Identifying Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists
In the vibrant tapestry of the local church, we hopefully will encounter individuals with apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic giftings—each contributing uniquely to the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks to the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, stating, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." In this passage, the gifted apostle, prophet, and evangelist are highlighted as essential components of Christ's plan for equipping and edifying the Church.
The Apostle: Initiator of Vision and Expansion
Contemporary practitioners describe apostles as visionaries and innovators who lay the foundations for the expansion of the church. They possess a pioneering spirit, consistently pushing into new territories and exploring innovative means to advance the Kingdom of God. In your local church, apostles may spearhead new ministries, launch outreach initiatives, or envision strategic pathways for growth.
Look for individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of vision and ambition, even if they are young and inexperienced. Sometimes, the raw material of apostolic gifting can be found in those who exhibit a natural inclination toward leadership, creativity, and a desire to see God's Kingdom flourish, even though it’s coupled with some immature and potentially sinful heart motivations. As mature leaders, it's our responsibility to patiently mentor and guide these individuals, helping them refine their vision and develop the necessary skills to lead effectively and, most importantly, helping them conform to the image of Christ.
The Prophet: Voice of Spiritual Insight and Challenge
Prophets often serve as God's mouthpieces, speaking words of edification, exhortation, and consolation to the church. They possess a keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and can discern God's will and truth in various situations and groups of people. Within your local church, prophets may be the ones who challenge the values or actions of the church, provoke more profound reflection on heart motivations, and advocate for justice and righteousness among the marginalized.
To identify these individuals, look for people who demonstrate a passion for truth and justice, even if they lack tact or maturity in their delivery. Sometimes, the raw material of prophetic gifting can be found in those who are bold and outspoken, unafraid to question and challenge prevailing norms. They are often the first to critique a sermon and express concerns about ministry. They can be disruptive and even occasionally offensive in their immaturity. Mature leaders in Christ can be non-reactive and provide a safe space for these individuals to express their insights and convictions. The critical step for an immature prophet is to guide them in humility, love, and knowledge of God’s Word as they learn to navigate the complexities of prophetic ministry.
The Evangelist: Messenger of Good News and Invitation
Evangelists are passionate communicators of the Gospel message, driven by a love for God and people. They possess a contagious enthusiasm for sharing the Good News and leading others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In your local church, evangelists may be the ones who actively seek out opportunities to share the Gospel, engage with the lost, and inspire others to join in the mission of evangelism. They are generally focused on being with lost people and often bring friends who don’t know Jesus into church and ministry spaces.
To find evangelists, look for individuals who demonstrate a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others, even if they may lack finesse or theological depth in their approach. Also, look for people who seem to “have the gift of gab” or can even be perceived as “salesy”. Sometimes, the raw material of evangelistic gifting can be found in those naturally outgoing and relational, eager to share their faith with others. As mature leaders, we can help encourage and empower these individuals, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to communicate the Gospel message effectively and providing methods or resources for follow-up and discipleship.
Navigating the Complexity: Recognizing Immaturity and Growth
In the context of a younger church passionate about God's mission, distinguishing between these gifts can be challenging. Immature apostles may exhibit ambitious visions without the maturity to equip and empower others effectively. Immature prophets may express critical tendencies without the humility to speak with love and grace. Immature evangelists may display zeal for recruitment without a grounded understanding of the Gospel message.
As leaders and members of the local church, it's crucial to provide support and mentorship to individuals expressing these gifts, helping them cultivate maturity and wisdom in their ministries. Encourage them to seek guidance from seasoned leaders, invest in their spiritual formation, and develop a deeper understanding of their role within the body of Christ.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in God's Kingdom
While much more can be said regarding the nature and function of these kinds of gifts inside and outside the church, the final point is this: The gifts are given to equip the body. It might be easy to look at these gifted people and say evangelism and church planting are “their role,” whereas shepherding and service might be “my role.” I have often said I am a dutiful evangelist, not a gifted one, and what I mean is that, even though I don’t have the gift, I still need to be obedient to the commands of Christ and the teaching of Scripture. Simply because we may not have the blessing of a gift doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t engage in this kind of ministry!
I long for more gifted leaders to emerge who equip the church in this way and simultaneously want to encourage the whole church to be obedient to the whole counsel of God and in so doing make more disciples and establish new churches. As we navigate the rich diversity of gifts within our local churches, let us embrace the apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic callings present among us. And, simultaneously, let’s yearn for more faithful obedience in our everyday lives!