DEFINITION | FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY

1. Definition of Five-fold Ministry

a) The phrase 'five fold ministry,' as used in some Protestant-related churches and groups, denotes a belief there is currently something lacking or entirely missing in Church as a whole. The foundation of this concern is based on a passage in the book of Ephesians where the apostle Paul discusses, what seems to some, as five roles or positions of leadership within a greater Christian ministry.

i) 11 It was he who 'gave gifts to people'; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12 He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. 13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith (Ephesians 4)

b) Many Protestant denominations, and even the Roman Catholic Church, have had three of the five leadership roles or responsibilities mentioned in Ephesians 4 (evangelists, pastors and teachers) for many years. The role of apostle or prophet, however, has generally been viewed by them as ceasing after the first century A.D. since such responsibilities were no longer required. There have been, however, several religious movements in the last century or so that insisted apostles and prophets ARE still needed within the church. They argue that the early church's five fold church leadership structure should be restored.

c) In modern-day churches there are some who are considered (at least by their own local group) fulfilling the role of an apostle or prophet. They may even take on the term 'apostle' or 'prophet' as part of their perceived leadership title within the church.