Ministries

In the first century, the Lord used gifted men such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers to build His church (Eph.4:11) also in I Cor. 12:28 we read of a few other ministries as well. We wholeheartedly believe these are all in operation today as they were in the early church.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph 4:11-12)

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Cor 12:28)

The Ministry of a Apostles (Sent or Commissioned ones) :
Apostles were those who planted churches and appointed their elders (Acts 14:23). They were spiritual fathers to the elders and guided the churches that they planted. It’s important to note in the authority given them as a foundation layer, there are many apostles in the church today. However, a distinction must be made between apostles today and the original New Testament apostles. While the original apostles had the authority to set forth doctrine (write inspired scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21), apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers today simply expound on what has already been given to us by the original apostles. Apostles today do not have authority to set forth doctrine as the original twelve did. Their authority is given in the realm of foundation laying or pioneering. This by no means diminishes the apostolic authority God has placed within their life.

The Ministry of Prophets:
Prophets (1 Cor.12:28) were those whose ministry revealed the secret sins and failures in a church and who could prescribe the remedy as well (1 Cor.14:25). Their ministry was to challenge, encourage and build-up the church (1 Cor.14:3).

The Ministry of Evangelists:
Evangelists are those who brought people to Christ and added them to the local church. We also recognize Workers of Miracles and Healing Ministries (1Cor 12:28) see the book of Acts on how Stephen (Acts 6) & Philip (Acts 8) operated in these giftings.

The Ministry of Pastors (shepherds) :
The shepherd (translated as "pastor" in Eph.4:11) is a gift given to the church - They are to watch and loving shepherd over God's heritage which he purchased with His on blood.

The Ministry of Teachers: The teacher in the New Testament had the task of teaching believers "to do everything that Jesus had commanded" (Matt.28:20). Their teaching was always practical and designed to lead people to obedience to our Lord's commands

The Ministry of Helps: We believe this to be the ministry of the deacon that is appointed in the local congregation to assist in the distribution of the needy and also handle & manage the funds of the local church.

The Ministry of Governments: We believe this to be the elder/overseers of the New Testament church - We believe that every church should have at least two elder/overseers appointed and or as many as are needed and qualified for this work I Tim 3 & Titus 1 These men are to "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28

The Ministry of Tongues: We believe this to be the spiritual ability speak in a unknown language which is then interpreted for the edifying of the congregation.

God gave ministry gifts:

To perfect (mature) the saints. For the work of the

ministry.

To edify the body. To produce unity of the faith.

To increase the knowledge of our Lord.

To bring believers into the likeness of Christ.

To establish believers in sound doctrine.

To cause the body of Christ to function in love.

The growth of the body of Christ.

To direct the church in its walk.