FUNCTIONS DO MATTER

A Response to "Functions Do Matter"

The Way We Are Perceived

In overseas missions, you may be addressed as a pastor, a prophetic speaker, a servant of God, or a man of God. Back home, some may call you a brother, some may call you uncle, some may call you a man of God, or a servant of God. The way people address you is not random; it reflects how they perceive you functioning in the body of Christ. They see something in your life, your words, and your actions that leads them to assign a particular role or title. This is not about flattery or status; it is about recognition of the gift and calling that God has placed upon your life. When people see you functioning in a certain way, they naturally respond by acknowledging that function.

Function Over Title

In reality, it is not a title that one can earn for reputation. It is a way of life where God allows one to function as He wills. He knows what is best for the one to function in His Kingdom. The title is not the goal; the function is. A person may be called a pastor, but if they do not pastor—if they do not shepherd, care for, and guide God's people—then the title is empty. A person may be called a prophet, but if they do not speak God's word with accuracy and humility, then the title is meaningless. The function validates the title, not the other way around. God is not impressed by what we are called; He is impressed by what we do with what He has given us.

The Misunderstanding of Position

Many misunderstand this. Some seek the highest position to satisfy their longings. Perhaps the apostolic position of the five-fold ministry appeals to their desire for recognition and influence. They feel good when people acknowledge their status. But the desire for position without the reality of function is a dangerous trap. It leads to pride, self-promotion, and ultimately to spiritual downfall. Jesus warned that those who seek the highest places will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. The kingdom of God operates on an entirely different value system. The greatest among us are those who serve, not those who are served. The most honored are those who wash feet, not those who seek titles.

The Question of Function

The question is this: "Do they function as an apostle? Or a prophet? Or an evangelist? Or a pastor? Or a teacher?" Can people truly see and acknowledge that you have such a gift of the Holy Spirit? If they do, they would surely call you by that function. The title follows the function. When you consistently operate in a gift, people will recognize it. They will see the fruit of your ministry. They will be impacted by your service. And they will naturally acknowledge the role you play in the body of Christ. You do not need to announce your title; your function will announce it for you.

God's Appointment and Equipping

It is not by the appointment of man. If God calls you, He will equip you with the necessary gifts. Human appointment without divine empowerment is hollow. You can be given a title by an organization, but if God has not given you the gift, the title will not produce fruit. Conversely, you can have no official title, but if God has called and equipped you, your function will speak louder than any title ever could. God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He gives the gifts that are needed for the function He has assigned. When you are operating in your God-given gifts, you will know it, and others will know it too.

Don't Seek the Title, Seek the Function

Don't look for a title but seek to function with your God-given gifts. The title is not the reward; the opportunity to serve is. The title is not the goal; the fruit is. When you focus on functioning in the gifts God has given you, the recognition—if it comes—will be from God and from those who see the work of God in you. But if you seek recognition without function, you will be like a tree with leaves but no fruit—impressive from a distance but disappointing up close. Seek to be faithful. Seek to serve. Seek to use your gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. And let God take care of the titles.

Final Reflection

Functions do matter. They are the way God works through His people to build His Kingdom. But the function is what matters, not the title. The call is what matters, not the recognition. The equipping is what matters, not the position. So focus on your function. Use your gifts. Serve with humility. Let others see Christ in you. And if God chooses to honor you with a title, receive it with gratitude. But never let the title become more important than the function, or the recognition more important than the service. In the end, it is not what we are called that matters; it is what we have done with what God has given us.

Prayer for Faithful Function

Lord, help me to focus on my function rather than my title. Let me not seek recognition but service. Equip me with the gifts I need to fulfill my calling. Let my life be marked by fruit, not just activity. Let others see Christ in me and be built up by my service. Keep me humble and faithful. Let me never trade the substance of function for the shadow of a title. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.