Then, linked together (by the same article in the Gk.) are the pastors and teachers. It is possible that this phrase describes the ministers of the local church, whereas the first three categories are regarded as belonging to the universal church. More likely, the dominant thought is still of spiritual functions and gifts. Apostles and evangelists had a special task in planting the church in every place, prophets for bringing a particular word from God to a situation. Pastors and teachers were gifted