What, then, is the role of leaders and preachers? In answering, we must challenge false traditions. Many denominations divide their members into two separate classes. The first class is the trained leaders called “clergy.” The second class is the rest, called the “laity” or “lay” people. Clergy take important roles for evangelism, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Laity take lesser roles. That division is not biblical. Yes, the Lord creates leadership for the church. But what is the task of leaders? Here is one description:
[Christ] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The apostles and prophets are the foundation level of leadership (Ephesians 2:20; Acts 2:41-42; 2 Peter 3:2). Evangelists, shepherds (also called elders) and teachers are leaders building on the apostolic foundation. These five types of leaders “equip” God’s people “for the work of ministry.” Did you catch that? In this passage, the members are the ministers! Their leaders prepare them for their respective ministry roles.
In Ephesians 4, notice the term “evangelists.” They spearhead the church’s evangelistic efforts. Paul does that, advancing the Gospel into new regions (Romans 15:16-21; Colossians 1:23). Philip and Timothy are recognized as “evangelists” (Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5). That recognition does not exclude others from evangelizing. Indeed, evangelists are the trainers, showing members what and how to teach. Look at Timothy’s role.
What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).