Five-fold Ministry (Ephesians 4: 11-12 KJV)

 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."  Ephesians 2:20-22

 

The word apostolic is not a theological perspective or a doctrinal viewpoint. It is a functional word.  It is the function of those who are walking within the confines of apostolicity.  The apostolic ministry is probably the key to opening the secret of the kingdom of God in this particular hour.  It consists of the five-fold ministry: teaching, pastoring, evangelistic work, prophecy and apostle.

During the nineties, the apostolic thrust gave rise to ministry of reconciliation which is order, because an apostle's role is to bring order.  The apostolic thrust also brought inner healing, tremendous deliverance to people and the anointing of the power of the Holy Spirit to bring government order, structure, vision, and strategy.   These are just some of the things that have been restored to the body of Christ.  The Holy Spirit not only brought  these things to the body through the apostolic release, but it also brought the breaking down of denominational walls.  Many apostles will be developed and raised up all over the world in the coming seasons to articulate and establish this  move  in their regions and nations.

Who is an Apostle?

The word apostle comes from several Greek terms and roots.  Its broadest meaning, the one most commonly given, is "a sent one, a specially commissioned messenger of Jesus Christ."Its prefix "apo"means "away from," to describe a separation where a sharp severing has taken place. "Apo"infers consecration from the masses to fulfill a commission.  The word apostle comes from the Greek apostello that means, "set apart to send out on a mission by liberating from previous obligations."  In the strictest sense of the word, Ezra and Nehemiah, under King Cyrus, exemplify this. They were both occupying other positions.

Yet when the king was inspired by God to restore Judaism, they were formally relieved of their duties to set out on the commission he ordained.  Apostles, like all of the five-fold, are a set aside group ordained for the purpose of setting forth the new covenant kingdom of Jesus Christ.

An Apostle:

1.    •  A consciously astute representative. An agent of the kingdom of God who relentlessly presses himself to be about his Father's business.
2.    •  Appreciates his call to the world, and determines to reach it with the word of God and the message of Christ.
3.    •  Is sent to capture or recapture influence or control, organize or structure God's institutions.
4.    •  Maintains that there is a kingdom-driven mandate, where God's dominion is a top priority.  He is sent, among other duties, to put things in  order for God.
5.    •  Builds up and does not tear down. 
6.    •  Should not demean pastors in the eyes of their congregants, that is to teach rebellion against the Lord. 
7.    •  Is to be a  shoulder for the shepherd to cry on if necessary; and answers to the prayer for helping hands. 
8.    •  His wisdom, insight, and discernment are to profit "The Body" (of Christ )with sound instruction and counsel to guide it.
9.    •  Comes along side the struggling or pummeled ministry to shore up its ex-posed areas torn by warfare.

Duties of an Apostle:

An apostle makes known the wisdom and mysterious plans and programs of God.  Veiled in history and previously locked in darkness, the wisdom of God is now revealed by and through the apostle.  Isaiah speaks of sealing up the book of prophecy.  After Malachi's service, this is exactly what was done.  The vision of the Lord's future dealings with man, though plainly written, was closed to human understanding for four hundred years.  Christ's first advent cracked open the book and turned the early chapters of the last pages of history.  It is not until after the Holy Spirit has come and dwelled in man that the "revelation" of scriptures was fully released.

An apostle helps to explain and describe modes and moves of the Holy Spirit. He present teachings and applications that sensitize the body to the presence and movements of the Holy Spirit.  His training is a very rigorous one.  It involves a good amount of unique interaction with God.  Knowing his character, integrity, tendencies, inclinations and attitudes on earthly issues is crucial.     Understanding  the way God approaches and presents himself to the people, knowing the language he speaks, perceiving the aura of holiness, grace, love and reverence he inspires, the apostle could never fail to do.

An apostle imparts spiritual gifts. The apostolic anointing is permitted the privilege of imparting some of its inherent power to others.  This discretionary privilege should be used carefully and wisely according to Paul's warning to Timothy.  He told him not to lay hands on anyone suddenly, meaning not to anoint anyone rashly.

 

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