THE CALL

Topic: The Call

Text: Ephesians 4:11 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

Introduction

Every believer has a call from God. The call is not just about being in the pulpit; it is about fulfilling God’s divine purpose for our lives. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul highlights different ministry offices established by Christ for the growth and maturity of His church. This passage shows us that the call is not man-made, but God-ordained.

Today, we will examine The Call in four dimensions: The Source of the Call, The Purpose of the Call, The Responsibility of the Called and the 5 ministry offices and functions.

1. The Source of the Call

It comes from God, not man (Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…”).
Christ Himself gives the offices (Eph. 4:11 says He gave).
The call is not based on human ability, but divine choice (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Example: Moses didn’t choose himself; God called him from the burning bush (Exodus 3).

Lesson: If God calls, He also equips. Our assurance in ministry rests not on human approval, but on divine appointment.

2. The Purpose of the Call (Ephesians 4:12-13)

Paul makes it clear why God calls and appoints ministers:

For the perfecting of the saints
- To train, equip, and build believers to spiritual maturity.
- Pastors, teachers, and prophets are not entertainers but trainers of God’s army.
For the work of the ministry
- Every believer has a role in advancing God’s kingdom.
- The fivefold ministry equips others so that the work is not left to a few.
For the edifying of the body of Christ
- The call builds unity and strength in the church.
- Division comes when we ignore or misuse the call.

Lesson: The call is not for status, fame, or personal gain, but to serve God’s people and advance His kingdom.

3. The Responsibility of the Called

Those who are called must:

Walk worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1).
- The call is holy; the lifestyle of the called must reflect the Caller.
Be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2).
- God requires faithfulness, not popularity.
Endure trials and opposition
- Every call faces challenges (Jeremiah was mocked, Paul was beaten, Jesus was rejected).
- 2 Timothy 4:5 – “Endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
Stay humble and dependent on God
- The call is a privilege, not a right.
- Pride disqualifies; humility sustains (James 4:6).

Biblical Examples of the Call

Isaiah – called to be a prophet after encountering God’s holiness (Isaiah 6).
Paul – called from persecutor to apostle (Acts 9).
Timothy – reminded to stir up the gift of God in him (2 Timothy 1:6).

The Four Ministerial Offices and Their Functions

1. Apostles – The Foundation Builders

Apostles are “sent ones” who establish and lay foundations for the church.
Function:
- Pioneer new territories for the gospel (Acts 13:2-4).
- Lay doctrinal foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).
- Provide oversight and guidance to local assemblies (1 Corinthians 9:1-2).
Example: Paul traveled widely, planting churches and strengthening believers.

Lesson: Apostles ensure the church is firmly rooted in Christ and not in traditions of men.

2. Prophets – The Mouthpiece of God

Prophets speak forth the mind and counsel of God.
Function:
- Provide divine direction and correction (Acts 11:27-28).
- Confirm God’s word and reveal His will to the church (Acts 21:10-11).
- Edify, exhort, and comfort believers (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Example: Agabus the prophet foretold a famine and Paul’s sufferings.

Lesson: Prophets keep the church sensitive to the voice of God and alert to spiritual realities.

3. Evangelists – The Soul Winners

Evangelists are carriers of the good news with a passion for reaching the lost.
Function:
- Preach Christ to unbelievers (Acts 8:5-6 – Philip preached in Samaria).
- Demonstrate the gospel through signs and wonders (Acts 8:6-8).
- Stir the church into evangelism and outreach.
Example: Philip the evangelist brought revival to Samaria and converted the Ethiopian eunuch.

Lesson: Evangelists remind the church of her mission to win souls and not just maintain membership.

4. Pastors and Teachers – The Shepherds and Instructors

The two roles are often linked, showing the close tie between shepherding and teaching.
Function:
- Pastors (Shepherds): Care, protect, and nurture God’s flock (Jeremiah 3:15; John 21:15-17).
- Teachers: Instruct in sound doctrine and ground believers in truth (2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 18:11).
- Guide the church in spiritual growth and stability.
Example: Timothy was both a pastor and teacher under Paul’s mentorship.

Lesson: Pastors and teachers ensure believers remain healthy, nourished, and equipped in the Word.

Connecting Back to the Call

These offices show us that the call is diverse but united in purpose:

Apostles establish,
Prophets direct,
Evangelists expand,
Pastors/Teachers nurture.

Together, they work to perfect the saints and build the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Practical Applications

Every Christian has a call, whether to leadership, evangelism, helps, giving, intercession, or hospitality (Romans 12:6-8).
Discover your call through prayer, service, and confirmation by the Holy Spirit.
Don’t compare your call with others; each is unique but equally valuable (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Conclusion

The call is divine, purposeful, and demanding. God calls us to serve, not to be served. Ephesians 4:11 reminds us that the church is equipped by God through diverse callings, but all for one mission: the glory of Christ.

Appeal / Altar Call

To those who sense God’s call: yield yourself fully.
To those already in ministry: remain faithful and committed.
To the undecided: ask God to reveal your place in His plan.

Key Quote: “The call of God is not just a position, it is a responsibility. It is not about titles, but about service.”

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