DIV109
Explore the five distinct ministry offices outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13. Understand how apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers work together to equip believers and build up the body of Christ. This course examines the biblical foundation, characteristics, and practical application of each office in modern ministry contexts.
About 13 hours of study material
Ephesians 4:11-13 is the foundational text for the fivefold ministry · The five offices exist to equip ALL believers for ministry, not to do it themselves · Each office has a distinct calling — all five are needed for church health
Apostles are "sent ones" carrying Christ's authority — not self-appointed · Apostolic functions: establish churches, raise leaders, cast vision, provide oversight · Apostolic authority must be exercised with humility and accountability
Prophets hear from God and speak His word — the church needs this voice · Distinguish the prophetic office (governmental) from the gift (available to all) · All prophetic words must be tested against Scripture and confirmed by leadership
Evangelists carry a divine calling to proclaim the gospel and win souls · The Great Commission calls all believers to make disciples — evangelists lead the way · Evangelists equip the whole church, not just do evangelism themselves
Pastors are under-shepherds serving in Jesus the Good Shepherd's name · Five pastoral functions: feed, lead, protect, care, and restore the flock · Hebrews 13:17 — pastors will give an account to God for those in their care
Teachers explain and apply Scripture with clarity — they build doctrinal foundations · 2 Timothy 3:16-17 establishes Scripture as profitable for teaching and equipping · Teaching ministry multiplies: Paul → Timothy → faithful people → others
No single office can build the mature church — all five are essential · Healthy tension between offices produces balance when handled with honor · Audit your leadership team: which offices are present? Which are missing?
Every believer has a calling — the question is what it is and how to develop it · Discover your gifts through prayer, reflection, experimentation, and feedback · Each fivefold office has recognizable signs — know what to look for in yourself
Honor creates the environment in which fivefold gifts flow freely · 1 Tim. 5:17: double honor — respect AND financial provision · Test prophetic words carefully, but receive them openly (1 Thess. 5:20-21)
A fivefold culture gives all five offices space to actually function — not just exist · Steps: educate, identify, authorize, protect, develop, and celebrate each office · Pastoral dominance and celebrity culture are the most common cultural obstacles
Full lesson content and quizzes unlock in the classroom once you enroll. This page shows the complete syllabus so you know exactly what you're getting.
Cross Life School of Divinity is accredited through the Council for Theological Accreditation and Review (CTAR), a private religious accrediting body. CTAR accreditation is not recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).