What is “Five-Fold” Ministries?

The “Five-Fold” Ministry is a term that many people are hearing today but are unsure of its understanding. It’s NOT a denomination of old, a religious theory undiscovered, a new age group, nor a card/video game. The term Five-Fold is a  TRUTH found in Scripture written by the Apostle Paul in the Epistle known as Ephesians found in The Holy Bible.  

Let’s look at Ephesians Chapter Four: 

This chapter is about unity among believers, and the NEW hope which Christians can find in knowing Jesus Christ. It focuses on HOW to live and grow in this New Hope found in Jesus Christ; and it established five functions that are gifts given by Christ unto men to do the work of ministry.

In Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-12

7, But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gifts of Christ.

8, Therefore, He saith, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.

11, And He gave some, apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers;

12, FOR the perfecting of the Saints, FOR the work of the ministry, For the edification of the body of Christ.

The “Five-Fold” Ministry is a tag description of the five functions that Christ gave unto men.  If you count the gifts outlined in verse 11 it adds up to the number Five.  Today many Christian faiths use the term “Five-Fold” as a way to identify leadership teams through the functions of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.   Some ministries identify these functions as their governmental order in ministry to manage and help grow the life of a believer toward maturity in the body Christ.  

Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father 40 days after His resurrection. He also descended to the lower region of the earth, as Jesus was crucified for forgiveness of our sins; and NOW He is higher than all the heavens. What does this mean to us?: He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He gives man the gift to rule and develop the body of Christ.  That gift  is a part of Him; He is THE Apostle, THE Prophet, THE Evangelist, THE Pastor and THE Teacher.  He is the Five-Fold!  In His ascension, He gave men parts of who He was and is, through gifts to operate among the believers and to edify The Body of Christ.  He has graced us and appointed us with these gifts to grow in unity of one faith until He returns for a Second Time. 

Now when you hear the term “Five-Fold”, you understand the biblical meaning. In prayer, everyone should be asking the Lord which gift has been given to them!