The Apostle

Good Morning!

There is much talk today about the Apostle and in previous blogs I have touched upon them outlining their primary responsibility and calling. Unfortunately, mixed in with the real, are the self-appointed who have jumped on the Apostolic bandwagon but with limited knowledge and a lack of, “counting the cost.”

I am convinced that God has, and is raising up Apostles today but to say “yes” to that call has a significant price tag. Also the bible seems to deal quite severely with,
“…those that say they are Apostles and are not…” Revelation 2:2

As you probably know, there is also a world of difference between doing apostolic things and being an Apostle. Actions don’t make you; He calls and actions follow that calling.

The following are some checks-and-balances regarding the Apostle. The first six are quoted from Eddie Hyatt’s book, Pursuing Power, How the Historic Quest for Apostolic Power and Control Has Divided and Damaged the Church, and the remaining are my additions.

1. Stay humble. Avoid attitudes of elitism. Many have gotten inflated ideas of their own importance because of God’s blessing upon their lives.

2. Be open to the prophet and prophetic dreams but test everything. An undue reliance upon prophetic ministry has been the down-fall of many.

3. Emphasis leadership rooted in service rather than power. As you probably know, the New Testament word for minister is servant.

4. Avoid the naive and abundant use of titles and self-claims.

5. Avoid legalism by making a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus Christ central for every believer.

6. Be cautious of claims about the immediate apocalyptic end of the world, especially when it is tied to a particular person or movement.

7. Avoid the trap of ranking the five-fold, thinking the Apostle is always the one in charge.

8. Do not get caught in the demonstration of the secondary role of the Apostle but focus on their primary role, “…equipping the saints for the work of the ministry” (serving)

9. Greater consequences are emphasised and higher expectances expressed for those in leadership callings, so great caution and Holy Spirit recognition should be evident before acknowledging the office.

10. The office of the Apostle should be evident by the workings and results of the life of the Apostle.

Apostleship is nothing to be sought for but is bestowed by Holy Spirit for the betterment of the Ekklesia, not the advancement of any denomination, movement or person.

“…and He gave some to be Apostles…for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry”. It must be His purposes we fulfill, not our own.

George