Where is the five fold ministry?

[Sabby]

The five-fold ministry is alive and well today. Traditional churches have diminished some of the roles (like that of an apostle). I have heard some ministers (not op) say that the office of an apostle was done away with after the death of the last apostle in the church of the book of Acts.
R.V. Reynolds taught that an apostle was "one sent"...In many ways he was an apostle himself, having gone into Canadian villages to establish churches and a couple of Bible Colleges.
Alvin Cobb was sent to Europe in the 1970s-80s and established two of the largest op military works. Many preachers/teachers came out of both of those works.
Ellis Scism was sent to India as a op missionary and established works that that not existed up to that time. I think these three men represent present day apostles. They are God-called to literally "open up" areas that had never had the gospel preached. In some ways home missions pastor/founders are the same, and it wouldn't be a stretch to call someone God sends to a certain town or location to establish a ministry/church as an apostle.

Prophets are "foretellers" or by analogy those that are inspired speakers (SC). The definition of a 21st century prophet varies and is not to be confused with one of the 9 gifts of the Spirit. However, I'll venture to say that someone God is using in the gift of prophecy, is at that time, being used as a prophet. This is probably the most misunderstood of the five-fold ministry and is the most abused by those claiming its mantle. (I appreciate what I heard Al Gossan say, that you have no authority in your words but what is found in the Word of God.). Some will say that today's prophets are "forth-tellers" but there's no proof-text for that definition.
A prophet can, by extension, be a poet (SC). A prophet is someone that God calls and uses to edify the Body by providing insight for future events which outcomes are unknown through visions, dreams and "inspired speaking"/preaching. I doubt it has much to do with interpretation of tongues. Imo, Kenneth Phillips would at times be used as a prophet.
Also jmo, the apostle Paul used the word prophet to describe those that understood the prophecies of the OT as they related to Jesus Christ and used those prophecies in ministry.
This ministry is for the edification and strengthening of the Body of Christ...Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with natural Israel. The focus is on Christ alone.

Evangelists are the exhorters, the uplifters, those that "warn" and preach the gospel. This office is not to be confused with that of a prophet. At one time or another every preacher is an evangelist as they are doing the work of an "evangel"...they are preaching the gospel. It's important for evangelists not to be a novice (consider Paul's advice to Timothy), nor one that is a super-spiritual green fog (I'm referring to the attitude), because unwise preaching can create confusion and tear up a local church. When evangelists preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (NOT peripheral issues) they are fulfilling their calling. Traditionally they are those invited to preach to local churches in revivals, etc.

Pastors are those that have a heart to shepherd/care for people. A shepherd watches out for wolves, comes against the things that would bring harm to the "flock" of God under his care. The pastor confirms the status of believers as children of God, and is a nurturer, restorer, and protector. Our 21st century paradigm of a pastor is a little off, according to Paul's definition! Any minister that looks to the welfare of the flock could be considered a pastor. Any minister that leads the flock to a place of rest in God is a pastor. The pastor's primary purpose is to strengthen the sheep and lead them to a "safe" place in God, all the while confirming and edifying them.

Teachers are those that are instructors, masters, doctors (SC). They more fully explain the mysteries of the GOSPEL....
The role of the teacher is not given the same consideration as it was perhaps in Jesus' or Paul's day, imo. These are they that ground/disciple the saints. In some ways a pastor is a teacher, but I have met pastors that were not teachers but rather had a heart for people. Some examples of op instructors I have known are Alvin Cobb, Wayne Nigh, Kenneth Saunders, Bob Brooks, Darline Kantola Royer, Dennis Crawford, Anne Wilkins, R.V. Reynolds, John Klemin, Jerry Dillon and Larry Smith. One really good non-op teacher is Charles Stanley.

The five-fold ministry today is alive and well!