Fivefold ministry

Fivefold Ministry refers to an ecclesiology or system of church organization utilized by a variety of religious movements (usually Christian). The term "fivefold ministry" is derived by those who adhere to it from references in the Christian New Testament to the roles of authority in the Christian community, especially in the Ephesians chapter four verse eleven, which mentions five things Christ sent groups out as at one point in the Gospels: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.

Adherents of this ecclesiology especially emphasize the presence of the charismatic gifts, often called "signs and wonders," and the accompanying role of apostle and prophet. [ [http://youtube.com/watch?v=EGLXGy3bnLc 5 Fold & Church Government- Apostles 1 of 5] ]

Historical background

The Cessation doctrines

As Christian movement grew and the organization of the movement became codified, the functions of apostle and prophet began to disappear.Fact|date=February 2007 As the church approached the Middle Ages, and the Church embraced a leadership structure different than that of the early Church, it became common to state that the "Apostolic Age," with its accompanying prophets, had come to an end. Authority once attributed to apostles and prophets became centralized in the person of the Bishop of Rome, a shift in power which culminated in the Papal Bull "Unum Sanctum"(1302), in which Pope Boniface VIII (1235-1303 AD) stated: "We declare and define it to be believed as a necessary condition of salvation that everything created in the human universe is subject to the Roman Pontiff."

This end of the apostolic era, and the church's perceived end of the charismatic gifts, is referred to by adherents of the Fivefold office as a doctrine of "Cessation."

Persistence of Charismatic Gifts in Christianity & Beyond

While apostolic gifts including prophecy continued to flourishFact|date=February 2007, it was forced to do so in the shadow of the empire as a form of state heresy and thus any record of it during the Byzantium period occurs in the context of Rome's official condemnation and inquisitions, though their own records of condemnations, provide ample evidence of its continued practiceFact|date=February 2008. From the remnants of the Montanists to the revivals of Girolamo Savonarola to the Cryptic Jewish-Catholic writings of Nostradamus to the Irish prophecies by Saint Malachy prophecy continued despite Rome's decrees and declarations. (On the Cessation of the Charismata: The Protestant Polemic on Post-Biblical Miracles (Sheffield Univ. Acad. Press, 1993))

Mohammed was considered both an "Apostle" and a "Prophet" among the Ebionites Fact|date=September 2008 and the Quran was the development of this belief in the continuation of the prophetic gift in Arabia. Islam, as Christianity, eventually outlawed its own basis for development, following the model established by Rome with a turn toward Academic scholarship in place of its original prophetic practices. The Quran, like the New Testament, gives no internal basis for such termination policies, and consequently minority groups such as the Sufis and certain individuals within Islam continue the practices without government-ecclesiastical or dominant religious group sanction.

The public expressions of New Testament practice in America, had been preceded in Europe by a number of Cryptic, Esoteric or Tsaphan movements, which are not documented due to the necessity by law that such practices were illegal. Some more notable examples however included groups associated with John Wycliff such as the Waldensians, or the Bogomils in what is now modern day Bosnia, and small groups of Jewish-Christians who found refuge among the Moravians. It has been suggested by some that the very founder of the modern Messianic-Jewish movement today, Rabbi Ignatz Lichtenstein of Hungary, may have been influenced by these early groups.

Cryptic practices were usually maintained by individuals who saw the need to be identified publicly with the State-orthodox religious system to avoid legal prosecution, but maintain a private religious practice at home which often involved prophetic practices. One example of this is Nostradamus. This prophetic tradition has been influential with many [http://www.todayscatholicworld.com/great-catholic-monarch.htm Catholic] audiences.

The esoteric stream followed the traditions of secret societies such as the Masons, the Templars and the Rosicrucians whose secret knowledge of symbolisms and a sacred rituals have been influential in the founding of the MormonsFact|date=February 2007 and shaping many mainline denominational views in America behind the scenes. {i.e., [Cyrus Scofield] , author of the Scofeild Bible and advocate of Pre-tribulational dispensationalism was a MasonFact|date=February 2007} although there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to support this. Often the theologically charged terms were replaced with other words to avoid conflict with state authorities. Prophetic pactices and information however were still an active part of their traditions. SomeFact|who?|date=February 2007 have suggested the use of the term and role of psychic, in opposition to the concept of the Biblical prophet, could be traced to the influence of their practitioners seeking to avoid conflicts with religious authorities.

Tsaphan prophetic practices were Jewish and were maintained in the private home in different ways. In European states where anti-semitism had created mandatory conversion laws, many Jews publicly professed Catholicism to avoid death or imprisonment but continued keeping Jewish religious practices at home. Among these were Jews of Karaite persuasion who were not rabbinical, but Biblical in their orientation, rejecting the authority of the rabbi and the Talmud.Fact|date=February 2007 Some of these continued domestic family practices and observances of Judaism which included the role of the "Nabbi" or "Navvi" especially at the time of the Passover Seder when the "door is open for Elijah". During this time Tsaphan Jewish prophets would go from house to house giving words to encourage the "remnant". The term "Tsaphan" is taken from Psa 83:2-4:

Psa 83:2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. Psa 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. Psa 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Because of the extreme isolation of these communities, many eventually ceased to exist or were absorbed into the predominat religious culture of the surrounding state. It has been suggested by some that Baruch Spinoza may have found "fellowship" with these after being expelled from the Synagogue by the Rabbi in Amsterdam. it was well known that he continued practicing Judaism in his home, as was customary among the karaite Tsaphans. Many of the Tsaphanic Jews, while rejecting Roman Catholicism, did embrace a Jewish understanding of the New Testament,Fact|date=February 2007 but never embracing the doctrine of the Trinity. Isaac Newton's interest in kabbalah mysticism and rejection of the Roman Trinity have been the source for some speculation as well.

The Impact of the Reformation & Restoration Movements

At the advent of Martin Luther's reformation in Germany, many declaredWho|date=September 2008 Luther along with many other reformers to be New Testament "prophets", though later Protestant state churches themselves, despite advocating a return to Biblical based practice, decided to follow Roman canonical and council law on the matter instead.Fact|date=February 2007 Splinter groups of radical reformers began home meetings throughout Europe. Some of these splinter groups began the Plymouth Brethren, the Quaker movement, and even the earliest beginnings of the later to be American Evangelical movement with such figures in Europe as George Mueller, himself "converted" at a Sabbath night "home meeting".

The actual roots of the restoration movement begin early in American revivalism and the free-church movement, now known as Evangelicalism. Pioneer Christians in America, now free of a state imposed orthodoxy began the quest for a full return to New Testament practice and faith. The outgrowth of this took a number of diverse directions. Alexander and Thomas Campbell, often credited with founding the modern Church of Christ were among some of the first to coin the phrase "restoration" as a goal of their theology. The Campbellites were strongly committed to understanding Biblical text as the guide for faith. Later some within this movement recognized the "gifts of the spirit", along with various groups of general and independent Baptists, and began hybrid theologies with Pentecostal influences. These were probably the first in America to openly advocate the return of a fivefold ministry.Fact|date=February 2007 Their early influences can still be seen across America particularly in the African-American church, whose leadership were among some of the first to boldly pioneer the acceptance and practice of this restoration concept.Fact|date=February 2007

Another early "restoration" movement took an entirely different direction. Joseph Smith and the Mormons accepted extra-biblical revelations inspired by the Book of Mormon and revelations from God as well as from the Bible. Though the Gothic cathedral and its secret symbolism began the center-piece of their theology,Fact|date=February 2007 they recognized the existence of the role of prophet and apostle in Church government and incorporated this into their own "restoration" of the Church. Two entirely different directions of restoration on opposite ends of the spectrum.

The work of finishing the reformation in the context of religious freedom found in America has long been a dream of many who have come to this country, beginning with the earliest pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. The shapes, forms, and expressions of this freedom and this question have led free Americans to a diverse set of answers. This diversity is often scorned and scoffed by critics of restoration who prefer the settled State-Churches from Europe's Middle Ages. But the reformers throughout history, and the freedom to engage the endeavor, whether for better or worse, has led to the improvement of even these very State-Churches.Fact|date=February 2007

The American Evangelical landscape today is filled with independent non-denominational ministries who accept and advocate a return to acceptance of both Apostle and Prophet as well as a number of smaller denominations.Fact|date=February 2007 All branches of Charismatic Christianity embrace the prophetic as a gift already and many are moving toward full acceptance of the role of both prophet and apostle within the community of faith. The African-American church has been notably pro-active in this regard for a number of years. Kansas City Fellowship was the feature article of a Christianity Today cover-story on the subject a few years ago as a result of this debate entering into the mainstream in American Evangelicalism. The internationally renowned church leader John Wimber had been a particularly strong advocate of recognizing the role of prophet in the local Church. Wimber himself has often been considered an Apostolic figure by those in Charismatic groups.

Current controversies

The Charismatic movement

In American revivalism and free-church movements, the development of the pentecostal movement, the charismatic movement, the "full-gospel" movement, the discipleship movement, the home-church movement, the restoration movement, the Jewish-Christian movement all gave rise to a return of both roles in religious practice. The use of the term "Apostle" is generally used an "overseeing" leader that has God-given vision for the Church at large and "prophet" is the equivalent of a biblical practice of the gift of prophecy.Fact|date=February 2007 The use of the term "apostle" (note the lower-case "a"), is also used (and perhaps more frequently so, in charismatic churches), to refer to a person or persons, who under the authority of a mother church, is authorized to plant new churches, and to administer their oversight. This view recognizes the uniqueness and authority of the original 12 Apostles of the New Testament Church, and the nature of their specific role as foundational to the Christian Church and Christian Faith. While all Christians have been given the gift of prophecy, the prophet's focus is lead the Church in this area, and to serve under the authority of pastors and apostles.

In Charismatic circles, the "worldview" analogy is often used to illustraite the different offices of the fivefold ministry. -The Evangelist is primarily concerned with evangelizing-The Pastor is primarily concerned with his "flock" (congegration)-The Apostle is primarily concerned with the Church at large, and where God is directing it.-The Prophet is primarily concerned with "what God is saying," (the Rhema word of God) and seeing the whole body walking in prophecy.-The Teacher is primarily concerned with teaching the Bible (the Logos word of God) and helping the Church to better understand it.

The Ecclesiological debate

Some cessationalist groups oppose the fivefold ministry for the following reasons.

Objections

(1) Apostles had to be personal Disciples of Christ. Since none exist today, there are no Apostles.

(2) Prophets were used to give the Bible. The Bible is finished therefore there are no more prophets.

(3) Prophets had to be 100% accurate or they were to be stoned to death. Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:20-22

(4) Mainline Denominations do not accept the view.

Rebuttals to the Objections

Rebuttal to #1: “Apostles had to be personal Disciples of Christ. Since none exist today, there are no Apostles.”

The Webster’s definition of Apostle would include anyone who was a Christian and set up churches, etc. 1: one sent on a mission: as a: one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul b: the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group. In the Roman army, an Apostle was a military officer that enforced Roman cultural standards and practices in cities that the Romans had recently conquered. The popular Charismatic view is that Apostles are leaders with "Heaven's blueprint for the Church." The definition for disciple (Webster Dictionary): disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts. The Webster Dictionary also says a disciple is a convinced adherent of a school or individual. Webster’s definition of “adherent”: connected or associated with especially by contract.

A “disciple is a convinced” “follower of Christ” “connected by contract” signed in the blood of Christ to be one with him to “accept and assist in the spreading of the doctrine” of Him. There were more than 12 disciples as listed all through the book of Acts; which clearly defines a disciple as someone who believes in Christ and spreads the word of Him.The fivefold ministry was sanctioned by Jesus and not by man; therefore, no man can do away with what Jesus sanctioned.

Since Jesus does not change (Hebrews 13:8), the number of disciples continued to grow past the 12 original, and our modern definitions of the word list a disciple as a follower and doctrine spreader of the Christ, then disciples are still here and all five of these offices must still be in existence today.

Rebuttal to #2 above: “Prophets were used to give the Bible. The Bible is finished therefore there are no more prophets.”

Only the Old Testament Prophets were used specifically for writing the Word of God. The Prophet as assigned by Jesus were to edify or build up the church (Ephesians 4)

Not all Prophets foretold events nor wrote about them. Prophets are best known for revelations which are closer insights to writings then others obtain.

Supporters of the Fivefold ministry argue that Paul would not have mentioned Prophets as one of the five gifts, if it not applicable to them. Since none of the books in the new testimate were written by prophets and Ephesians does not mention anything about prophets being a thing of the past, supporters would argue this point doesn't make sense.

(The Apostle John, who wrote five books of the New Testament, most assuredly was a prophet; one has but to read "Revelation" and compare to either the clarifications of prophecy by Paul or to Old Testament prophets like Daniel or Isaiah to confirm the authenticity of John's "Revelation". Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assert that no prophets wrote the New Testament.)

Rebuttal to #3: “Prophets had to be 100% accurate or they were to be stoned to death. Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:20-22”

A. These passages do not say the position of Prophet will pass away.B. There are many today who foretell truths, but the bad always spread louder and faster than the good.C. This is Old Testament, a new commandment was given to love one another and we are not suppose to kill as it is up to God to judge the life and death since Jesus’ sacrifice.

Again, not all Prophets foretold events. In fact More commonly the position of a Prophet took the form of forth-telling--telling forth God's message for that particular moment (Acts 15:32). An evidence of this is seen in the way a prophet preceded his message. He would say, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost!" (Acts 21:11), and then would give the message. In short, we could say a prophet is one who is "the mouthpiece of God."

Counter to this, however, Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight." Similarly, after lying the Apostle Peter, two early Christians were slain for their false confessions: Acts 5: 9 "Peter said to her, 'How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.'"

In this way, although we're no longer called to uphold the statute to stone false prophets, we're neither to accept them into our congregations. For this reason, Paul repeatedly gives the admonition to exercize prophecy with discretion and to cast out members who speak to edify themselves.

In effect, the counter to this claim would lead one to disregard the whole of the old covenent as being corrupted; the Word of God being breathed by the Spirit of God is therefore as unchanging as its author. The question then becomes, do you have a right understanding of the nature of God or have you created a graven image of the God you want to worship?

Rebuttal to #4: “Mainline Denominations do not accept the view”

Mainline Denominations (Religion) of the New Testament did not accept Jesus either, but it did not mean He was not the Messiah. Jesus did not say follow denominations; He said to follow Him. It is the following of denominations and religions that have the “Christian” people in the conditions they are in today.

Responses

Critics of the Termination doctrine would point out the following:

Paul's Apostleship

(1) Paul was not one of the original 12, never claimed to have personally known Jesus, and simply reported to have had a vision. Yet he called himself an Apostle.

It is argued that Paul "qualifies" in this definition of Apostle because he had a "Vision of Christ" but many regard this argument as disingenuous because anyone who is charismatic can have a vision of Christ. It must then be assumed that all future "visions of Christ" for 2000 years into perpetuity are "false visions".

Paul's apostleship was acquired through no other means than a "vision". Paul's own apostleship leaves him outside the group of 500.

Other Apostles

It is also clear from the New Testament that not all Apostles were mentioned and restricted to the list of the 12 original disciples. Since, detractors say, Paul was not one himself, there would be no need to examine anyone for "signs of an Apostle" 2Co 12:12.

Other Apostles mentioned:

Barnabas - Acts 14:14

Silas - 2 Thess. 1:1, 2:6

Andronicus - Rom. 16:7

Junia - Rom.16:7

Andronicus

Some claim that since 500 saw the resurrection, all the Apostles mentioned in the New Testament came exclusively from this group of 500. However this claim would be countered by the fact that in Rom.16:7 Paul notes his fellow Apostles Andronicus and Junia were "converted" BEFORE Paul. Andronicus is a "'distinctly Greco-Roman name found in the royal household"' at least indicating the possibility of Gentile ethnicity.

The term "Apostle"

The term APOSTLE (ἀπόστολος) simply means "a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders" - (Thayers) And was the application of a common Greek term to what many call today "Church planters" or "Missionaries". The priority of the original 12 are left untouched by this application as they were as the 12 Patriarchs among the Tribes of Israel and are inscribed on the walls of the New Jerusalem [Rev 21:14] in the same way the names of the Patriarchs were inscribed on the Breastplate of the High Priest.

The adaptation of the term APOSTLE during the New Testament period was probably a softer and less controversial term than "Prophet" in that the Rabbinical Academy had already been teaching Prophets had died and were no more.Fact|date=February 2007 Thus anyone claiming to be a "Prophet" was a "False prophet" only. This was based on the text in Zechariah:

Zec 13:2 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Zec 13:3 And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou salt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. Zec 13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: Zec 13:5 But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

The above text was the basis among the Rabbinical Academy for discrediting any future prophetic activity, including what would become the New Testament movement. However, Malachi [the prophet] came after Zechariah, so it is clear, at least as far as Malachi was concerned, this text did not mean what it was being popularly interpreted to mean.Fact|date=February 2007

The use of the term "Prophet" in Israel was much more controversial at the timeFact|date=February 2007, than use of the term "Apostle" which was a common term employed of emissaries of the Jerusalem temple to the Diaspora. "Apostles" of the Rabbinical "Synagogue" system were a known and accepted practice and title of that day. Thus, employing the term "Apostle" to describe missionaries of the messianic persuasion would not have been as controversial.

In the New Testament, the term "Apostles" occurs in 59 versus. 27% of the total time mentioned it is phrased together "Apostles and Prophets". In Act 15:32 it is stated Judas and Silas while called "Apostles" were simultaneously called "Prophets", thus indicating the terms may have been either used in close association with one another or possibly even nearly but not quite inter-changeably.

The use of the term "Apostle" in the New Testament period however, would not have been understood in the same way as it is today among Post-Roman council sacerdotalists and canon theologists.Fact|date=February 2007

The Canon

"Canonization theology" or "canon law" is the outgrowth of the Roman Councils on Theology commissioned by the Roman Caesar Constantine often referred to as the Ecumenical councils.Fact|date=February 2007 The degree to which these councils are accepted as authoritative depend on the particular denomination of Christianity under discussion.

Using the standard rules of hermeneutics known among theologians as the Grammatical-Historical-Contextual, it would be impossible to place any reference in any part of the scriptures to the Canon, as neither existed at the time of their writing. Thus the only reference one could make for it would be as a prophecy.

It is claimed by critics of the fivefold ministry concept that the Roman Canon was referred to indirectly in passages like the following:

1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

... or ...

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

In the first text, the phrase "when that which is perfect is come" is here used to refer to the Roman Councils completing the New Testament Canon. Thus since the canon has been agreed on, the charismatic gifts such as "prophecies" and "knowledge" have "passed away". However it is noted by critics, in the following text...

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Restorations argue Paul, the Apostle with the very "revelation" penned in the New Testament canon itself, claims "we see through a glass, darkly" speaking of himself. He then DEFINES within the text what he means by the term "Perfect": "but then shall I know even as also I am known". Restorations would point out that this appears to many to be a clear reference to a state of perfection beyond a collection of 27 books. Furthermore, Paul includes himself participating in that future state of perfection and unless one assumes he was sitting around in heaven waiting for the Romans to vote on the canon so he could read it, this is a highly improbable scenario of intended meaning.Fact|date=February 2007

"This is a misapplication of scripture. The Darkness and Imperfection are references to the corruptible flesh and are classic allusions to differences between the reality of the flesh and the reality of the spirit."

Among those who accept this interpretation, there are still historical discrepancies in what actually happened in history. As the prophetic did not actually ever "cease", it was simply censored, punished by law, and expunged. Savonarola is but one example.

In the Second text, critics of the 5 fold ministry concept use the phrase "Till we all come in the unity of the faith" to refer to the Roman Canon compiled by the Ecumenical councils. Thus "Apostles and Prophets" have no need to exist anymore and are thus discontinued. Restorationists would point out however, if one simply notes the full text, the terms "Apostles" and "Prophets" are mentioned along with "Evangelists", "Pastors" and "Teachers". Thus one must arbitrarily break the continuity of the text and "cherry pick" the two terms "Apostles" and "Prophets" out from among the rest in order to make this work.

"Cessation" absent from all texts

Restorationists assert there is no clear statement in any three bodies of literature indicating the prophetic comes to an end. Quite the contrary. In all three bodies of literature, instructions are given for its continued practice.

EXAMPLES:

TORAH -

Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

NEW TESTAMENT -

1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy...

1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Rev 19:10 for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

QURAN -Quran 2:87 "We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!"

The main bodies of literature shaping this doctrine, it is charged by Restorationists, is the extra-biblical non-inspired, non-revelatory and non-prophetic literature created by each tradition.Fact|date=February 2007 The Rabbinical Talmud, the Roman Canon Law, and the Islamic Hadiths.... all admittedly academic human tradition, not scripture.Fact|date=February 2007

It is observed by critics that the texts used in support of the termination doctrine appear to be isolated and are often contorted.Fact|date=February 2007 Restorationists see these arguments as based on innuendo and insinuations. It is also observed that they arbitrarily and conveniently place the time of "cessation" at the end of their own movements. In the case of Rabbinical Judaism, Christianity was a false religion precisely because it still claimed prophetic activity, whereas the Rabbis of the Academy had already been teaching prophets had died for centuries.

DOUBLE STANDARDS FOR PROPHETS

Advocates of the Fivefold ministry concept would also point out the following in response to the standard objections concerning idealized standards for the prophetic:

a. The standard for Prophetic accuracy is no different than the standards for teaching accuracy. There are no teachers who are infallible and inerrant today. Thus, does that mean that the gift, office, role, function of teacher has therefore "ceased"? This argument cannot be used without invoking a clear double standard.

b. The Torah requirement for capital punishment commonly invoked against the prophetic, refers not to the prophet's accuracy of prediction, but of teaching ...to worship another god at that. The term "prophet" is equally applied in scripture to anyone who holds themselves to be a "messenger" of any kind, be it through teaching or prophetic messages. Thus once again, this Torah law would be equally applicable to both Prophet, Priest or Pastor.

NOTE: Deu 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods,Deu 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; BECAUSE he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God,

This penalty is invoked EVEN IF THE PROPHETIC WORD IS ACCURATE. This is not a textual requirement to be "100% accurate" as is often claimed. This TEXT as TORAH LAW in Israel was applicable to anyone.... even if they were "prophets".

The actual penalty for "missing" a prophecy under Torah?

Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Restorationists point out that obviously, if you killed someone learning to be a prophet every time they missed one in the process of learning, you would never have any. And restorationists would say that is the real agenda or "goal" of this kind of teaching. How many "Bishops" or "Preachers" would be left, if that standard was applied to misisng a "teaching"? 1 Sa.10:5,10, 19:20, Isa. 8:16 [And there was "training" or "discipleship" among the prophets]

c. "Accuracy" is often subjective as most of the Biblical prophets were castigated during their own day as "false prophets". General accuracy as defined by pattern recognition was all that was required as the specific details of even Biblically recorded prophecies will often vary slightly between what was prophesied and what actually occurred, but they were still considered "accurate". The modern appellation "100% accurate" is nothing more than an argument based on cultural invention.Fact|date=February 2007 The term itself "prophet" or "nabbi", required a consistent level of accuracy, otherwise it would not be applicable anymore than calling someone a "swimmer" when they could not "swim". Restorationists would claim these comments are the result of a lack of understanding about the Biblical practice of the prophetic.Fact|date=February 2007

MAINLINE DENOMINATIONS

"Mainline denominations" is a misnomer because these are generally references to ambiguous large Church organizations and their official "policies".Fact|date=February 2007 The Charismatic movement, which is the basis of this ecclesiology is widespread throughout all Christendom and extremely diverse. It can be found among Roman Catholics to Baptists.Fact|date=February 2007 A survey [http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?sitemapid=147] in 1996 indicated Charismatic belief to be as follows:

Baptists = 37%Church of Christ = 34%7th Day Adventists = 4%Lutheran = 17%Presbyterian = 17%Catholic = 27%

And these denominations are reported to represent the lowest approval rating, yet still clearly numbering in the millions globally. While all Charismatics endorse the "gifts of the Holy Spirit" by definition, which in most cases include prophecy, the ecclesiological definition of the term "prophet" is still being debated. Officially sanctioning the role of "prophet" creates a number of Church government issues which must be resolved for these organizations. The "fivefold ministry" model is one solution based on New Testament practice which is being proposed.

The church councils

For sacerdotal organizations, this model presents many historic challenges which may never be resolved. Church organizatins which have taken the Roman Councils as their basis of Biblical authority, are obligated to the decisions and practices of the line of council developments growing out of the Metropolitan Sees from the Nicene Council up to the present day, or at whatever diversion point which is chosen along the way.Fact|date=February 2007 Per example many Prebytarians will follow the Council decisions through the council of Orange. Restorationists point out that according to even the earliest councils, the very Protestant Churches that cite them (Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Independent Evangelical) are themselves condemned as "heretics", so the appeals are both hypocritical and illogical. In fact, it has been argued by some, that the current Roman Catholic church itself would be considered "heretical" based on its own previous councils.Fact|date=February 2007

Certain segments of the Restorationist movement see the Church councils themselves, from the beginning, as the dominant linage of error and consequently place little or no importance on them,Fact|date=February 2007 while others still prefer identification with the earliest councils, such as the Nicene Council.Fact|date=February 2007

The rise and dominance of the "Bishop" over all other roles did not constitute historically the "cessation" of anything, but simply its "official disapproval" as it did in fact continue to occur. Often in protest by the Biships themselves [just as it often occurs today in many places] .Fact|date=February 2007 The fact that ecclesiastical authorities claim today it does not exist, and yet it does as evidenced by the controversy, is observation of the continuing argument which has existed since the founding of the Rabbinical Academy in Ancient Israel.

Threefold ministry

Matthew 23:34 "Therefore I am sending you prophets and wisemen and teachers."

References

External links

* [http://www.dcfi.org/Fivefold_Sem.htm Five Fold Ministry Seminars]
* [http://www.spurgeon.org/s_and_t/tfm1869.htm Spurgeon On Savonarola]