The bible talks about what has been called “five-fold ministry” in Ephesians 4:11
And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers . . . .
Let me say up front that I believe in the validity of these five ministry positions, or “offices” of ministries in today’s church. I believe that we are in desperate need of all five veiwpoints, or “perspectives” of ministry in the modern-day church.
What I have a problem with is “titles”. No one seems to have a problem talking about pastors, teachers and evangelists. We all are very familiar with this terminology today. But “apostles and prophets”??? Most people in the main-line denominational churches today are scared spitless by the very mention of these “titles”. Many believe that these died out.
So what’s the answer?
Lay aside the “titles” and just flow in the gift that God has given you to provide the body today. I have seen way too many ministers who I believe to be legitimate apostles and prophets spend more time defending and/or “proving” their “office” than they do giving their gift.
And you know what? Denominational folks just aren’t comfortable with that. They shut out the very gift God has given them because they don’t understand the validity of the “title”.
And you know what else? They are every bit as righteous in the sight of God as the ones who understand and are comfortable with it.
I believe we need to quit talking “titles” and start ministering out of the abundance of our hearts. “Titles” will pass away one day, but the Word of the Lord will last forever. Just give what you have away. Quit calling yourself a prophet and simply prophecy!
And what about “prophets”? You know that they used to stone a man who prophesied and it didn’t come to pass? And nowadays so many folks are claiming to prophesy and are missing it altogether. What does having a “title” do for a prophet’s validity when so many are missing it?
I want to see the whole body of Christ receive five-fold ministry. But it just won’t happen as long as we keep throwing lofty titles around. I believe there will come a day when titles will be used again – especially in the last days. But for now, we need to lay such self-exalting things away and just give it away.
What do you think??
good stuff, Robert.
Sometimes, the title has value, when it helps one recognize the place, position, and role .. so it’s a tough balance. We don’t use Titles around here @sscc. We don’t really have to – actions seem to speak louder than “titles”.
The lil’ bro.
By: Fred McKinnon on February 24, 2009
at 4:31 pm
Prophets used to wear a mantle that set them apart as prophets. Why? Because when the Man of God speaks, people should listen.
I agree that we are too “title-centric” in our society, but that should not be an indictment of titles, but rather us. I have no problem with titling someone as an apostle, if they act in the office of apostle. I’ve heard people introduced as “Apostle So-in-So” and immediatly knew their place in the Kingdom.
It’s important for people to have a point of reference, to know who their “pastor” is, to know someone has been called as a “prophet.” To see that people do operate in the gifts, that they have not passed. Granted, in an ideal world, people would just recognize it, but our world is far from ideal.
By: Mike Mahoney on February 24, 2009
at 5:03 pm
Thanks bro,
I recall the scripture “He who receives a prophet in the “name of a prophet” will receive the prophet’s reward”.
Titles definitely have a place, but I agree that actions truly speak louder than “titles”.
By: rmckinno1 on February 24, 2009
at 5:39 pm
Thanks for the comment Mike.
I agree that titles aren’t “bad”. And I believe they have an importance to them as well – especially in the circles where these gifts are understood, accepted and even looked for with great anticipation.
Where I see the problem is in the circles where people have unfortunately been either mis-informed or even un-informed about these gifts.
It’s in these places that the “title” has a tendency to “un-do” the gift before it is even presented to the people. It’s in these moments that titles need to be left behind and simple gifting released.
If we begin to do this, I believe that true believers desiring all God has for them will begin to ask “how is it that this person can say such things and speak with such great authority . . . ”
Then we can quote Ephesians 4:11 with an open door to understanding and bring forth revelation about titles with no fear of rejection.
Face it. Much of the church is like this today. Not because of the gift, but because of people who are abusing the titles – or calling themselves something they aren’t.
What say ye??
By: rmckinno1 on February 25, 2009
at 12:02 pm