. That movement taught every church should have an apostle and prophet. This first became called the “fivefold” ministries in the 1960s by the leaders of the ‘shepherding movement’ within the charismatic churches. The idea of these titles being church offices comes from a conflation of terms within the passage of Ephesians 4:9-16. You should read the whole passage but here is the meat: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:11–13). (It’s interesting to note that in the greek ‘pastors and teachers’ are connected to be a description of the same gift. So right off the bat there is only four.) My argument is that these verses are not about offices at all nor even a suggested structure for church but instead in context are a conversation about provisions and gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church and how we are supposed to work together in love. The church offices in context are clearly laid out with the qualifications for each in 1 Timothy 3, but we will address that in a minute. Let’s look at another mention of the gifts to the church: “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Co 12:27–31): LOVE! So it’s clear that some people are given gifts to serve in different ways but the context is about working together not the structure of the church. That aside let’s look deeper at the specifics:
Apostle
For this article, I would just like to look at the term apostle. Examine it biblically and rightly divide its meaning within the context of the New Testament church and our church today. I do think that understanding the issues around the misunderstanding of apostleship refute the fivefold’s claim that it is or should be an office in the modern church.
Apostle – means “one sent, specifically for a mission” there are three different kinds of apostles mentioned in the bible.
- Messenger of God. Jesus is referred to as “the apostle” Hebrew 3:1, and a sent one in John 17:3. Both times referring to himself as the prophesied Messiah.
- Messenger of Christ. There is also the 12 apostles that had authority given by Jesus himself and wrote scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit. We know there are only twelve of these because their names are written in New Jerusalem “Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Re 21:14). And they will sit on 12 thrones and judge the 12 tribes (Mt 19:28). Notice that Jesus himself appointed all twelve replacing Judas with Paul (Acts 9:4-5). And that all 12 were taught the gospel by Jesus himself (Gal 1:12). It is very important to note that the Eph 2:20 is referring to the teachings of the Old Testament Prophets and 12 Apostles of Christ. This last passage is often used as justification to give authority to the ‘apostles’ of the Fivefold Ministry. This is a conflation at best or just a simple taking a passage out of context. Paul makes this clear when he says the foundation has already been laid and no other foundation can be laid (1 Cor 3:11).
- Messenger of the Church. Then there were missionaries, church planters, and messengers mentioned: Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Silas (1 Thess. 2:6), Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). Interestingly the same Greek word is translated ‘messenger’ when referencing Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25) and unnamed others (2 Cor 8:23). Notice that this type of apostle has no authority in any church. These were simply messengers or missionaries sent by or accompanying Paul.
So now the real question is which type of apostle is being meant in Eph 4:9? Obviously some were not given to be Jesus. So if we conclude the second type then that fits in well with the four purposes of the church listed Acts 2:42 “to continue in the apostle’s doctrine”. This would mean that we as a church should continue in the teaches of the new testament. This would excuse the need for an office to be held by current members of a church for this purpose. But what about the third type? Is it possible that some in the church were given to be messengers of the church? People sent out to plant new churches or deliver the gospel to new areas? Now, this is the same function that today is served by what we typically call missionaries. If this is true then every church should appoint or support missionary work and those called to do it. If that is what is meant by Eph 4:9 then I dare say not many churches would disagree. I would not.
But what does the Fivefold Ministry say the role of the office of Apostle is?
“Apostles function in administration and (together with prophets) lay the foundation with proper doctrinal and spiritual structure.” Diane Lake [1] That is not the biblical role of the third type of apostle. Eph 2:20 is sited but in context refers to the 12 apostles and not an ongoing office.
or
Apostles are “Dream Awakeners* in the Kingdom of God. They awaken people to their God designed potential. They are instrumental in people discovering who they really are, and walking alongside them to get there. They forge new paths in the Kingdom and are a catalyst for change wherever they go.” Eric Knopf [2] There are no scriptural references given for this definition.
or
“Apostles are like fathers and mothers who impart to the Body of Christ and raise them up as sons and daughters in the faith.” Dr. Bill Hamon [3] Again there are no scriptural references given for this claim.
The fivefold interpretation of the role of an apostle is all over the place and when they do pull models from the bible they almost always using scriptures that refer to the Apostle’s of Christ that we know from scripture are limited to the twelve that Jesus called in person.
Biblical Church Structure
In contrast let us look at 1 Tim 3:1-13. This is a passage that in context is about the structure of the local church, offices, and qualifications for each office. There is no mention of five, it is only TWO: Deacons/Servants and Overseers/Elders:
1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.
7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, bor addicted to much wine cor fond of sordid gain,
9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Deacons are servants. Members with a servant’s heart that are called to minister and help the local body. Overseers also translated Elders are people who are leaders and help with administration and organizing and prayer for the body. There is also a “Pastor” mentioned in several places which is also translated “Shepherd”. Jesus refers to shepherds over his flock. This position is mentioned as a member of both servants and leaders. He is ultimately the one responsible for communicating, teaching and preaching the word to the flock. This is the most clear passage about the biblical structure of a church. To be clear I don’t think there is anything heretical about other church structures. But I am most comfortable with the simpler directions in 1 Timothy.
by 