The five folds ministry

Prophets

A prophet is one called by God even before birth (Jeremiah 1:5). The Bible records many prophets. Major prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Many of their messages are fulfilled in the New Testament (Matthew 1:23; Matthew 8:17; Mark 8:18; Luke 22:20; Romans 1:17).

Other notable prophetic examples include:

• Zechariah, father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:67–69)

• Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)

• Anna, the widow at the Temple (Luke 2:36)

• Prophets in the Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1)

Paul described prophets as second in rank to apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28). Jesus Himself was a prophet (Matthew 13:57; Matthew 21:11; Luke 13:33). In Exodus 7:1, God appointed Aaron as Moses’ prophet. Moses also prophesied Jesus’ coming (Deuteronomy 18:15). In the Old Testament, prophets are sometimes called seers (1 Samuel 9:9).

Female prophets, or prophetesses, are also mentioned:

• Miriam (Exodus 15:20)

• Deborah, a prophet-judge (Judges 4–5)

• Huldah (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22)

• Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9:36)

• Philip’s four unmarried daughters (Acts 21:8)

Paul mentions women co-workers in the gospel: Euodia, Syntyche (Philippians 4:2), Phoebe (Romans 16:1), and Priscilla (Romans 16:3). He also acknowledges Junia as a female apostle (Romans 16:7).

Bible Teachers

A Bible teacher:

1. Instructs and educates people in the Word of God.

2. Disciplines and imparts knowledge of God’s Word into hearts and minds.

3. Knows, understands, and is competent in the Word of God.

4. Is mature, gentle, obedient, and humble.

Bible teachers are guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizing that their knowledge comes from God, not their own power. Teachers should be servants of God and filled with the knowledge of Christ.

God’s Perfect Word and Biblical Accuracy

The Word of God is perfect and must never be tampered with. God gave people time to come to the truth of His Word, and there are no errors in Scripture. Translators have sometimes distorted meaning, as in the Sabbath or feast days being attributed only to the Jews.

Key verses affirming this include: John 10:16; Isaiah 56:8; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 22; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 42:1–4; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 55:4–5; Isaiah 60:1–5; Haggai 2:7; Luke 2:30–32; Acts 2:39; Ephesians 2:13; Deuteronomy 29:14–15.

Verses highlighting God’s feasts and Sabbaths:

• Exodus 12:14; John 2:13

• Exodus 23:14–17; John 5:1

• Exodus 34:23; John 7:2

• Leviticus 23:34; Mark 12:40

• Deuteronomy 16:16; Luke 20:47

• 2 Kings 23:21; 2 Timothy 3:6

• Ezekiel 22:1–31; Titus 1:11

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees, scribes, and teachers of the Law is exposed in Matthew 23:1–39, where Jesus pronounced seven woes for their actions that distracted people from God’s will.

The Office of an Evangelist

Definition
An evangelist is a “publisher of glad tidings,” a missionary preacher of the gospel (Ephesians 4:11). This role is exemplified by Philip (Acts 21:8), who traveled from city to city preaching (Acts 8:4; 8:40). Evangelists were itinerant preachers who carried the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. They did not possess the authority of an apostle, the gift of prophecy, or responsibility for pastoral oversight of a local congregation.

Position in Ministry
In the New Testament, evangelists are listed after apostles and prophets and before pastors and teachers, suggesting their work stands between the proclamation of the gospel and the pastoral instruction of new believers (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11). Their primary task was to proclaim the glad tidings to those unfamiliar with the gospel, rather than to instruct or shepherd those already baptized. The term denotes a work rather than an official order and is roughly equivalent to the modern concept of a missionary.

Scope of Work

• Evangelists may or may not have held offices such as bishop-elder or deacon.

• Apostles could also act as evangelists (Acts 8:25; 14:7; 1 Corinthians 1:17), though many evangelists were not apostles.

• Later, the writers of the four Gospels were called evangelists because their writings proclaimed the gospel, much like itinerant preachers.

Ministry Characteristics

• Evangelists generally had no fixed residence, moving between localities to preach to those ignorant of the gospel.

• Once converts were united to Christ by faith, pastors and teachers took over to instruct and build them up in the faith.

• While all believers may exercise the gift of evangelism to some degree, some are specially endowed for this office (Ephesians 4:11).

Historical Note
In later liturgical contexts, the term “evangelist” was also applied to those who read the gospel during worship services, reflecting the connection between the written word and preaching.

References

• Easton, M.G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897.

• Smith, W. Smith’s Bible Dictionary, 1901.

• Gray, J.M. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1915.

The Role of a Teacher

Responsibility and Honor
Teaching the Word of God is a sacred trust. It is an honor, but it comes with serious responsibilities. A teacher must be willing to meet these responsibilities fully.

Key Qualifications

1. Example in Life

   • Teachers must demonstrate spiritual maturity and integrity.

   • Consistent church attendance, moral behavior, and personal discipline are essential (1 Timothy 4:12; Acts 1:1).

   • Those still struggling with serious personal issues should not assume a public teaching role, though their progress is commendable.

2. Preparedness

   • Teachers must invest time in diligent study to accurately instruct others.

   • Sloppy or hastily prepared lessons can mislead students and diminish interest in Scripture.

   • Proper preparation may involve study of history, geography, language, and other tools relevant to biblical understanding.

3. Attitude

   • Patience, compassion, and love for students are critical.

   • Teachers should value the soul above all else, avoiding harshness, impatience, or explosive behavior.

4. Faithfulness

   • Teachers must hold sound doctrinal convictions.

   • False beliefs regarding salvation, church practices, worship, or moral issues must not be taught.

   • The seriousness of this responsibility is reflected in James 3:1, which warns that not many should aspire to teach lightly.

The Role of a Pastor

Primary Function
The pastor’s main duty is preaching and teaching the gospel. While administrative tasks, counseling, and visiting are part of the role, they are secondary to the proclamation of God’s Word.

Biblical Basis

• Pastors act as “undershepherds,” representing Christ to their congregations.

• Romans 10:14-17 emphasizes that faith comes from hearing the Word, which requires faithful preaching.

Preparation and Focus

• Pastors must devote themselves to accurate and thorough preparation of sermons and lessons.

• Their preaching allows Christ to speak to the congregation through them.

• Neglecting preparation can result in a congregation hearing less from Christ Himself.

Biblical Charge

• 2 Timothy 4:1-5 instructs pastors to:

  1. Preach the Word faithfully, in season and out of season.

  2. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience and instruction.

  3. Endure hardship and fulfill their ministry diligently.

  4. Recognize the danger of false teaching and seek to uphold sound doctrine.

Prophecies About South Africa
Posted on June 16, 2012

Dream Received on 27-03-2012
In this dream, the Spirit of the Lord Almighty attended to all her needs.

Prophets in the Bible

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were prophets of God. Many of their messages are repeated in the New Testament and are said to be fulfilled, for example: Matthew 1:23, Matthew 8:17, Mark 8:18, Luke 22:20, and Romans 1:17.

• Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied in Luke 1:67-69.

• Simeon prophesied in Luke 2:25-35.

• Anna, the widow, prophesied in Luke 2:36.

Many at the Church in Antioch were called prophets (Acts 13:1). Paul described prophets as being second in rank to the Apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28). Jesus Himself was a prophet (Matthew 13:57, Matthew 21:11, Luke 13:33).

In Exodus 7:1, God told Moses:

“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.”

Moses, in Deuteronomy 18:15, prophesied the role of Jesus Christ as a prophet:

“The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken.”

In the Old Testament, prophets are also called seers (1 Samuel 9:9). Readers are encouraged to study the sons of the prophets (1 Kings 20:35).

Female Prophets (Prophetesses)

The Bible also includes women as prophets and teachers:

• Exodus 15:20: Miriam, sister of Aaron, was a prophetess and one of Israel’s leaders alongside Moses and Aaron.

• Judges 4 & 5: Deborah, a prophet-judge, led Israel’s army during Barak’s reign.

• 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22: Huldah, a prophet, verified the Book of the Law.

• Acts 9:36: Tabitha (Dorcas), a female disciple, was raised from the dead by Peter through the Spirit of God.

• Acts 21:8: Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophets.

• Philippians 4:2: Euodia and Syntyche were co-workers spreading the gospel.

• Romans 16:1: Phoebe was a minister (diakonos) of the church at Cenchrea.

• Romans 16:3: Priscilla is called a “fellow worker” (synergoi) with Paul.

• Romans 16:7: Junia, a female apostle, is noted as “outstanding among the apostles.” Many translations incorrectly changed her to a male “Junias.”

Role and Qualifications of a Bible Teacher

A Bible teacher:

1. Instructs and educates people in God’s Word.

2. Disciplines and imparts knowledge of the Word.

3. Must know, understand, and be competent in the Word.

4. Should be gentle, humble, obedient, and mature in the faith.

5. Must recognize that understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not personal might.

6. Should be filled with the knowledge and Word of Christ.

A teacher should not be newly converted and must first become a servant of God Almighty.

Wayne Jackson (June 3, 2002) emphasized that teaching the Word is a sacred trust. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Example: The teacher must live a godly life, be spiritually fervent, and avoid worldly distractions.

• Preparation: Teachers must invest time and resources in diligent study of the Scriptures, history, geography, and language.

• Attitude: Teachers must be patient, compassionate, and understanding.

• Faithfulness: Teachers must hold sound beliefs and avoid spreading false doctrines.

James 3:1 warns: “Be not many of you teachers,” highlighting the seriousness of this role. The future of the church depends on responsible teaching.