The Threefold Purpose
- Bringing Awareness of His Plan for Restoration: God’s desire is for mankind to understand His plan to restore humanity to a right relationship with Him.
- Sharing the Message of Salvation, Peace, and Hope: Believers are called to communicate the message of salvation, offering peace and hope to all people.
- Strengthening the Body of Christ: Through the teaching of God’s Word, ministries and churches play a vital role in building up and encouraging believers, helping the church grow in faith.
Why Mankind Needs Reconciliation with God
According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” This passage highlights the foundational role of reconciliation in the work of ministries and churches.
Through Jesus Christ, God restored the relationship between Himself and humanity, and He has entrusted this ministry of reconciliation to all believers.
The need for mankind to be reconciled back to God finds its roots in the original separation that occurred in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the forbidden tree, the relationship between humanity and God was broken.
Our sins continue to create a barrier between us and God, as affirmed in Isaiah 59:2, which states that sin separates us from Him. In our sinful state, we are described as being enemies of God, as noted in Romans 5:10.
However, through Jesus’ sacrificial death, the way has been made for us to have peace with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19 declares, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” Because of this reconciliation, we are no longer considered enemies, but rather God’s “friends” (John 15:15) and Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11).
The Bible further explains that those who have been justified by faith (Romans 5:1), and through the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:9), no longer have their sins counted against them. This reconciliation restores our relationship with God and grants us a new identity in Him.
The Responsibility of Reconciliation Has Been Entrusted back to Believers
Alongside the responsibilities of the Five-Fold ministries, every believer is called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. This calling is not limited to church leaders but extends to all who have faith in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NKJV) teaches that all things originate from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ. Because of this restored relationship, God has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. This means that, in Christ, God was working to reconcile the world to Himself, choosing not to count people’s sins against them. He has given believers the responsibility to carry the message of reconciliation to others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be His ambassadors. This role means that God is making His appeal to the world through us. We are urged to implore others, on behalf of Christ, to be reconciled to God. Our ministry is to communicate this message and invite people into restored fellowship with God through Jesus.
The commission by God to Share the Message of Reconciliation
As believers, we are entrusted with a vital message to share with the world: “Be reconciled to God” (verse 20). This message is not simply an invitation, but a heartfelt urging for others to embrace the opportunity to be made right with God through Jesus Christ. Our role is to communicate the profound truth that reconciliation is available to all, and that through faith in Christ, anyone can receive restoration and peace with God.
In carrying out this ministry, we implore those around us to believe in Christ. Our appeal is both personal and passionate, reflecting the urgency and importance of the reconciliation made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. By faithfully proclaiming this message, we participate in God’s work of reconciling the world to Himself, inviting others to experience the transformation and hope found in a restored relationship with Him.
Sins do not count against those who are reconciled to God through Christ, because “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (verse 21).
Understanding Our Ambassadorial Assignment in God’s Kingdom
John 3:16 demonstrates the depth of God’s love for the world, revealing that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to come, suffer, and die for the sins of humanity. This sacrificial act is the foundation of the message of reconciliation that believers are called to share.
As followers of Christ, we have a clear obligation to communicate this message of reconciliation. We are to do so in love, ensuring that our lives align with the message we proclaim, as instructed in Ephesians 4:1. Our conduct should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, serving as a living testimony to those around us.
While it is Jesus who offers salvation, and the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of guilt regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), believers have been given the privilege and responsibility of serving as ambassadors for Christ. This means actively sharing the truth of reconciliation with others, inviting them to experience the forgiveness and restoration found in Jesus.
Every believer plays a part in this ministry of reconciliation. One plants; one waters, and God brings growth (1 Corinthians 3:7).
As we proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the lost and dying world, we are acting as peacemakers. The Bible says in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” When we tell and live out His message of reconciliation, lives are changed, and God gets the glory.
The Foundational Purposes That Should Guide Believers in Ministry
1. Reconciling People to God
At the core of Christian ministry is the mission to reconcile people to God. Believers serve as “Christ’s ambassadors,” (2 Corinthians 5:20) carrying the profound responsibility of communicating that, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, anyone can be restored to a right relationship with God. This means that their sins will no longer be counted against them. This mission holds immense significance, as it deals with matters of eternal life and death, making the message not only urgent but vital.
2. Representing God on Earth
Believers are given the “word of reconciliation” and are called to represent God in this world. As His representatives, they present God’s appeal to all people, urging them to return to Him and accept His message of grace. Through their words and actions, believers demonstrate God’s love and extend His invitation for reconciliation to everyone.
3. Loving and Serving Others
Ministry is fundamentally about loving and serving others. Drawing from the Greek word diakonia, this service includes showing compassion and support to those in need. Believers are called to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their communities, reflecting Christ’s love through practical acts of kindness and care.
4. Building Up the Body of Christ
God has provided the church with various roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—so that all believers may be equipped for service. The purpose of these roles is to prepare and build up the entire church community, leading to spiritual growth and maturity among all members.
5. Advancing God’s Kingdom
By sincerely living out their faith and making use of their unique gifts and abilities, Christians positively impact the world around them. In doing so, they help bring more people into the family of believers and ultimately bring glory to God.
6. Growing Spiritually
Active participation in ministry gives believers opportunities to put their faith into action. This involvement deepens their prayer life and strengthens their sense of belonging and unity within the church community, contributing to their ongoing spiritual growth.
Purpose of the Fivefold Ministry in the Body of Christ
God has established the fivefold ministry—comprised of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—for the benefit of the church. The primary reason for this divine provision is to equip believers for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. Ultimately, God’s goal is for the Church to reach complete spiritual maturity and unity, reflecting the full character and nature of Christ Himself.
The key reasons for the five-fold ministry on the earth
According to Ephesians 4:11–13, the fivefold ministry fulfills several essential purposes within the church community:
- Equipping Believers for Service: Each ministry role exists to train and prepare every Christian to actively participate in ministry. Instead of relying solely on a select group of leaders, all members are encouraged and enabled to serve.
- Building Up the Body of Christ: Through their combined efforts, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers contribute to the church’s growth, overall health, and ongoing development.
- Fostering Unity in the Faith: The unique perspectives and functions of each role help bring believers together, creating a unified body grounded in sound doctrine.
- Leading Believers to Spiritual Maturity: The fivefold ministry guides Christians beyond spiritual immaturity, helping them become steadfast and secure in their faith and less vulnerable to false teachings.
- Manifesting the Fullness of Christ: When these ministries operate in harmony, the church collectively begins to embody “the whole measure of the fullness of Christ,” meaning that believers together reflect Jesus in their lives and actions.
The Distinct and Ongoing Functions of the Fivefold Ministry
The fivefold ministry continues to play an active and necessary role in today’s church. The presence and operation of these roles remain essential for the ongoing growth and health of the Body of Christ. According to Ephesians 4, the need for these ministry offices will persist until the Church achieves the full maturity and unity envisioned in Scripture, when believers collectively reflect the character and nature of Christ in their lives.
Let us now examine each Ministerial Office within the Five-Fold
As we have mentioned earlier, the five-fold ministry consists of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each ministerial office serves a vital and distinct purpose within the Body of Christ.
1. Apostles
Apostles provide overall vision and strategic direction for the church. They are pioneers, often initiating new ministries or outreach efforts, and are instrumental in awakening people to recognize and pursue their God-given potential.
2. Prophets
Prophets are called to reveal the heart of God to His people. Through spiritual discernment, they offer insight and direction and consistently call the church to deeper faithfulness and holiness in their walk with the Lord.
3. Evangelists
Evangelists are passionate about proclaiming the gospel message, especially to those outside the church. Their ministry stirs curiosity about the faith and draws new believers into the Christian community, facilitating spiritual growth and outreach.
4. Pastors
Pastors nurture, guide, and protect the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Their leadership fosters healing, provides guidance, and creates a sense of family and belonging within the church, ensuring members feel cared for and supported.
5. Teachers
Teachers are responsible for providing foundational biblical instruction and wisdom. Through their ministry, believers are grounded in truth and sound doctrine, equipping them to stand firm in their faith and live according to biblical principles.
The Wrong Desires for Doing Ministry
Engaging in ministry for the wrong reasons often arises from three primary selfish motives: guilt, the pursuit of money, and a desire for power or control. When these motivations take root, the focus shifts away from God’s purposes and toward self-gratification. As a result, ministry becomes about personal fulfillment rather than bringing glory to God.
Selfish Motives in Ministry includes:
- Guilt: Serving out of a sense of obligation or fear of disappointing God, rather than from a place of joy and freedom in following His will.
- Seeking Money: Using ministry as a means for personal financial gain instead of serving eagerly for God’s purposes.
- Desire for Power or Control: Pursuing positions of influence to assert authority over others or fulfill personal agendas, rather than to serve the church selflessly.
Characteristics of Self-Made or Fallen Ministries
1. Preaching Motivated by Guilt and Pressure
Some ministries operate out of a sense of obligation, where leaders serve because they feel guilty or fear disappointing God. Instead of responding to God’s call freely and joyfully, their service is marked by pressure and a lack of genuine enthusiasm for God’s will.
2. Focus on Money and Finances
There are ministries that prioritize financial gain, using their platform for personal profit rather than serving with eagerness for God’s purposes. This misplaced emphasis takes away from the true mission of ministry and shifts the focus toward material benefit.
3. Pursuit of Control and Power
Leaders in fallen ministries may continually seek greater authority and influence. They may attempt to dominate others, bully people into submission, or use their position to advance personal agendas instead of serving the church selflessly.
4. Desire for Applause and Validation
Some ministers seek recognition and elevation for themselves rather than directing honor to God. Their actions are motivated by a desire for praise and validation from others, which detracts from the purpose of serving God and His people.
5. Seeking Approval and Popularity
Instead of adhering to biblical standards, these ministries attempt to conform to cultural norms and gain acceptance. This approach is especially prevalent in youth ministry, where the drive to fit in can overshadow the commitment to scriptural truth.
6. Revenge and Entitlement
Leaders may carry anger and believe they deserve special treatment, seeking revenge or acting out of a sense of entitlement. These attitudes further illustrate the departure from true ministry, which is grounded in humility and service.
Deceptive Appearances and Their Consequences
These selfish motives can lead to several negative outcomes. Instead of genuine service, they often breed pride and create unhealthy dynamics of control within the church. The emphasis shifts from glorifying God to seeking personal gain, which ultimately damages both the leader and those being served. Spiritual growth is hindered, and the true impact of ministry is diminished when the motivation is not rooted in God’s will.
Another greatest deceptions faced in fallen ministries is the outward display of prosperity and large followings. These ministries may appear successful by worldly standards, drawing many people and showcasing material abundance. However, this apparent success is misleading and serves as a form of trickery.
Despite the prosperity and attention they seem to attract, the reality remains unchanged. Unless these leaders turn from their ways and realign their hearts with humility and genuine service, they will continue to lead others astray. Their influence, rather than guiding people toward God, perpetuates further misguidance.
Ultimately, unless there is genuine change, both the leaders and those who follow them will not experience true communion with God.
Serious Warning To Ministers
The external signs of success cannot compensate for a lack of faithfulness and humility, and without repentance, they will not see God. The following will happen instead:
1. Spiritual Stunting
When ministry leaders numb themselves to God’s greatness, it results in a stunted spiritual life. This deadening effect halts personal growth and prevents them from experiencing new depths in their relationship with God.
2. Robbing Others
Instead of bringing glory to God, fallen ministries often shift the focus to the minister. This steals attention away from God and the person being helped, undermining the true purpose of ministry.
3. Misguided Choices
Decisions driven by selfish desires rather than what is best for the ministry or God lead to misguided choices. This self-centered approach misaligns the ministry from its true mission and calling.
4. Burnout and Failure
The unhealthy stress caused by misplaced motives frequently results in burnout and failure. Unrepentant sin may go unaddressed, potentially leading to the downfall of ministry leadership.