The Five-Fold Ministry — Apostles, Prophets & the Church

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4 · 1 Corinthians 12 · Acts 13

Ephesians 4 describes five ministry gifts given to equip the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. This class makes the exegetical case for the ongoing validity of all five — including the controversial offices of apostle and prophet — and explores how they function together to bring the Church to maturity.

Taught by Spreading the Fire (Teaching Team). Free, self-paced course — 4 hr 20 min across 8 sessions.

Course Modules

• Ephesians 4 Exegesis — Carefully exegete Ephesians 4:7–16 — the primary text on the five-fold ministry — paying attention to its canonical and historical context.
• The Five Gifts Defined — Define each of the five ministry gifts from their New Testament usage and early church history — including the often misunderstood offices of apostle and prophet.
• Five-Fold in the Local Church — Explore how the five gifts function together in the context of a local church — and why the absence of any one creates imbalance and stunted growth.

What You Will Learn

• Exegete Ephesians 4:7–16 accurately in its canonical context.
• Make the biblical case for the ongoing validity of apostles and prophets today.
• Understand how the five gifts function together to bring the Church to maturity.