“And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelist; and some, prophets and teachers’’ Ephesians 4:11(KJV).
The fivefold ministry gifts also called the ascension gifts of Christ could be likened to the five fingers that mold the church. These are ministry gifts for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ. The saints are to do the work of ministry but the five fool ministry gifts are to build up or empower the saints for the work of ministry. There is this misconception that the work of the ministry is the sole responsibility of the five fold ministry gifts. The New Testament church recognizes the priesthood of every believer.
The apostles often represented by the thumb lays the foundation for the work, by virtue of his office, he governs the church. Like the thumb is the only finger that touches the other four fingers, the apostle touches the entire five fold ministry. He can operate in the prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral and teaching office. The prophet represented by the index finger used to point to a direction. The prophet is not just one who prophesies although he can give a word of prophecy but the spiritual gift of prophecy is a gift given by the Holy Spirit as he wills.
The office of the prophet with the grace to exercise the gifts of the spirit like the word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning of the spirit has a responsibility to guide the church. But here, care must be taken to avoid spiritual manipulation. Next is the evangelist. They are people with great passion for soul winning. For emphasis, here they are represented by the middle finger which is the most projected finger showing that their ministry is out there in the field.
The next is the pastor or shepherd whose assignment is to guard or protect the church. By the nature of their calling, they are often so jealous of the flocks but pastors should understand that the flocks belong to Christ. The last and the smallest finger stand for the office of the teacher. His assignment is to establish the church by getting them rooted and grounded in the word.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to locate my office and develop it
Rev. Vincent Diolu