God Gave Some Churches...

Ephesians 4:11 KJV
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

How important is interpretation. I have always taken this passage to mean that God has given
• Some men the gift of apostleship
• Some men the gift of the prophet
• Some men the gift of the evangelist
etc.

Though I do not believe that is an inaccurate view of the text, today it occurs to me that there is another way to view this. God gave
• Some churches an apostle
• Some churches a prophet
• Some churches an evangelist
• Some churches a pastor and
• Some churches a teacher

The focus of the New Testament is God's work through the local church so viewing this text as having to do with the church is important. Each ministry is different and unique and each one meets the need the Lord sees in each church as He pleases. Each ministry together combines to bring about the Lord's finished work in the earth. Where would we be without an evangelist to win souls and encourage others to do the same? But where would we be as well without the teacher to sharpen our doctrine and urge sound theology?

Thank God for each gift and, if they are not each in every church, they are still an influence to all churches.