An apostle (Greek:apostolos ἀπόστολος) means "one who is sent with authority" - a delegate, messenger, or commissioned representative. In the New Testament, apostles were foundational leaders sent by Christ to establish, govern, and advance the Church. Jesus himself is called "the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (Hebrews 3:1), and He appointed twelve to be apostles (Luke 6:13). Paul, also an apostle, affirmed that the Church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). In Hebrew, the closest concept is "shaliach"(שָׁלִיחַ) - one sent with full authority to act on behalf of the sender. 

Apostles carry governmental authority, establish divine order, and ensure the maturity of the Body (Ephesians 4:11–13).

A prophet (Greek:prophētēs προφήτης) is one who speaks forth or declares the will, heart, and counsel of God. In Scripture, prophets are not merely future-tellers but divine messengers who reveal God’s mind to His people (Amos 3:7). They often confront, correct, and call the Church back to alignment. In the New Testament, prophets are part of the foundation of the Church alongside apostles (Ephesians 2:20) and are vital to equipping the saints. The Hebrew word for prophet is"nabi"(נָבִיא), meaning "one who is called" or "bubbling forth" - a vessel through whom the Spirit speaks. Prophets operate by revelation, dreams, visions, and discernment (Numbers 12:6; 1 Corinthians 14:29–32), guiding the Church with clarity, warning, and encouragement.

An evangelist (Greek:euangelistēs εὐαγγελιστής) is a bringer of good news - one commissioned to proclaim the gospel with power and clarity. The word stems from euangelion, meaning “good news” or “glad tidings.” Evangelists carry a burning urgency for souls, calling people to repentance and salvation through Christ (Acts 8:5–12;2 Timothy 4:5). 

Philip is the only person in Scripture specifically called “the evangelist” (Acts 21:8) and demonstrated the role by preaching Christ, healing the sick, and baptising new believers. In Ephesians 4:11, evangelists are listed as one of the five-fold ministry gifts given to equip the saints for the work of ministry, ensuring the Church stays outward-focused and harvest-ready. 

Evangelists ignite the Church with zeal to reach the lost and advance the Kingdom.

A Pastor (Greek:poimēnποιμήν) literally means"shepherd"- one who feeds, leads, protects, and cares for the flock of God. It appears as one of the five-fold ministry gifts in Ephesians 4:11, given to equip the saints and build up the Body of Christ. 

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), setting the model for all pastoral ministry. Pastors are called to nurture spiritual growth, guard against false teaching, and guide believers into maturity (Jeremiah 3:15;1 Peter 5:2). In Hebrew, the word is"ra‘ah"(רָעָה), meaning to shepherd or tend - used often of God Himself as the Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23:1). A true pastor leads with compassion, discipline, and wisdom, always pointing the sheep toward the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls (1 Peter 2:25).

A teacher (Greek:didaskalosδιδάσκαλος) is one whoninstructs, explains, and grounds believers in the truth of God's Word. As part of the five-fold ministry(Ephesians 4:11), teachers are essential for bringing clarity, correcting error, and building doctrinal stability in the Body of Christ. Jesus was often called Rabbi (Hebrew:רַבִּי, meaning "teacher" or "master" and was recognised for teaching with authorityn(Matthew 7:28–29). The Hebrew word for teacher is"moreh"(מוֹרֶה), from the root yarah, meaning "to point out" or "to instruct". A biblical teacher rightly handles the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and is accountable for sound doctrine (Titus 2:1,James 3:1). Teachers establish foundations, unlock understanding, and help mature the saints in faith, wisdom, and discernment.