What roles listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 are evident in your church? The Foundation: God’s Appointed Roles “God has appointed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helps, administration, and various kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28) Recognizing Apostolic Ministry Today • Mission partners sent out from our congregation plant new churches and establish fresh works in unreached areas—mirroring the pioneering, foundation-laying spirit of the apostle (Acts 13:2-3; Acts 14:21-23). • When these teams return, they report what “God had done with them” (Acts 14:27), encouraging our faith just as the early apostles did. Prophetic Voices in the Congregation • During Sunday services and mid-week gatherings, certain believers share timely, Scripture-saturated messages that expose sin, build up, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Elders carefully weigh each word against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21), ensuring the whole body is edified. Teachers Who Ground Us in Truth • Adult Bible-fellowship classes, children’s ministries, and small-group leaders faithfully “explain the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). • Their labor equips us “for works of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Miracles and Gifts of Healing at Work • Testimonies arise of tumors shrinking, chronic pain disappearing, and prodigals returning—answers to united prayer and anointing with oil by the elders (James 5:14-16). • We celebrate each intervention as a sign that Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Quiet Strength of Helps • Meal trains for new parents, rides for seniors, set-up and tear-down crews, and benevolence teams illustrate the Spirit-empowered gift of practical service (Romans 12:7). • Though often unseen, these ministries keep the church functioning smoothly and lovingly. Leadership through Administrations • Deacons oversee finances, facility care, and event logistics, reflecting the orderly governance Paul commended (1 Timothy 3:8-13). • Ministry coordinators develop clear plans so “everything may be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). The Blessing of Tongues and Interpretation • In prayer meetings, some speak in tongues; others interpret, so everyone understands and is built up (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). • Personal prayer in tongues is also encouraged for private edification, following Paul’s example (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). Putting the Pieces Together • All these roles coexist in harmony, just as “the body is one and has many parts” (1 Corinthians 12:12). • When each gift functions according to God’s design, love knits us together, witness is strengthened, and Christ is glorified among us. |
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