The Five-Fold Calling
Five gifts, one purpose.
The Foundation exists for those Christ has given to His church as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Here is who they are, and why we stand behind every one of them.
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:12
Paul does not describe these five gifts as ranks or titles. He describes them as gifts the ascended Christ gave to His church, so that ordinary believers would be equipped, the body built up and the whole church brought to maturity. When one of these servants falters, the equipping slows down.
The apostle
Sent ones who pioneer, plant and lay foundations. Apostles open new ground for the Gospel, establish churches and often carry the care of many congregations at once. Their work is frequently far from established support.
The prophet
Those who speak God’s word into the present moment, calling the church to faithfulness, encouraging the weary and warning the wayward. It is a lonely calling, and one that is easily misunderstood.
The evangelist
Bearers of good news to those who have not heard it. Evangelists travel, preach and win the lost, often with no settled congregation of their own to sustain them.
The pastor
Shepherds in the plainest sense. Pastors feed, guard, guide and stay with a flock through births, illnesses, marriages and funerals. Their care is constant, and so is the pressure on them.
The teacher
Those who open the Scriptures and ground believers in sound doctrine, so that the church is not tossed about by every wind of teaching. Their labour is patient and often unseen.
One body
Five gifts, working together, until we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Ephesians 4:13
Calling, not title
What matters is the work you are actually doing.
Titles vary from one church tradition to another. Some apostles are called bishops. Some pastors are called reverends, overseers or simply “Pastor”. Some teachers lead Bible colleges, and some evangelists have no title at all.
We look past the name to the reality. To be considered by the Foundation, you must be actively serving as a shepherd in one of these five capacities today. Retired titles, honorary positions and occasional preaching do not, on their own, qualify.
- Full-time and part-time ministers are equally welcome.
- There is no age limit.
- Single, married and widowed ministers may all apply.
- You should belong to a recognised and verifiable denomination, or carry a strong recommendation from a recognisable figure in ministry.
Called to one of the five?