HOW DO I KNOW MY FIVEFOLD MINISTRY ROLE? By Bernie L. Wade
If you are like many others you may not know for certain your fivefold ministry role or gifting. You are certainly not alone. I find that many ministers have not been helped in this area. It may be that you are filling a role without really knowing if that is what God called you to accomplish. I’ve noticed a lot of leaders fill, volunteer or be drafted for positions because there was a need; not because it was how God designed or gifted them. As a result, many are feeling tired, unfulfilled and empty. Knowing for certain the role you are to fulfill in the fivefold ministry will remove doubt, confusion, and indecision. Let’s see if we can help. For a moment, set aside the particular role of ministry that God has called you to and let’s focus on purpose. We have found that the best way to start is to understand your purpose. Most people know what it is that God has called them to contribute. This is much more important in the larger mission as Disciples of Christ. If you already know what you are called to do then you are on your way to understanding your fivefold role. The thing that God has given you to accomplish will be your passion. It will be the thing that makes you want to get up in the morning. You will think about it in some form or fashion nearly all the time. In most cases it will be the primary thing in your life even in work and hobbies. For example someone who is called to the fivefold role of teacher will most likely find that they are passionate about teaching in general; not just in the body of Christ. This person will desire or fill a teaching role in their family, job and community. We oft times don’t see that the gifting God has placed in us transcends beyond that function in the Body of Christ. God gave you the gifting and it will function wherever you are located.