The more my mind is brought to the concept of the five fold ministry the more I am convinced that this concept is man created, not God created.
I say to those who would call themselves apostles: The role of the Apostle is to set things in order in the church. I challenge you to look back. Have you set more in order or have you caused confusion. If we were to give evaluation forms to a hundred people at random in churches you have overseen, what grade would you get? Ah, you will say, "But I told them what they needed to do and they didn't like it." Are you sure? Was it a word of life? Or was it your word? Did the words you gave bring order or confusion? Is it lifting up Christ or lifting up the Apostle?
I say to those who would call themselves prophets: The role of the Prophet is speaking Gods Word. Is His word coming out of your mouth? His word brings life. Is the word you're your mouth bringing life? Is it restoring those who are hurt? Is it bringing direction to those who are in confusion? Is it showing people the way to Christ or is it raising your fame?
I say to those who would call themselves evangelists: Are you bringing men to Jesus or are you drawing them to you? Are you bringing them to Christ that they go on and themselves bring others to Christ or do they become spiritual blood clots, moving through the body, causing problems where they go? Do you see sinners through the eyes of a loving savior or through the eyes of a Pharisee? Is the theme of your ministry the growth of the kingdom or the growth of your ministry?
I say to those who would call themselves pastors: Are you feeding the flock of God or are you feeding yourself? Are you bringing the word to the people or are you counting the heads and the offering? There is a famine in this land, not a famine of bread, but a famine of the word. I know there are some who will say, "The famine of bread exists." Will you contradict the scripture?
Amo 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
And why is there a famine of the word? Those who preach can say that those in the pew are not interested in the word but is that true? It is easy to point the finger at the other person but is it not time to look in the mirror. I am not talking here of self depreciation but of looking carefully at what we are doing. Are we more interested in programs than the word? I challenge every pastor to look at this critically. Is it building my church or His church?
I say to those who would call themselves teachers: Are you teaching the word or are you teaching what sells? Are you teaching what brings life or what brings money. Do your books and CD's bring life to people or money to you? Is it the uncompromised word of God or is it the latest thing that will tickle the ears? Does it glorify Christ or does it bring attention and honor to you?
You must answer it. I cannot answer it for you.
