Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FEATHER (08/20/20)
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TITLE: More Than One Way to Fly | Previous Challenge Entry
By marci benoit
08/27/20 -
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A hawk flying through a maze of cacti at close to fifty miles per hour, in pursuit of a rabbit that is trying to out-maneuver him, will soon eat his reward. It is all about the feathers of flight.
Most species of birds use five different types of feathers to accomplish everything airborne. Each type of feather has a specific job so the bird can take off, gain altitude, speed up, slow down, descend and land safely. All of these actions aid in protection, provision, and social interaction.
The primary feathers are the largest and most crucial for flight. Most birds have ten of these on the end of the wing. The bird will not be able to fly if these feathers are damaged or missing.
The secondary feathers run along the arm of the wing. Not as large as the primary feathers, a bird can lose up to half of the secondary feathers and still fly but will lose some control.
Tertiary feathers are on the upper arm and are closest to the body. Although their role in flight is minimal, tertiary feathers offer protection to the other wing feathers when the wing folds.
Tail feathers steer the bird and act as the brake.
Coverts border and overlay all of the above feathers. They do this to streamline or provide a smoother, better aerodynamic shape for the wings and tail. Coverts also provide insulation.
The feathers of flight are similar to the five-fold ministry gifts. In Ephesians Paul tells us: Ephesians 4:11 (KJV) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ephesians 4:12 (KJV) 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Pastors are similar to the primary feathers, because your church is not going to fly without a leader.
Evangelists or preachers of the Gospel are essential but the church can fly if some of the preaching is missing. Worship and teaching often times replaces scheduled preaching.
Apostles, or official commissioners of Christ (with miraculous powers) Strong’s (652) I would consider them the tertiary feathers because flight is not the primary goal of these feathers. An apostle is not usually a member of your church but one coming in to minister to specific needs that your church is experiencing and the current staff may not be holding these gifts in abundance. Maybe this person has a richly anointed healing ministry. This can be a great gift to many of the congregation in one service. The apostle in this case does what the pastoral staff normally is not anointed to do on a large scale thus providing a great blessing for those members. Therefore, the apostle covers the pastoral staff where they cannot cover themselves.
Teachers truly steer the church with what they are teaching. Effective, timely, in depth teaching where God directs, strengthens and grows the church to where it can be a dynamic light in its community.
Prophets are the coverts. They can certainly foretell but they also offer confirmation. When one is operating in the office of a prophet, the prophet’s words bring answers to those seeking answers. Prophetic words from God can offer a way out of situation, or can bring peace with an answer. We are to test the prophets and we should. They are part of the body as are the other four types of ministries.
Welcoming and using all these types of ministries will give our churches a successful and fruit filled operation. Made strong and maintained by the types of ministry Jesus provided for us, we too, will soon receive our reward!
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Thanks for sharing,
Blessings~
Blessings~