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CHAPTER 2:
POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP;
THE POSITIONS:
The Bible identifies five special leadership positions set in the Church by God:
And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors, and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11)
These leadership positions are established by God in the Church. They involve a special calling
by God and special spiritual gifts. You should not serve in these positions just because you are
asked or because you want to do so. You must be called of God and equipped with the proper
spiritual gifts.
THEIR FUNCTIONS:
Here is a brief summary of the functions of these five special leadership positions:
Apostle: An apostle is one who has a special ability to develop new churches in different places
and to oversee a number of churches as a supervisor. Apostle means “a delegate, one sent with
full power and authority to act for another.” The apostle has a special authority or ability to
extend the Gospel through the world by developing organized bodies of believers. Modern terms
used for an apostle are “missionary” and “church planter.” The Apostle Paul is one of the best
Biblical examples of an apostle.
Prophet: A prophet is one who speaks under the direct inspiration of God and holds an office of
authority in the Church. A prophet has the ability to receive and communicate an immediate
message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance. Agabus is a good example
of a New Testament prophet. See Acts 21:11
Evangelist: An evangelist has a special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in a way
that men and women respond and become responsible members of the Body of Christ. The
meaning of the word “evangelist” is “one who brings good news.” Philip is a good example of
an evangelist. See Acts 21:8 and chapter 8.
Pastor: The word “pastor” actually means shepherd. Pastors are leaders who assume long-term
personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.
Teacher: Teachers are believers who have a special ability to communicate the Word of God
effectively in such a way that others learn and apply what is taught.
Thank you