Hitchin Christian Centre

Q: What do you understand by the Apostolic Church and the Five Fold Ministry? Are they both biblical principals and does HCC follow these principals?

A: Hi! Thank you for your question, which I will attempt to answer, concentrating on your question of the use of the 5 ministry gifts today.

These 'ministry gifts', often called Ascension-Gift ministries, because after Christ ascended, He gave these gifts to the church. They are gifts of grace, and it is through these gifts that God's power, grace, life, and truths, flow out. Each of these ministries are an expression of Christ.

• The fruit of the Spirit(Gal.5:22)- His nature and character.
• The gifts of the Spirit(1 Cor.12; Romans 12:4-8;etc) -His Power.
• The Ministry gifts - His offices. He gives Himself back to His church through His ministries.

The five fold ministries you mention, as specific by Scripture are: the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (Ephesians 4). Some consider Pastor/Teacher to be one ministry, mainly because 'teaching the Word' is involved in measure in both of these ministries.

The purpose of these gifts are clearly seen in Ephesians 4:12:

1. The maturing of the saints.
2. For the work of the ministry, i.e. to bring the saints into the work of their ministry.
3. For the edifying or building up of the body of Christ.

These five ministries are given for the balance of each other - no one ministry assuming prominence - as well as the balance in the Body of Christ.

The end results of these ministries gifts are found in Ephesians 4:13-16, which are:

1. To bring the Church to the unity of faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God.
2. To bring the Church to a perfect man, fully grown, mature man.
3. To bring the Church to God's Standard, so that the Lord Himself will be able to offer to the Father a spotless bride.

These ministries are given and remain, until the purposes as specified above have been fulfilled, It is necessary therefore for all these ministries to be functioning inside the church - we've not reached perfection yet!! If you wish for me to give you a detaied description of each, email me and I will gladly oblige.

To your question about HCC - are all these ministries operating? My honest response would have to be, nothing like they should be. Others have said I have an apostolic ministry in the past - starting HCC and seeing it grow and flourish (although I have led this, several others are still on the journey with me) as well as planting churches on two of the estates of our community. I'm not that sure! We have the prophetic gift in operation, as well as Pastor/Teacher - which I definitely see as God's gifting in me. There are several parts of the Body with an evangelistic burden and gift...

As the Senior Pastor, I can say this, there is still too much emphasis on the 'Pastoral Role', and my Eldership Board are constantly encouraging the people and seeking wisdom from Lord for ways to correct this.

I hope that helps?

Blessings, Tony

This is a response to a question posted on our "Ask the pastor" page. To submit your own question, go here.

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