Who Does the Work of the Ministry and What Exactly Is It?

1. Who does the work of the ministry?

Ephesians 4:11 – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God …”

• These are called the five-fold ministry gifts – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.
• Most members in any congregation mistakenly assume those called into these positions (pastors, lay leaders, selected missionaries, etc.) are the ones who do the work of the ministry.  Even some ministers in these “offices” often appear to think this is true.
• However, their primary job is to prepare the saints (that is all Christians) to do the work of the ministry.

2. What exactly is the work of the ministry?

• Is it children’s church or youth/young adult programs?
• Is it community feeding, clothing, or benevolence programs?  
• Is it family, marriage, or personal mental health counseling?
• ALL of these are worthy and important relational functions of a church organization, but they are secondary to what should be the central purpose for every church.

The primary work of the ministry is to complete the Great Commission – to lead the lost to the Lord and make committed, mature disciples!