Welcome to Sure Foundation Academy!

 The word apostle comes from the Greek apóstolos, meaning someone sent or commissioned by an authority. Four essential functions characterize the work of an apostle: 

• They are sent, which means compelled to go make disciples by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-4), and by the church (2 Corinthians 8:23)
• They are preachers, which means they are gifted to proclaim the critical information of the gospel and of Christ to a public audience. (Acts 17:22-23)
• They are teachers, which means they are gifted at imparting knowledge of the Bible and instructing the people of God on how to apply it. (Colossians 1:28-29)
• They suffer; an apostle is endowed with the ability to endure great suffering in his service to Christ. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10, Acts 14:19-22,)

 The Greek word for prophet, prophḗtēs, refers to one who speaks forth by the inspiration of God. Five critical functions make up the work of a prophet: 

• They are forth tellers, meaning they speak forth God’s message for a particular situation. ( 1 Corinthians 14:29-32)
• They are foretellers, this means they solemnly declare to men what they have received by inspiration, especially future events, and in particular as relates to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. ( Acts 11:25-27; Acts 21:10-14)
• They are exhorters, meaning they personally give God's verdict, i.e., "the close-call" that reveals how the Lord weighs in the relevant facts (evidence). ( 2 Samuel 12:1-12,)directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out God’s plan, delivering His particular message to someone else. 
• They are edifiers, meaning they give constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be a suitable dwelling place of God. ( Luke 3:7-18)
• They are comforters, meaning they, with a greater degree of tenderness, persuade, calm, and console the people of God. (Acts 15:32)

 Evangelist, coming from the Greek word euaggelistḗs, refers to an individual with a vocational calling from God to announce the good news of the gospel. Although all Christians are called to share the gospel, evangelists not only consider it their life’s mission but also inspire other believers to do the same. Three distinct functions characterize the work of an evangelist: 

• They are preachers, meaning they preach the full message of Christ's salvation (the whole Gospel). (Acts 8:5)
• They are missionaries, meaning they are a person on a mission, especially to promote Christ everywhere. They are heralds of salvation through Christ who go to cities and to foreigners. (Acts 8:5-8)(Acts 8:26-36)
• The gospel is their vocation, meaning every Christian is called to share the Gospel, but ("an evangelist") does so as a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation. (Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5)

Often considered synonymous with elder, bishop, or overseer, the term pastor is seldom used in the New Testament. The Greek word for "pastor," poimḗn, means "shepherd." It refers to someone whom the Lord raises up to care for the royal well-being of His flock. Unlike elders and bishops, who are appointed by the Holy Spirit through apostles, pastors are called and positioned by Christ himself. Three essential tasks characterize the work of a pastor: 

• They preside over the assembly, meaning they are the overseers of the Christian assemblies (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
• They are managers, meaning they care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord) ( Acts 20:28-29)
• They are directors and protectors, meaning a person who is in charge of maintaining order, fidelity, and safety. (Titus 1:10-14)

The Greek word for teacher, didáskalos, refers to someone who instructs with authority in matters of faith, morals, and scriptures. As evidenced by the frequent use of the word "teach" in the New Testament, the teacher plays a crucial role in providing insight into the things of God and the duties of man. Those Christ has appointed to be teachers are responsible for training, instructing, and imparting knowledge. Three essentials characterize the teacher: 

• They are teachable, meaning they are acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning, in Scripture. (Luke 6:40)
• They are great communicators, engaging others in discourse to instruct (Matthew 5-7)
• They are accountable, meaning they undertake the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit, to teach the Scriptures (the written Word of God). (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 13:1, cf. James 3:1)