If you have been following this thread for any length of time, you’ll pick up fairly quickly that there is a set sequence approach I am taking. It did not begin this way, however, the Lord got a hold of me and this is the direction we are taking. Last post we talked a bit about team work and the previous post we talked a bit about the Apostolic versus Pastoral. And what I mean here by versus is not an attempt to pit one against the other, no way Jose!
I am speaking in reference to Pastoral from around 1517AD to current and the reformation of the Church back to its Apostolic roots in Christ. With that said, we will be talking about the teams that surround each grace gift and how the structure was and is.
Let’s dive right in.
The “Pastor Only” model did not start out that way, but just like with time, things change and evolve into what they are today. Disclaimer: I love the Church and in no means bashing her in any way. I have over time witness and recognize some areas in which an alignment is sorely needed so the Church can function as intended by Christ.
The second reformation started by the famous German monk Martin Luther certainly sparked much frantic speculation, debate, and much doubt, but all truth be told, was the single most important catalyst needed to spark a revolution around the person and nature of Jesus. As we see in history, such sparks spawned people like Zwingly, Calvin, The Anabaptists, The English Reformation, John Knox and Scotland all of this in the 16th century alone!
Exploring Church History [1] Is an excellent resource for further study of this subject. From here the Chruch continued development of Pastors as primary leader was soon recognized. The ensuing giftings recognized that revolved around the Pastor was teacher, missionary, deacon, giving, mercy, and helps. History has taught us that this combination although incomplete, was a very powerful force to be reckoned with. They are, of course, Christ’s after all.
Now we turn our attention to the Apostolic Team. It first started with Jesus as Apostle and High Priest (Heb. 3:1). Knowing his time on Earth was shorter than most, he chose 12 more to take the same gift as a means of spiritual reproduction so the work could continue on. After Jesus’ death and ascension, Acts 2-7 show some much needed organization.
I call the book of Acts the “core” book because it primarily dealt with the grace gift of apostle and the role the gift would play in the role of the Church. Next, we see 1 Cor. 12:28 establishing the inner circle if you will of the ‘team’ that God would use to build the foundation of Christ in the believer’s life. Going back to Acts 6, we see another paradigm shift of the leadership structure. We see the introduction of the helps and government ministry arise.
The idea here was as growth continued; the helps ministry was given in order to help the Apostles fulfill the great commission. Next, we see in Eph. 4:11-16 the nature by which the 5-Fold ministry exists. It is best summed up like this: The 5-Fold ministry is the mantle of Jesus divided amongst 5 unique graces in order to see the full expression of Jesus in the Church.
Lastly, the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be seen in 1 Cor. 12, 14 with chapter 13 focusing on the main purposes of these gifts. Check out this graphic below:
Gifts of the Father – Rom.12:3-8.
Gifts of the Son – Eph. 4:11.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor. 12, 14.
A side note is that the gifts of the Father are not offices but are part of the helps and government ministry set in the Church to facilitate a flowing pattern of love and good works. They can be added to as leadership sees fit and as needs arise. This text is proof in and of itself. The body as one are many members, thus as needs arise, so doesn’t this much needed gift of the Father. Thank you Dad! LOL.
Until next time, thank you for tuning in and following these topics and teachings. Please do not forget to drop a comment in the box below, and if this has blessed you, would you consider sow a seed in any amount the lord may place in your heart? All funds go directly into the work of the Lord and are greatly appreciated.
[1] Eckman, James P. 2002. Exploring Church History. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
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