The Apostolic-Prophetic-Charismatic Church Movement

Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 1:13

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."

Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today with hearts open to the truth of God’s Word, seeking clarity and discernment in a time of great spiritual deception. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, urges him to hold fast to the pattern of sound teaching he had received. This command is just as vital for us today as it was for Timothy.

There is a movement in certain circles known as the "Five Fold Ministry." This teaching claims to restore the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13. While this passage is indeed part of Scripture, the danger lies in the distortion of its meaning and the elevation of new so-called apostles and prophets who claim fresh revelations and authority.

Let us explore why we must remain vigilant against such deviations, grounding ourselves in the eternal truth of God’s Word.

The Authority of the Apostles

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:2,

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."

The authority of the apostles is rooted in their direct commission from Christ. They laid the foundation of the Church through the inspired teachings we now find in Scripture. Once this foundation was laid, there was no need to rebuild it. The apostles continue to instruct us through their writings, and no new apostles can claim the same authority today. Galatians 1:8-9 makes this clear:

"Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you." 

Any deviation from the gospel already delivered is dangerous and must be rejected.

The Misinterpretation of Ephesians 4:11-13

The Five Fold Ministry takes its name from Ephesians 4:11-13, where Paul mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. However, we must recognize that Paul gives different lists of gifts in other letters, such as in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul adds miracles, healings, helps, guidance, and tongues. In Romans 12, Paul mentions prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. The existence of multiple lists indicates that no single list was meant to be exhaustive or hierarchical.

The Five Fold Ministry often insists on restoring apostles and prophets to leadership roles. Yet, Paul’s intent in Ephesians was not to establish a permanent hierarchical structure but to illustrate the variety of gifts God has given for the edification of the Church.

The Danger of False Apostles and Prophets

History shows us that false apostles and prophets can lead believers astray. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4,

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

The Five Fold Ministry’s emphasis on "new revelations" contradicts the sufficiency of Scripture. God’s Word is complete. Any claim to new, authoritative revelation undermines the finality of the gospel message.

A concerning aspect of this movement is the promotion of women pastors and prophets, which contradicts the biblical order of church leadership. 1 Timothy 2:12 clearly states,

"I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." 

While women have vital roles within the Church, pastoral leadership is reserved for qualified men, as modeled by Christ and His apostles. Deviating from this divine order opens the door to confusion and false teaching, further straying from the sound words of Scripture.

The True Role of Spiritual Gifts

While we acknowledge that God continues to distribute spiritual gifts to His people, we must remember their purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says,

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 

Gifts are meant to build up the body of Christ, not to elevate individuals or create divisions.

In Romans 12:4-8, Paul emphasizes humility, service, and mutual encouragement. The Church thrives not because of a select few but because of the diverse contributions of all its members, united under the lordship of Christ.

Holding Fast to the Gospel

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy was simple yet profound:

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2).

The gospel message has been delivered once for all (Jude 1:3). It does not need enhancement or new revelation. Our task is to faithfully proclaim and live by the Word of God.

Knowing Them by Their Fruits

Now I want to briefly discuss the appointing of many self proclaimed prophets prophetesses. Jesus gave us a clear standard for identifying false teachers and prophets: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16). But understand this—fruit is not just about appearances. Someone can display what seems like good fruit: charisma, kindness, powerful sermons, and even perform miracles. Yet if they are not operating under biblically approved authority, they are not sent by God.

We see this especially in the rise of self-proclaimed prophets within charismatic ministries today. Many claim divine authority, prophesy wealth and success, and draw massive crowds with dramatic signs and wonders. Jesus Himself gives us his warning in Matthew 7:22-23,

“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’”

The sobering truth is that many of these so-called “miracles” are nothing more than staged performances. Paid actors are often used to create the illusion of healings and supernatural manifestations, all to manipulate emotions and gain attention for personal profit. This exploitation preys on the vulnerable, turning what should be sacred into a spectacle for fame and fortune.

But hear me clearly—God is not a showman. His power is real, but it will never be used for personal gain or emotional manipulation. True miracles glorify God, not the person performing them. They call people to repentance and reveal His holiness, not serve as tools for building a platform or expanding personal influence.

A true prophet submits to Scripture, not personal revelation alone. The authority of God is never self-appointed—it is confirmed by alignment with His Word, accountability in the body of Christ, and the presence of godly character. Gifts without submission to truth are deception.

No matter how large the crowd or how powerful the display, if someone rejects correction, twists Scripture for gain, or places themselves above biblical authority, they are bearing false fruit. True fruit is seen not in public spectacle but in personal holiness, humility, and faithfulness to Christ’s teaching. As Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Church, we must be vigilant. Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Do not be swayed by emotional displays, sensational claims, or the size of a following. Hold fast to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. If their fruit is rooted in self-promotion, manipulation, or personal gain, it is rotten. But if it exalts Christ, submits fully to Scripture, and produces righteousness, it is true.

Let us be a people who discern rightly, standing firm on the solid foundation of God’s Word, unmoved by deception but rooted in the truth that sets us free.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, let us hold fast to the sound words of Scripture. Be wary of those who claim new authority, for Christ alone is the head of the Church. His apostles have spoken, and their words endure for our instruction. Let us stand firm in faith and love, teaching and encouraging one another as we await the return of our Lord.

May we be steadfast in sound doctrine, unwavering in our devotion, and ever vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. To Christ be the glory forever. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the unchanging truth of Your Word. Keep us grounded in sound doctrine and protect us from deception. May Your Spirit guide us in humility, unity, and love as we serve one another in the Body of Christ. Strengthen our faith and help us to stand firm until the day of Your return. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.