In the New Testament church, there was a great diversity of ways in which people served God as stewards of the gifts he had given them.

1. Foundation Ministries

Gifts And Ministries That Laid The Foundation For The Church

The apostles and prophet's were the foundation of the church (Eph 2:19-22).

Their inspired word was confirmed by workers of various miraculous signs (Heb 2:1-4).

The church today has access to the ministry of the apostles and prophets through their writings just as, for example, Timothy did (1Tm 3:14-15).

2. Leadership Ministries

Gifts And Ministries Which Provide Leadership And Instruction For The Church

The evangelists and shepherds guide and teach the church to edify it (Eph 4:11-16)

Their administration is supplemented by ministers in charge of non-teaching duties (Acts 6:1-6)

There is no need for these ministries to have direct inspiration from God. Using Timothy the evangelist as an example again, we see that he relied on the Scriptures for his ministry (2Tm 3:14-17, 4:1-5)

3. One-another Ministries

Gifts And Ministries That Enable Every Member Of The Church To Help In Some Important Way

Each one has received a gift which he or she should employ as a steward of God's manifold grace (1Pet 4:7-11).

Among these general gifts and ministries are:

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