Question:
Pastor, I’ve been told the fivefold ministry ended with the apostle John. Like, it was only for the early Church to get established. Is that what Scripture really teaches?
— Cajeton D, Virar

Answer:
Thank you for your question Brother Cajeton. Let us look to scripture to find an answer.

What Is the Fivefold Ministry and Why Was It Given?

The term “fivefold” comes from Ephesians 4, where Christ gave specific grace gifts to the Church, not just for a time but for a purpose.

Ephesians 4:11–13 — And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers—[and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]. (AMP)

This passage is not historical. It is teleological which points to a destination. The Greek word “katalismos” (καταρτισμός) translated as “equipping” means complete adjustment or full furnishing. That process is ongoing—not completed in the first century.

Did These Ministries Vanish With the First Apostles?

If the fivefold ministry was only for the apostles’ era, then the Church must have already reached full unity, perfect maturity, and the full stature of Christ. But look around and division still exists. Immaturity still weakens the Body. Therefore, the ministries must remain active until the goal is reached.

Ephesians 4:14–15 — So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine… but speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. (AMP)

That “growing up” (auxanō, αὐξάνω in Greek) is a continual increase and not a one-time event. The ministry gifts are divine tools for this growth.

Apostles Did Not End With the Twelve

The first Twelve were foundational apostles (apostolos, ἀπόστολος)—but they weren’t the only ones. Scripture names others:

• Paul — Romans 1:1
• Barnabas — Acts 14:14
• James (the Lord’s brother) — Galatians 1:19
• Andronicus and Junia — Romans 16:7
• Silas and Timothy — 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6

None of these were part of the Twelve, yet they were called apostles. This proves that apostolic ministry wasn’t confined to the first group but was a grace given to the Church by the ascended Christ.

The Gifts Came After Christ Ascended

Some claim these gifts ended with Jesus’ resurrection or the apostles’ deaths. But Scripture shows otherwise.

Ephesians 4:8 — Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And He bestowed gifts on men.” (AMP)

These are post-resurrection, post-ascension gifts and not Old Covenant relics. The Church is still receiving them because the Head of the Church—Christ still governs by His Spirit.

So Why the Confusion Today?

Many deny the fivefold because:

1. They confuse foundational authority (like the Twelve) with functional grace (like ongoing apostleship).
2. They equate the supernatural with emotionalism and throw out both.
3. They fear abuse, so they reject the structure altogether.
4. They limit the ministry to pulpit roles, not recognising that apostles and prophets are sent ones (apostolos) and speaking ones (prophētēs) and not always platform leaders.

However, removing the fivefold creates an imbalance. Without prophets, we lose clarity. Without apostles, we drift without sent vision. Without teachers, the Church lacks foundation. The structure wasn’t to glorify men but to stabilise the Body.

Final Thought: The Church Still Needs All Five

The Body of Christ has not outgrown its need for divine gifts. We are still being matured, aligned, built up, and equipped. Therefore, the fivefold remains; not as a title game, but as a functional grace operating through humble vessels.

1 Corinthians 12:28 — So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of unknown tongues. (AMP)

This divine order has not expired. It only becomes inactive where it’s resisted.

Hope this answers your question.

In Christ,
Shaliach.