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Abstract

Ephesians 4:11-16 is one of the most powerful Scriptures in the New Testament post crucifixion and resurrection that provide a framework for God’s original intention for a glorious church. To understand what makes a glorious church, one must understand the gifts God gave to the church through Jesus Christ, the objective of the gifts, and how to steward the gift properly according to the Authority of Scripture. A biblical exegesis of Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals that God gave the apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist, and teacher (Ephesians 4:11, NKJV)[1] or what is commonly known as the five-fold ministry or offices today as gifts to the Church through Jesus. These gifts equip believers for the work of ministry, to edify the body of Christ (4:12). To steward these gifts, churches and church leaders must realize that Ephesians 4:11-12 is a Scriptural mandate given by God for the church to carry out. Resulting in unity in the body of Christ, the maturity of believers, who do not wavier from true doctrine, or become influenced by false teachers operating in deceit, who present themselves as true teachers of the gospel (4:14). To show the relevance of this Scripture in the church today, this study will provide a biblical exegesis of the text, outline the definitions and functions of the five leadership gifts, and provide biblical examples.

[1] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages and references are in The New King James Version.

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