A. Foundational Proposition
The Lord is restoring apostolic ministry to provide essential services for congregations and their leaders; this ministry is critical to the extension of the kingdom of God throughout the world.
B. Critical Needs of Church/World Interaction
- Christ-centered living, individually and corporately
- I Corinthians 2:2
- Galatians 6:14
- Galatians 4:19
- Colossians 1:28
- Expansion mindset given prominence over maintenance mentality
- Genesis 12:1-3
- II Corinthians 10:13-16
- Vision for mission characterized by the integrity of “being” that is consistent with “doing”
- Proverbs 29:18
- Genesis 17:1-2
- Passion for the will of God governed by compassion for people
- John 4:34
- Matthew 9:13
- Courageous leadership before God and before people
- Jeremiah 30:21
- Joshua 1:5-9, 18
C. Relevant Characteristics of Apostolic Ministry
- Revelation concerning the person of Christ
- Galatians 1:11-16
- Ephesians 3:3-8
- Colossians 2:3
- Taking the gospel to unreached areas
- Romans 15:20
- Holy character which guards and preserves integrity of the ministry
- Ephesians 3:5
- II Corinthians 11:7-33
- Parental care for local churches
- I Thessalonians 2:5-12
- II Corinthians 11:2
- I Corinthians 4:14-17
- Grace and authority to establish the government of God in local congregations
- Acts 14:21-26
- Titus 1:5
D. Ways Apostolic Ministry Serves Congregations
- Lay foundations on Christ; proclaim truth
- I Corinthians 3:10-11
- Ephesians 2:19-22
- Establish order and proper functioning, solve problems
- I Corinthians 1:1-14
- Titus 1:5
- Impartation of truth, life, gifts and callings of God; demonstrate kingdom
- Romans 1:11
- I Timothy 4:14
- II Timothy 1:6
- I Corinthians 2:4-5
- Reproduce vision, character, anointing on corporate and individual level; train leaders
- I Corinthians 9:1-2
- II Timothy 2:1-2
- Promote unity of body of Christ; pray life
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- John 17:20-21
- Mobilize gifts and resources for outreach; spearhead church planting
- Romans 15:18-20
- II Corinthians 8-9
E. Ways Apostolic Ministry Serves Pastoral Leaders
- Discerning, direction for life and ministry
- Aid in setting goals for personal life and ministry
- Assist in keeping family and finances under Lordship of Christ
- Pastorally, provides the ministry of confession/absolution
- Encouraging and challenging courage in leadership
- Promote unity among local pastors
F. Vision
Let there be an increased recognition of what God is doing to mobilize the church through apostolic ministry. May the authority of these servants God has appointed increase as their relationships with local congregations and pastoral leaders are deepened. May their number increase inside and alongside denominations and networks of churches.
