è Spiritual Gifts

• Motivation Gifts (Romans 12) – The Father

• Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 14) – The Holy Spirit

• Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4) – The Son

è Ministry Gifts

• Ephesians 4:7-12 – The Giver (Christ), the gifts, the purpose

è What Happened To The Model? (Ephesians 4:12)

• Restating our mission and our model: YOU are the MINISTRY!

è Jesus Christ gave ministry gifts to His church. These are called-out servants who have a life calling. Christ calls them, there is no one else who decides these callings.

è ROLES/OFFICES

• Apostles – the first Apostles’ requirements: must have witnessed the ministry of Jesus, including His resurrected Person! Other Apostles: Paul, James, Barnabas, perhaps others.

• Were writers of Scripture, overseers of the church, guardians of sound doctrine, settlers of disputes, preachers/teachers of the Word; sufferers for their Master.

• SERVANTS; not rock stars!

• BEWARE of self-promoting, self-seeking, self-proclaimed “apostles”!

è Prophets: gifted men and women who boldly stand on God’s truth and powerfully reveal and present His Word. This gift is revelatory and powerful.

• This is NOT “spiritual fortunetelling”!

è Evangelists: those especially gifted in presenting the Gospel to the lost and passionately pursuing leading other to Christ.

è Pastors: “poimenos”, shepherd, overseer.

• Role is to serve the Lord by feeding (teaching), guiding, encouraging, correcting and protecting the sheep.

• “Preachers versus Pastors”

• The Pastor (shepherd) is the primary leader of the sheep-fold (church).

• Every “sheep” has a shepherd (assistant shepherd) appointed to him/her. There is a spiritual, internal connection. (The connection may be through an extension of the shepherd, i.e. associates, elders)