Pastors are already in place in the church, so fitting in apostles, evangelists and prophets as well is difficult. A number of false trails have been suggested as a solution to this dilemma.
Some commentators suggest that the ascension ministries are itinerant consultant ministers. Apostles, evangelists, prophets, pastors and teachers travel from church to church exercising their ministries and strengthening the church. The problem with this approach is that while it may work for prophets and evangelists, pastors do not fit. A pastor cannot be an itinerant consultant.
Some Christian leaders claim that God has gifted them with all the ascension ministries. This makes them into a sort of super pastor, who is more gifted than ordinary pastors. This does not seem to fit with the desire of the Spirit to spread gifts around, rather than concentrate them in one person.
An older solution is the parachurch organisation. Many evangelists have found their place in a parachurch organisation. However, this is not a solution for prophets and apostles.
Recently a new apostolic reformation has been announced. This move places apostles in a hierarchy over groups of pastors and churches. The problem with this is that it differs very little from the system of bishops and archbishops which are part of the older order.
We need to get back to the scriptures to understand these gifts.
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