Passage Ephesians 4:11-13:
I have noticed a disturbing trend and I would like to know This question- where in Ephesians 4:11-13- does it give the people that are in these offices- the right to throw those titles around like weapons, to manipulate and to control things- I sense a spirit of ” Look at me- I am this and don’t you argue with me or I do not need teaching” What has Happened- these are god’s ordained offices and he is in control not us.
Isn’t It about him and not us? Not every one does this but the ones that do – make it hard for the true, humble Servants- Doesn’t It also speak of pride? Are You in it to serve god and others or be seen? Think about it- What happened to the ” humble servanot or vessel?”
we are to perfect and edify( lift up) the body.
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Definitions of The offices/ gifts to follow
Apostle is derived from the Greek word, pronounced ap-os-tol-os, which means messenger, or ambassador. Although the term is most often used to describe The Twelve Apostles, certain others, including Paul (see On The Road To Damascus) and Barnabas, were also designated as apostles according to God’s purpose at a given time.
Disciple is derived from the Greek word, pronounced math-ay-tes, which means learner, or student. Generally, apostles were chosen from among the disciples (Matthew 10:1), and therefore there were far fewer apostles than disciples – all apostles were disciples, but not all disciples became apostles
Evangelism / Evangelist
Evangelism / Evangelist – The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of Christ through conversion to Christianity.
The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
People with this gift:
- communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction
- seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters
- challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ
- adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual’s needs
- seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers.
Pastor / Shepherd /bishop
Pastor / Shepherd – The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for leadership and the spiritual care, protection, guidance, and feeding (teaching) of a group of believers.
The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.
People with this gift:
- take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God
- provide guidance and oversight to a group of God’s people
- model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus
- establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships
- lead and protect those within their span of care.
Apostle
Apostle (Leadership Gift) – The special ability God gives to some to exercise general leadership or oversight over a number of churches with an authority in spiritual matters, which is readily recognized. In the strict sense this gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does, however, give this title to a number of others, e.g. Romans 16:7 and Acts 14:14 . It is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, inspire, and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine.
The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures.
People with this gift:
- pioneer and establish new ministries or churches
- adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware
- desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries
- have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches
- demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.
Teaching / Teacher
Teaching / Teacher – The special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. To instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth.
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.
People with this gift:
- communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word
- challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture
- focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better
- give attention to detail and accuracy
- prepare through extended times of study and reflection.
Elders & Deacons 06.02.06
The New Testament epistles regularly speak of a plurality of church leaders, commonly called “elders,” “overseers,” or “shepherds.” In addition, deacons were appointed to meet various needs in the local church. As early as c. A.D. 50, Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders . . . in each church” (Acts 14:23). A decade later, Titus is instructed to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). Paul’s epistle to the Philippians is addressed to the “overseers and deacons” at Philippi (Phil 1:1). This conforms to the pattern stipulated in 1 Timothy 3 where qualifications for overseers (male only: 1 Tim 3:2; cf. 2:12) and deacons (both male and female) are given (1 Tim 3:1–7 and 8–12, respectively).
Prophet / Prophecy
Prophet / Prophecy (Special Gift) – The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers and the convincing of unbelievers. The special gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God’s revelation in a given situation.
The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications.
People with this gift:
- expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation
- speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification
- see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond
- warn of God’s immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance
- understand God’s heart and mind through experiences He takes them through.
Deacon is a role in the Christian Church that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions. In many traditions, the diaconate, the term for a deacon’s office, is a clerical office; in others, it is for laity. ( Stephen)
Where is your focus?
all office/ gift definitions can be found at http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/refer.htm
i ran a search on deacon and bishop(matched pastor)
bible scriptures www.bible.com- this can happen in non-leadership as well
You see some strutting around like peacocks – look at me – I am a… and the others you would never know in action because they use no titles but still display the right attitude for the office