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Introduction

We want potential members to understand the role and functions of those called to serve within the Body of Christ. Below you will find the functions, not titles of the Ministry Offices. Understand that those who are called by God have no doubt about what God has called them to do for Him. Even though it may take sometime to mature in your calling. No man of women can call or place you into ministry, only God can do that. We simply want you to better understand the different anointing that is placed upon a those called of God and know how to utilize their gifts best, so that everyone can function in their assigned roles. We do not address ministers of the gospel with titles such as "reverend" or "doctor". "Reverend" is a name that is ascribed to God alone. Psalms 111:9 (KVJ) and He is the only one worthy of such a title or honor. As for "doctor", there is absolutely no scriptural basis for the use of this term, as it relates to those who serve in the ministry. In fact if you look at the root of the word it simply means: "teacher."

Although it is not necessary for you to be what is called "licensed" or "ordained" by an organization to serve in the Body of Christ, we do license and ordain ministers to ensure that they meet minimum standards as far as training, experience, ethics and accountability goes. You don't have to buy any special garments or a degree to be a member. You simply must be called, equipped and sent by God. We want to emphasize that no ministry gift or office more or less important than another. God has distributed the gifts as He has seen fit and according to each person's ability.

All gifts are equally important, but some obviously assume more responsibility than others. Just as in the secular or corporate world; supervisors, presidents and managers assume a more responsibility over people, places and goals than other employees of a company, so it is in the Body of Christ.

Ministers

Ministers are those who fall into the area of Preacher, Sunday School Teacher, Helps, Outreach and Christian Workers in general. They always work under the guidance and direction of either an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher to help carry out or assist them in their God assigned duties.

Apostles

An Apostle is one who is "sent", of course to a certain degree we are all sent, but what makes the Apostle different is that they are usually sent to different places in order to establish people in the faith and pioneering new works .

• they help e stablish and maintain congregations on proper foundations. This may involve the raising up of new works already in existence, pioneering new congregations and establishing people in the faith.
• they are particularly concerned about doctrinal correctness or sound doctrine
• they may be involved in Church discipline at times, particularly in relationship to churches they have founded.
• they are involved in the ordination of ministers
• they are involved in the feeding and training of other ministries. At times choosing workers and sending them to other congregations and giving special assignments
• they are involved with the caring for or overseeing of the congregations they have begun
• they are not dictators, nor a lord over the sheep, but as a father they are to help the members of the Body of Christ come to maturity.

Prophets

A Prophet's ministry will vary from prophet to prophet, because not all of them will hear the same word from God, but each of their messages will be consistent with the entirety of God's written Word. Their primarily role is preaching or giving divinely inspired mesages.

• their ministry will involve revelation to help point out certain areas of the people's lives, their sins and problems in order to speak to them by the Word of God
• their ministry will involve exhortation that causes the people of God to complete or persevere in obedience to God's Word
• their ministry will involve warning so that God's people will be aware ahead of time of what will transpire.
• their ministry will involve the impartation of vision to the people of God.
• they often minister with like ministries, sometimes working as a team. This allows their spirit to be subject to other prophets which undoubtedly gives some checks and balances to a somewhat subjective ministry.

Evangelists

Evangelist literally means "to announce good news", those in this office bring the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as a preacher or messenger.

• they travel to un-evangelized areas, working as a kind of ground breaker to prepare the way for other following ministries
• they help to perfect the people of God, by helping to equip them to evangelize and helping to make them what they ought to be in God.
• their main function within the Body is that of equipping and building up the saints to do the work of the ministry and celebrating with the people of God in worship

Pastors

A Pastor is one who is responsible for leading or shepherding a local congregation or group of believers. They are always reaching out, seeking those who have drifted away from the faith.

• they must be able to feed the flock and provide pasture, to strengthen and build up the people of God.
• they must have a personal relationship with the sheep, this means they must identify with the people, sit where they sit and let them know that they are one of God's sheep themselves.
• the true shepherd or pastor is one who places the well being of the sheep above his own life and ministry.
• they are always looking out for things that could cause damage to the people of God. This involves looking out for any problems that might arise and checking on those who are hurting.
• they are always caring for those in need, this may involve visiting the sick, making sure physical needs are being taken care of, assisting in financial planning, teaching principles by which to live, giving comfort and consolation in times of grief.
• they are committed to correcting those who walk in a way contrary to the gospel.

Teachers

A teacher is one who gives themselves to the exposition or explaining of the Word of God to instill in people a love and respect for the Word and to bring them to a place of maturity in the faith.

• they continually seek to be taught and are open to teaching, because there is always something to learn.
• they should desire to see others come up to their level and even surpass them in understanding.
• they must know the Word of God, their job is to lead others in understanding, being able to answer people's difficult questions.
• they must be able to teach by example and live what they teach.
• they must be very aware of their words, because words are the avenue by which they are going to communicate divine truth.

Bishops

Those who serve in this capacity generally oversee the administration of a group of ministries or supervise a group of ministers in carrying out assigned responsibilities within a local, regional, national or international jurisdiction. These are not positions that God calls someone into, those who serve as Bishops are appointed and recognized by those who they have direct supervision over.

IN CONCLUSION

The most important thing to remember is that we can do nothing without Christ who strengthens us. Each operates office functions as a member of One Body regardless of location and adds a dimension and emphasis that is not present in any one office alone. To prepare the saints for works of service, in order to build up the Body of Christ, so that we all come to maturity and unity of the faith, attaining to the full measure of Christ.

• Bishops are needed to Govern
• Apostles are needed to Pioneer
• Prophets are needed to Guide
• Evangelists are needed to Gather
• Pastors are needed to Guard
• Teachers are needed to Ground
• Ministers are needed to Serve