Why Jesus Chose Only Five Titles

I find it fascinating that when Jesus was laying the foundation for how His Church would grow and thrive, He only chose five titles to describe the roles of those who would serve and lead:

* Apostles

* Prophets

* Evangelists

* Pastors

* Teachers


Just five and yet, when Jesus arrived on the scene, there were already plenty of functioning religious titles: priests, Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes.

He could have used those. But He didn’t, and that makes me pause.


Why Not Use the Old System? The old Jewish system had spiritual roles clearly laid out. Priests handled sacrifices and temple worship. Scribes knew the Law inside-out. Pharisees were law-keepers. Sadducees were the elite, skeptical about resurrection and angels. It was a fully staffed religious enterprise.


So why didn’t Jesus just tweak it a bit? Why not update the job descriptions and keep the same framework?

I think it because Jesus wasn’t interested in renovating religion. He came to rebuild humanity — to establish something radically new. “You can’t pour new wine into old wineskins.” He said.


The old system had become about status, control, and appearances. Jesus came to usher in a Kingdom marked by servanthood, humility, and Spirit-filled function.


When Jesus, through Paul, introduces the five roles in Ephesians 4:11, they’re not about climbing spiritual ladders. They’re not about robes or corner offices or titles on a business card. They’re about equipping.


“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service…”  — Ephesians 4:11–12


Let’s be clear: These aren’t ranks. They’re roles. They’re not levels of holiness. They’re gifts given to the body for its maturity.


It’s also striking to me that Jesus never called Himself “priest” during His earthly ministry, even though Hebrews later calls Him our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14). Instead, He called Himself:

* The Good Shepherd

* The Teacher

* The Son

* The Servant

* The Friend


These are relational, earthy, accessible roles — not intimidating religious offices.

What Was Jesus Doing? I believe Jesus was doing more than organizing the church. He was deconstructing religious hierarchy and rebuilding spiritual family. He wasn’t just removing dusty traditions. He was giving us:

* A new language for leadership.

* A new posture for power.

* A new kind of community.


He didn’t choose five roles so we could argue who’s greatest. He gave five functions to keep the whole body healthy.


So, what does this mean for us? To me, it means the Kingdom doesn’t run on clergy titles. It runs on love-fueled service. It means we don’t need to strive for spiritual rank, but respond to spiritual responsibility. Are you a pastor, teacher, evangelist, apostle or prophet? Do your duty- equip the saints. Are you a saint? Get equipped and do your ministry effectively.


It means Jesus is still calling apostles to pioneer, prophets to keep our hearts aligned, evangelists to call the lost home, pastors to shepherd and heal, and teachers to break truth like fresh bread.


And none of them should walk around with an air of superiority. Because Jesus — the King of kings — washed feet.


Jesus didn’t come to polish up the religious titles of the day. He came to offer a new kind of leadership — one that lifts, loves, and equips.


So today, whether you serve as a pastor, a teacher, an encourager, or a silent prayer warrior — know this: He didn’t hire you to build your own throne. He called you to carry His towel, and that kind of richness is the one that reaches the other side.

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