Ephesians 4:11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.

This scripture has always been taught in the tone of separation. Only a certain group of people can be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The rest of you are greeters, workers in the sound booth, janitors, worship leaders, teachers for children church, pew sitters, musicians, parking attendants, office workers, deacons, choir members, pastor’s body guard, armorbearers, the person that brings the pastor or guest speaker some water, and the list goes on and on. Now if you are not one of these special ones whom God has called, you are required to submit yourself to these ones and don’t talk back or you will be sat down or cursed. Does this sound familiar? Well let me free you today by giving you some truth.

This scripture does not mean that there are only certain people called to the fivefold ministry. No! What Paul was saying here that everyone in the Kingdom of God has a place and must seek the Lord concerning their place or position. The word “some”, does not imply separation but that God has called some to walk as apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists. The fivefold ministry is made up of rankings in the Kingdom, not titles. Religion has reduced these rankings down to titles. This is the reason why we see people in the church fighting, scheming, and politicking for positions. Religion has made these rankings as something to compete for. American Idol did not start in the world, it started in the church. There are many that have been made to perform before the judges (these special or elite ones) and if they have past their test, then by the laying on of hands by the special or exclusive ones, these persons that perform is now a pastor or prophet. However, that’s not it! You see once you have achieved this milestone, you must sign a contract but they call it covenant. This contract states that you must be under their authority (their thumb), you must wait till THEY hear from God about you leaving their ministry (their club or clique), and when THEY hear that it’s time for you to leave, then you are release to go and be a carbon copy or clone of them and their ministry.

You may be serving in certain areas of the ministry you attend but let me say to you very clearly that you are more than that. God has a position in the Kingdom with your name on it. Jeremiah 1:5-7 Amplified Bible – Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am only a youth. But the Lord said to me, Say not, I am only a youth; for you shall go to all to whom I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

When God told him that I have separated and set you apart, He wasn’t talking about putting him in some elite group or clique. God had separated him from man’s calling, defining, and purpose for his life. God said something very powerful to Jeremiah that we need to pay close attention to. He said before I formed you in the womb I knew and approved of you. Right there God was saying that there is no need for anyone to define you because you have already been defined. No one has the right to say that you are just a greeter, janitor, worship leader, sound person, etc… You are called to be more than that. Find your place in the Kingdom and begin to walk in it. You see, religion hates this type of teaching because once you find out your place in the Kingdom, you will MOVE forward. I capitalized the word “move” because the spirit of religion hates movement. Religion’s philosophy is, “Continue to do the same thing over and over and over”. Just because you are doing things repeatedly doesn’t mean you are making any movement or progress. Let’s stop fighting each other! Remember, we all have a place or rank in the Kingdom. There’s no need to fight. My prayer is that you will listen to the Father and find out what you were destined to be from the beginning.