Scripture
Ephesians 4:11-14
Shape: Pentagon
Each person has been specifically shaped and designed by God to play a particular role within the Body of Christ. Everyone is either an Evangelist, an Apostle, a Teacher, a Pastor, or a Prophet. This is our Base Ministry and we feel most alive when we serve others in this capacity. However, because God is always concerned with our wholeness and the wholeness of the church, we go through Phases where we learn how to function in each of the other ministries. In that way, though we aren't all called to be Evangelists, we all need to bear witness to what Jesus has done in our lives. Though we are not all Pastors, we are all called to care. Though we are not all Apostles, we are all called to walk with God's people into their future. That we are not all Prophets, it is the birthright of every Christian to hear the voice of their Father. Though we are not all Teachers, we are all called to understand and hold out the scriptures as the Light of Truth.
Story
Here is a helpful metaphor that allows people to identify which is their base ministry: When building a house:
the Apostle will have vision for where to build and what kind of house to build. Apostles build where others haven’t.
Prophets will have a sense from the Lord about the significance of what the house is for and what God may be doing through the process of creating a new house. Prophets will also be sensitive to any emerging threats to the project.
Evangelists fall in love with the vision of the house and desire to connect (sell) others to the vision.They just can’t imagine that others wouldn’t love the opportunity to buy this new house!
Pastors are most interested in making sure those who will live in the house are cared for well. After all, the house is only as valuable as the people living inside it.
Teachers will have the blueprints out on the tables ensuring the house is made to specifications and that every last detail is accounted for. After all, caring for the new residents means caring for the their new residence.