Ephesians: Tear Down These WallsSample

A healthy body is the product of the healthy functioning of our body’s systems. 

Our cardiovascular system is vital for the functioning of our neurological and nervous systems. Our muscular system is dependent on a strong skeletal system. 

Wherever a system isn’t functioning properly we will experience various forms of ill-health. 

The same is true of the body of Christ!

Paul reminds us that the church will be healthy, growing, and full of love as each part does the special work God has given to us (4:16). We need each other to be healthy! 

Some gifts, however, play a mobilising or catalysing role in the body of Christ. The distinction of these gifts is not one of value but of function! They are the word-centred gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds (pastors), and teachers. 

Since Christians have a PhD in acronyms this list has been called the 5-fold A.P.E.S.T leadership model! These gifts are given to equip, train, and unleash God’s people to do the work of ministry. 

This means a number of important things. 

First, pastors and staff aren’t paid to do all the ministry in our churches. Ministry is done by everyone and these gifted leaders equip the entire body of Christ to do it. 

Second, since there’s no single leader who has all of those gifts, healthy churches need a plurality of leaders with diverse gifts. 

Third, the church has traditionally valued the shepherd-teachers. This is the predominant gift pairing of those in vocational ministry. 

But where are the APEs at? If we don’t have those with apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic gifting, our churches won’t achieve the health and maturity God desires. We need an awakening and re-valuing of those with apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic gifting.

 J. R. Woodward in his book Creating a Missional Culture describes the 5-fold gifts in this way: 

Apostles are Dream-Awakeners. 

Prophets are Heart Revealers. 

Evangelists are Story-Tellers. 

Pastors are Soul-Healers.

Teachers are Light-Givers. 

If our church(es) are going to thrive in our secular culture and reach our cities, we need all of these gifts represented and active in leadership. Christlikeness is the goal (4:15). To be like Christ we need churches with the diversity of gifts.