Justice League, for me and my husband, was a fun and entertaining film. Perfect? No. It had its downfalls, but overall, I walked out of the theater with a smile on my face! And the conversation that unfolded in the car ride back home with my husband was too good not to share. I'm not sure too many people start drawing parallels between superheroes in a film to ministry. The five-fold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13 is comprised of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. The Justice League film features six members, but each seemed to relate to a particular ministry role. Here’s a breakdown… and it’s sure to answer every question you’ve ever had about the five-fold ministry… maybe!
***SPOILERS AHEAD! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!***
Apostle: Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a leader, takes charge, is sent by her people—the Amazons—with an ongoing theme of Love, Truth, and Beauty. Her guidance and wisdom help assemble the Justice League, recognizing the strength of each member while giving direction to victory and success. In her stride, she challenges everyone to work together and leaves no man behind.
Prophet: Bruce Wayne aka Batman
Batman has vivid impressions, conviction, a strong voice, and doesn’t care who gets offended in the process. In Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, he even has a dream of the end of the world. He saw the warfare, what could be, and even detailed images of the parademons attacking people. He is so convinced by his dreams that he seeks help to prevent this invasion of evil and entropy by enlisting members of the League. He sees each individual’s gifting and calling, encouraging them to use it for the good of humanity.
Evangelist: Arthur Curry aka Aquaman
Jesus called us to be fishers of men. Aquaman is more like a fisher for men. Aquaman lets people taste and see the kingdom he represents by bringing food once a year (on the king tide, I might add). In the film, he is portrayed as more of an ambassador of the kingdom of Atlantis. An evangelist is someone who preaches the kingdom of God with a demonstration of power. Many modern-day itinerant evangelists don’t stay in one place but are on the move as they travel from place to place on their circuit. Plus, Aquaman's hair most closely resembles Todd White… so there’s that.
Pastor: Clark Kent aka Superman
A pastor often gets confused as the preacher or leader of a church (which is sometimes true). But in its purest form, a pastor is a shepherd, caring for people. None of the League does this better than the Man of Steel. He can be in the middle of the greatest battle, but if he hears a cry for help, he will fly over to aid those civilians in their time of need. Everything he does is centered on helping and assisting others. For him, the lives of people are a worthy and noble investment.
Teacher: Victor Stone aka Cyborg
A teacher can break down the most complicated information and communicate it to others in a way that makes sense. Cyborg is half man, half machine. Interfacing with technology including satellites and the Web, Cyborg sees and hears everything in the digital world in a language no one else could ever understand, but can drill it down to a level the layman can comprehend.
The Disciple: Barry Allen aka The Flash
Disciples are not technically a part of the five-fold, but they are the byproduct of the five-fold, as they fulfill the Great Commission to empower and equip others. When Jesus made disciples, He didn’t just give them head knowledge… He sent them out to do the work of the ministry. There is a scene where Barry Allen, decked out in his red Flash armor, is transparent and honest in telling Batman that he has never done battle. It’s a moment of uncertainty, timidity, and a moment of decision: fight or flight (or run!). In that moment, Batman tells Barry, “Save one. Save one person.”
Barry asks, “And then [what]?”
“Then you’ll know [what to do],” Batman reassures him.
Wow! What a clear picture of leadership and teachability… empowering people that are learning how to "do the stuff." Barry runs in, saves one person, and has an epiphany. I'm well equipped for my mission! I can do this! And there are more people who need saving! So he does it again, and again, and again… until everyone in the grip of the enemy was saved. All I could think of was Heidi Baker who always preaches on “stopping for the one.” The Flash saved those people in a way no one else could. We are all created uniquely. We are not all called to advance the kingdom like your favorite evangelist, pastor, or prophet. Getting around those who see your calling and gifting; those who encourage you; those who empower you… that will compel you to do amazing things. Signs, wonders, miracles, healing, prophecy. Superheroes have superpowers. Our superpower is the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit working in us!
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)