Ephesians 4:11

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are mentioned here. As with other lists of gifts or ministries (eg 1 Cor 12) the list should not be treated as being exhaustive or exclusive.

Apostles as used in the New Testament was sometimes used as specifically referring to the original twelve disciples (and Paul), but was also given a wider application as well. There is some argument about whether there are apostles today or not. Now in terms of having been a direct witness of Christ while He was on earth there clearly are not any apostles today. I know some claim to have had various sorts of visions of Christ, but I must admit I treat such claims with a fair degree of scepticism (Colossians 2:18), and anyway they are actually not the point. However, if we take apostle as having a wider meaning of someone sent by God to do a specific foundational work, or to provide special direction and leadership for the church (without adding any “new doctrine”!) then there is a place for that. Here we must pay attention to how Paul described his apostleship.

Particularly in 2 Corinthians 11 and 12 and elsewhere he emphasises his weakness and the suffering for the sake of the gospel. Anyone today who claims to be an apostle and is revelling in the “status” or using it to gain glory and money really has not got a clue and has lost connection with Christ. We should pay no attention to such people.

Prophets are also still needed. Some say that because we have the New Testament we do not need prophets, but this argument seems to be without much foundation. From the evidence of the New Testament the prophets did not give doctrine (see Acts), and the New Testament writings themselves were not the result of prophecy. Prophecy is for the edification of the church, and as a witness to the world. It will not add new doctrine, and must be in line with Scripture, but it is definitely needed today.

The other three are generally accepted as still being needed, though it is perhaps interesting that there is a body of opinion against evangelism, saying we should respect other cultures etc. This of course is nonsense, Jesus Christ is good news for everyone.