Introduction
The Bible names five ministry offices in Ephesians 4:11: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. This passage is often called the “fivefold ministry.”
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
The Five Ministries of Ephesians 4:11
1. Apostles — sent to establish and oversee churches.
2. Prophets — speak God’s word to guide and encourage the church.
3. Evangelists — proclaim the gospel to bring people to faith.
4. Pastors — shepherd and care for a local congregation.
5. Teachers — instruct believers in Scripture and doctrine.
Fourfold or fivefold?
The wording of Ephesians 4:11 groups “pastors and teachers” with a single “and,” which is why traditions differ on whether this describes five distinct offices or four, with pastor and teacher naming one office. Both readings are held by different Bible teachers, and Scripture does not settle the grammatical question either way.
Purpose of these ministries
The next verse explains why these offices exist:
to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12)