The Purpose of the Fivefold Ministry in the Local Assembly

It is important to note that the fivefold ministry is not a new or trendy concept, but rather a restoration of the original blueprint that God has for His church. This is not about merely embracing a structure of plurality of leaders or sharing responsibilities, but it goes beyond that. It is a profoundly spiritual undertaking.

The primary goal of the fivefold ministry is to equip the saints for ministry. When believers are equipped with their unique gifts and empowered to use them, the following five characteristics are manifested in the church:

1. Activation: Believers are enabled to use their gifts and talents effectively.

2. Edification: The church is built up and strengthened.

3. Unification: There is unity of faith among believers.

4. Revelation: People come into a true knowledge of God and grow in their relationship with Him.

5. Maturation: Believers grow and mature in their faith, becoming more Christ-like.

The fivefold ministry is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a diverse and complementary system that works together for the betterment of the body of Christ. Each member of the fivefold ministry brings a unique grace that contributes to the overall growth and health of the church.

For optimal functioning, all five ministry roles must be present and active in the church. An apostle contributes 20%, a prophet 20%, an evangelist 20%, and a pastor and teacher each contribute 20% as well. Therefore, if any of these roles are missing or neglected, the church will not experience the full measure of grace and growth that God intends.

The grace that comes from each ministry role enables believers to live a life that pleases God and fulfills His purposes. It brings order out of chaos, prepares believers for their callings, and mends brokenness. Through the input of the fivefold ministry, individuals and the church as a whole are transformed and prepared to do God's work effectively.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate teacher and model for the fivefold ministry. He exemplified all five roles in one person. As disciples, our goal should be to become like our teacher and mentor. The fivefold ministry plays a crucial role in this process of training and equipping believers to be like Christ.

The concept of fishing is used by Jesus several times in the New Testament to illustrate the process of equipping. Just as Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, He calls us to participate in an ongoing process of equipping. It is not a one-time event but a continual journey of growth and preparation.

The equipping process requires our active participation and a willingness to be transformed. It involves mending our brokenness, aligning ourselves with God's purposes, and being prepared for the mission He has entrusted to us. As we partner with God in this process, He takes us from brokenness to wholeness and prepares us to fulfill our calling in His kingdom.

In conclusion, the fivefold ministry is a vital aspect of the church's growth and effectiveness. It is not a mere structure or hierarchy but a spiritual calling to equip and empower believers for ministry. When all five ministry roles are present and active, the church experiences activation, edification, unification, revelation, and maturation.

God wants to use each one of us to do incredible things in His kingdom, but we must be willing to undergo the equipping process. Just as Jesus mended the disciples' brokenness and prepared them for their callings, He wants to do the same for us. Let us embrace the power of the fivefold ministry and allow God to mend and send us for His purposes.