Do you know the difference between popular titles?

The interesting thing is that not enough Christians know what each title means or the exact details of any position.

Thankfully, Pulse Religion is here to shed some light on this confusing titles.

Pastor

This one is very popular in Nigeria. It has become the norm to see this title used for just about anyone that preaches but what does it really mean.

The word itself is based on Latin and Greek’s translation for “shepherd.” The Bible shows us that the function of a pastor (shepherd) is to tend and care for the needs of his congregation.

This position is perfectly described in the Gospel of John when Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” (John 10:14–15) Further description is seen in John 10:3 and 11.

ALSO READ: Why you should never expect these 3 things from your pastor

Evangelist

A lot of people see evangelists as those that go out into the streets to preach and those that have crusades, Reinhard Bonnke for instance.

Still, the Book of Acts helps us understand exactly what this position is really about. Here, Philip is described specifically as an evangelist in Acts 21:8.

It reads, “The next day we left [Tyre] and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven and stayed with him.”

Earlier, Acts 6:1–7 tells us that Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen to help distribute food to widows in the first Christian community thought Hebrew widows were receiving preferential treatment. (Acts 6:1–7)

Acts 8:14–17 adds that Philip also helped to proclaim the gospel, cast out demons, heal and baptize Samarians and a eunuch in Verses 26–40).

Prophet

T.B Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) is probably the most Man of God that goes by Prophet but is he right to do so?

The word “apostle” originally came from the Greek language. It was used for ambassadors or envoys in the Greek society.

These people were expected to embody the interests of the king or president they represent. No wonder, the term was used for the twelve men around Jesus Christ.

They were expected to be like him because they had been around long enough to reflect his mindset.

Hence, an apostle is expected to be a complete embodiment of the person he represents.

What does the Bible really say about leadership roles

Ephesians 4:11 outlines five leadership positions for the church. They are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers.

The verse read, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

Ultimately, every church should have a person or people that fulfil the function of these five positions.