Pause, breathe, and reread.

In ministry, the five-fold offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are like the Kapenguria 6 of the Church: each has a unique empowerment, suited for different situations and missions. When you look closely, you see why some of these roles stay planted like a tree in one place, while others seem to have suitcases perpetually packed. And when you compare pastors to apostles, evangelists, and prophets, you start to see some amusing differences.


Pastors, for instance, are the “HOMIES” of the group. They’re like that one friend who not only remembers everyone’s birthdays but is ready to show up at your house with tea and chapati just to check in. Pastoring requires a consistent, steady presence and a deep, life-on-life commitment to one community. It's not just a “Sunday morning, see you next week” type of thing. It’s more of a “see you at the grocery store, your kid’s recital, and maybe even your mother-in-law’s birthday” situation. Paul even refers to pastors as “shepherds” in Acts 20:28, encouraging them to keep a close watch over the flock—this means more than a casual wave; it’s about ongoing, committed oversight. Pastors don't need to be on the pulpit. Their ministry can thrive from the pews.


In contrast, evangelists and prophets are the Church's “HIT-AND-RUN” experts. They breeze in, drop a truth bomb, and are off to the next village or city before you can say "Amen." They plant seeds of faith and spark change, but you won’t catch them setting up camp. Even Jesus traveled “through all the cities and villages” (Matthew 9:35), like a holy road trip with miracles on every stop. Paul, the apostle, was also on the go, planting churches left and right like he had calories to burn and steps to achieve (Acts 13, 14).


Now, teachers and apostles have a bit more of a “STAY AWHILE” vibe. They’re the ones who’ll roll up their sleeves, settle down for a bit, and make sure you know your Bible from Genesis to Revelation. When Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years (Acts 19:10), he wasn’t just sightseeing—he was laying down foundational teachings that needed time to take root. Teachers are especially good at this; they’re like the serious friend who insists, “Wait, I have to explain all five points before you leave” (2 Timothy 2:2).


At the end of the day, each role in the five-fold ministry is critical, fulfilling God’s grand plan in its own way. Pastors nurture, prophets warn, evangelists ignite, teachers explain, and apostles plant. But here’s the kicker: Ephesians 4 reminds us that God only handed out these offices to a select few! So, if you’re feeling like you need to do it all—pause, breathe, and reread Ephesians. You may just be called to one office or NONE.

Buddies whom we once journeyed through a discipleship class.


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