Diversity of Gifts and Ministries
—Three main kinds
In the New Testament church, there was a great diversity of ways in which people served God as stewards of the gifts he had given them.
1 Foundation Ministries
Gifts And Ministries That Laid The Foundation For The Church
The apostles and prophet's were the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Their inspired word was confirmed by workers of various miraculous signs (Hebrews 2:1-4).
The church today has access to the ministry of the apostles and prophets through their writings just as, for example, Timothy did (1Timothy 3:14-15).
2 Leadership Ministries
Gifts And Ministries Which Provide Leadership And Instruction For The Church
The evangelists and shepherds guide and teach the church to edify it (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Their administration is supplemented by ministers in charge of non-teaching duties (Acts 6:1-6)
These ministries need no direct inspiration from God. Timothy the evangelist is an example again. He relied on the Scriptures for his ministry (2Timothy 3:14-17, 2Timothy 4:1-5)
3 One-another Ministries
Gifts And Ministries That Enable Every Member Of The Church To Help In Some Important Way
Each one has received a gift which he or she should employ as a steward of God's manifold grace (1Pet 4:7-11).
Among these general gifts and ministries are:
- Giving (included in Romans 12:3-13)
- Helping (included in 1Corinthians 12:27-31)
- Praying (Epaphras laboured in prayer Colossians 4:12)