True Kingdom Apostolic Networking
True Kingdom Apostolic Networking - Apostle Israel Onoriobe @ www.wvcom-international.org
We are living in a season of transition. The Church is experiencing a transition into a Kingdom dimension and as a result divine relationships are forming to facilitate the present move of God. These relationships will help align us to the true purpose of God in advancing His Kingdom upon the earth.
Network or Networking – What is it? A network is a system of people and set of contacts that is created by the development and maintenance of relationships with others of the same field. In God’s Kingdom, a network is a spiritual, covenant proclamation of relationship in pursuit of a greater vision and purpose. A network is the joining of people through relationship with each other to fulfill a common purpose.
The terms network and networking are to a certain extent new in today’s Church. These expressions were brought into use mainly during the 1980s, when the prophetic movement brought about the restoration and establishment of prophets into the Church.
Despite the fact that the phrase ‘network’ is rarely used, the concept of networking is clearly Biblical.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.” (Matthew 13:47).
The Church is a vital part of the fulfillment of God’s purpose and plan for the harvest of the nations. As a net is knit and interwoven together, so must the Church be to fulfill the great commission. The strength of the net is the binding together of the nuts. This speaks of the importance of relationship and our strength in ministry. We must recognize that the process of building relationship takes time.
A spiritual network is more than an association, more than friendship, and more than a coalition, alliance, union and partnership with one another. A spiritual network is a divine connection that forms the entryway to the grace of God in fulfilling His purpose corporately. Apostolic networks can provide a place of voluntary accountability whereby leaders can agree to apostolic oversight and counsel based on covenant relationship, while maintaining their individual ministries as the Lord leads.
Relationship is not optional but it is a prerequisite to advance the Kingdom of God. As a corporate body, our destiny is linked together. Denominationalism hinders the development of covenant relationship, and lack of relationship hinders the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The effectiveness of our spiritual gifts and ministry and our impact in the nations is determined by the strength of our relationships. Investment into spiritual covenant relationship advances the purposes of God. The apostolic ministry, as well as the other five-fold ministries must promote genuine relationship and interaction among the Body of Christ.
Understanding of covenant relationship is essential in light of today’s superficial and peripheral relationships. Because of shallow and self focused desires there is no connectedness, and the lack of covenant has resulted in broken families, broken ‘churches’ and broken relationships. This lack has affected the morality of the nations and caused a breakdown of order in society. Covenant relationship goes beyond self interest. It is an agreement and a word of honour that we must live up to.
Covenant relationship releases corporate anointing. The present apostolic reformation will see a shift from the normal networking pattern into a more functional and relational system and order that will reflect and proclaim the covenant of God, because much of what is seen now is the building of personal kingdoms and names unto us, rather than God. The glory of our personal kingdoms and monuments does not reflect that which is of God.
Many in the beginning were established accurately in the pattern of an apostolic council and a relationship as reflected in the New Testament but have deviated and receded from this pattern. There is a need for a return to basics.
As apostolic and Kingdom minded leaders, what is our response and attitude towards the concept of relationship? I believe that relationship must be sinless and selfless to achieve success in networking and working together. In our relationships, we must put aside our personal agenda and carry out God’s divine agenda. Relationships based on Kingdom purpose are to be open, honest, cooperative and of the highest integrity.
Relationships should be free from oppression and the spirit of domination. Spiritual domination produces spiritual colonization and thereby limits our ability, potential and hinders growth in the Body of Christ. The result is a dependent Church that cannot function to fulfill God’s purpose, as their source and strength depends on man and not on God.
Liberation and equalization will come as the mountains are brought low, the valleys exalted and the crooked ways are made straight (Isaiah 40:4-5).
When we grow and function together in a cluster there is a release of new wine and the blessings of God in a greater measure that surpasses the individualistic and island mentality of doing things alone. We must understand that there is an impartation of God’s grace that comes through relationship.
"Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all." (Isaiah 65:8).
In recent years and the coming of the new apostolic reformation movement, many apostolic networks have developed across the nations that have been effective and instrumental in the advancement of the Kingdom. However, some have been man’s idea and agenda.
Apostolic network is an act of connecting with like minded ministers and ministries for the purpose of meeting people, making contacts, fellowship, impartation, exchange of ideas, interacting, sharing information and resources. The primary purpose and goal of this is to promote the Kingdom of God. It is not a web for spiritual colonization, domination or seeking for ministry platforms. The purpose for joining a network should not primarily be for what we can get, but what we can offer to invest solely for Kingdom advancement.
Apostolic networks are not supermarkets where we walk in and pick what we like, but are a relational place where covenants are developed for Kingdom purpose and advancement. Independence is left to take up a higher and corporate calling to pursue God. An apostolic network is a means to access a higher grace in order to mature and be ready for the work of the ministry. This grace comes through the set man or presbytery established by the Lord through the Holy Spirit as oversight.
The effective function of a network depends upon our ability to relate in a treaty manner. If we are not connected, then we are disconnected. When there is an absence of true covenant relationship, there will be the presence of divisions and schisms. The working of a relationship is one of deliberate effort. Relationship does not work unless we act to maintain it and a relationship must be serviced by both parties.
Our commitment to a relationship should not be based on what we seek to get and gain, but on the basics of a covenant and the word of spiritual deposit God has for us. It is important to note that fellowship is not possible unless true and genuine relationship is established. Fellowship centers on the common goal birthed by the formation of relationship. Therefore relationship is a vital organ that facilitates fruitful fellowship that advances God’s purpose.
Principles of Networking:
God works in principles and His dealings with us are progressive. There are certain principles and ethics that must be considered in our decision to build relationship and network together with others.
Principle #1: We must share the same values and vision in order to work together to build relationship. Network is the joining together of people through relationship to fulfill a common purpose. I have received several emails and contacts from emerging leaders who desire to build with us or seek to be a part of our ministry, but we cannot receive them.
We establish a covenant with those we have relationship with. They must have the vision and the same purpose (ministry) birthed in them. The spirit and character of the house must work in and through them. They must share the same values and speak the same message of the Kingdom. It’s a process of receiving the Spirit of sonship, because our friends and partners play a vital role in all that we do. What we have we consider as an inheritance given to us by God for true sons in the house who are in covenant with us through relationship.
We do not provide ministry covering and endorsement to everyone who comes to us for this. The provision for covering comes from a divine relationship and connection orchestrated by God, because He places us into our family. It is not a matter of personal choice of which house we want to belong to, but it is which house He has planted us in. We don’t make the choice, He makes the choice.
We cannot relate with those who do not carry the same DNA or life to aid the progress of the movement or network. Such people become parasites that only feast on the available resources without making any meaningful contribution, impute and involvement. Some leaders only network and build relationship because of the size of the church building and number of members, the ministry resources or the influence they can obtain, and therefore they are willing to offer any fee to join. It is like a religious club or becoming a member of a civic organization. Covenant relationship is not a religious club or membership but a God designed relationship. We cannot therefore network and build relationship on these areas mentioned with all kinds of ministries.
Networking promotes cross-pollination in the family and we must be very careful to discern the will of God about whom we work with. There are different families in the Kingdom of God, we need to identify the one God has placed us in. The success of our transition into the restoration of God will be determined by the measure of our relationship with an apostolic family. The apostolic family and tribe creates stability and systematic growth in the things that God is saying and doing. His present truths can also be drawn from outside our immediate network. It is imperative that we draw from other streams outside out network and not be closed-minded.
“And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not show their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.” (Ezra 2:59-62).
“Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 4:1-6).
The day is coming when we will be required to show the family that we belong before we can be counted in what God is doing. If we cannot demonstrate relationship with our father’s house and the family we belong to because of our strange relationships, then we will be put out from the priesthood and the Kingdom.
Principle #2: This is the “Covenant Principle”. There must be an agreement (covenant). God is a covenant God. His relationship and dealings with all men is based on covenant. Without covenant God does not work. He entered into a covenant that provokes His purpose for the earth.
It is not possible to draw from the well of God’s zoe without connection with Him. The eternal zoe of God flows from our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the connection that is built within us in the Body.
“And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” (Genesis 15:7-18).
In the Greek, the word covenant is “diatheke”. It is a contract or agreement between two parties (man to man). In Israel, when two or more people come into a league, contract or agreement, they make a covenant by passing pieces of flesh between them. They say, “If anyone breaks the covenant, may the Lord do unto that person as this animal that is cut into two pieces”. A covenant involves blood.
The covenant that God had with Abraham was not “diatheke” because God knows that man will always break covenant. God entered into a covenant with Himself. The word is “beriyth” in the Hebrew, (God with Himself). God never breaks covenant. God walked alone by Himself between pieces of flesh that Abram cut, and came into covenant to bless Abram and his seed. To seal His confederacy (covenant of blessing), God changed the name of Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. When we walk in true covenant, there is always a change that takes place in the Spirit realm to release the fullness of God’s blessings upon the relationship and to advance the purposes of God.
Principle #3: There must be trust, faithfulness, honesty, loyalty, integrity and responsibility. Transparency is required in our dealings with one another. When there is lack of trust, faithfulness, honesty and responsibility in any relationship it will fail. Treachery destroys trust.
There is the story of the Sawi Tribe in Papua New Guinea. The tribe is known as cannibals. They have idealized treachery and betrayal in their relationship development, and this is what is practiced. The greater the betrayal, the greater the honour. They have a belief called, “tuwi asonai man” meaning “to fatten with friendship for the slaughter”. The motive for this friendship was to later kill and eat.
There has been much treachery and betrayal through relationships in the Church. There has been much exploitation and abuse through some networks and denominations. This has created subjection of the Church and resulted in a beggar mentality as resources are harnessed and their light hidden because of fear and insecurity. No willingness to create exposures.
Trust: It is the willingness to depend or rely on the strength and ability of others without suspicion. Trust is the act of being reliable and having confidence to risk leaving decisions or something in the hands, progress and providence of others.
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” (Philemon 2:19-22).
Paul had trust in God and this resulted in his confidence (trust) in Timothy in sending him to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi. Trust is the nature of God. As leaders we have been divinely imparted and should carry in us that same nature of trust in our relationship with those whom God connects with us.
Faithfulness: It is to be committed, accurate and true to facts. To be faithful is to be trustworthy and dependent upon. One can entrust Kingdom responsibilities to our care knowing that we will be loyal to bear and continue that stewardship.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.” (Colossians 4:6-9).
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
To be faithful means we keep our word regardless of whether others do or do not.
Honesty: It is the quality of truthfulness, sincerity, being complete in emotion, attitude and the demonstration of high sense of integrity in our ways. Honesty requires that our words line up with our actions. The conviction of who we are is inseparable from our life and walk. Honesty distinguishes us and makes us valuable and virtuous. The work of the Father is only committed to men of honesty.
“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” (Acts 6:3).
“….Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17).
“Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. “ (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
Loyalty: It is the quality of a life of true focus and unwavering commitment to a cause or principle. Loyalty establishes order and support. Loyalty does not bring differences and conflicting interests but gives priority and protection against the violation of the integrity of a relationship and family.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed {his loyalty), and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Responsibility: It is the state or fact of being reliable and accountable. Responsibility requires submission to those in a position of authority. It is an attitude of bearing trust capably. God needs responsible sons and daughters in the Kingdom who will steward that which is His.
“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care (be responsible) for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” (Philemon 2:20-21).
Integrity: It is an unimpaired condition of moral and artistic value. Integrity is a quality of life, a state of being upright, complete and undivided. It calls for soundness, reliability and completeness.
As we move with God and establish relationships and network, integrity in both life and ministry must be demonstrated. There must be adherence to God’s moral values. The Church is desperately in need for true leaders who are honest, transparent, God–fearing, purposeful, experienced, focused, goal oriented and above all, balanced in the word of truth. There is no time for dishonesty and superficial leadership, integrity is essential. God needs leaders with substance that will advance His Kingdom purpose.
Principle #4: There must be a mutual respect for one another’s ministry and vision. Every relationship requires respect for each other’s vision and viewpoint. As I travel in developed and underdeveloped nations, I have noticed a lack of mutual respect. This lack undermines the gifting and grace of the leaders and the people. They are only seen as those to be ministered to. Value must be placed on both the ministry and the vision of the local ministries to create opportunities. An atmosphere of mutual respect is required for relationship.
Principle #5: We must be committed to one another. Relationship requires commitment. Do not develop relationships where there is no commitment. It is important that we keep well-defined, clear and open communication. Communication is not only established when we have a need from the other party, especially in long distance relationship that goes beyond the shores of national boundaries. Relationship surpasses geography. Contact on a regular basis is important for all relationship. Our lines of communication must be clear and open always. Lack of communication brings a breakdown of relationship and this causes misunderstanding.
The World Wide Web is a God given system to build relationship. This system should be used and not given to the enemy to abuse. The gospel can and should be advanced through this means.
As we come into relationship, network or the spiritual family that God has placed us in, commitment will assist us to work out differences. We must recognize the will of God and stay committed. We function more effectively by virtue of our commitment to one another. We should not walk out of a relationship the Lord has placed us in because of offence, except where there is no covenant. Give no room for the enemy to influence or manipulate what God has arranged. Remain committed to your covenant relationships.
Principle #6: Recognize the Structure of Authority. In every relationship and network God’s ordained authority structure exists and they must be recognized. This helps us to overcome the island mentality of doing things independently. The pattern of God is that we should become a part of a family network and spiritual relationship, so that there will be a true spiritual structure of authority, accountability and covering. Those who are independent without a family they belong to are considered rebellious and they are casted out. The breakdown of relationship to authority results in independence and decision making in the absence of counsel and spiritual support.
“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25).
“Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.” (Judges 18:1).
The issue of leadership has to be well addressed because leadership is a foundation, a platform upon which the success of the relationship network stands. The development of relationship network in accordance with the New Testament pattern raises up an apostolic council that is not governed by the traditional autocratic hierarchy. The present development of networking must adopt this New Testament pattern, the philosophy of servant-hood and an apostolic structure of governmental rule.
Lack of structural authority and the lack of recognition and submission to authority have wrought division and schism in the Body. Careless living, a lack of assurance, confidence and safety has resulted, jeopardizing our spiritual inheritance because it is devoid of confidence and leaving out hope among leaders.
We loose our spiritual inheritance in God and His Kingdom when we begin to decide and walk in our own ways of doing things, without recognizing spiritual leadership and structures. We cannot run on the highway and choose whomsoever we wish and bring them into headship and submit to them.
“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:5-6).
Kingdom advancement requires strategy through the release of the fullness of the five-fold ministries. One of the strategies for Kingdom reformation and advancement of the gospel is that there must be relationship with other ministries and ministers.
Apostles and apostolic churches are relational. They build relationship and seek for innovative strategies to get this done. We need to get over our attitude that we have with people in the city and in the Body of Christ, and begin to pursue godly relationship that will advance the purposes of the Kingdom of God.
On the other hand, when our relationship with an apostolic ministry demands the forfeiting of God’s gifts, ministry and calling upon our lives to come join theirs, it calls for a careful re-examination of the motives of such apostolic ministry if the interest is to build God’s Kingdom or their own kingdom to make a name unto themselves. We are not called to build our dynasty and empire, but to build the Kingdom of God in the earth. Attempts to change your gifts, ministry or call cut short the grace of God in your life. There is falsity and spuriousness in drawing others to serve us or be with our so call ministry or church. Our relationship with an apostle or an apostolic network does not change the gifts, calling and ministry of God upon our life, but it helps to define it, to confirm it and sharpen our focus towards the purposes of God in the earth.
Apostolic Team Spirit:
It is important that we come to realize that one of the ways by which the nations will be imparted by the declaration of the gospel of the Kingdom is through apostolic teams. The functioning of apostolic teams speaks much of the process of development and maturity of the local church. One of the apostolic strategies for the accomplishment of God’s purpose in the earth is through the release of matured apostolic teams that operates through a right lineup and chain of order.
T – Together
E – Everyone
A – Achieves
M – More
An apostolic team is a “sent working company” that is perfectly joined together as clusters. These teams operate concurrently in the same mind, speaking the same thing and going in the same direction and purpose.
“Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Apostolic teams are built on covenant relationship and not in an institutional way. Functional apostolic teams indicate the level of development and maturity of the church and assist the church to extend beyond the local environment and impact the nations. It is important that the team be trained and released into new territories to affect and impart these places.
Apostolic teams carry the same burden and passion. Clarity of vision, purpose and goal symbolizes this team.
Priority is given to fellowship, teaching and training to help develop an apostolic team spirit (Numbers 11:14-17). When there is team spirit there can be the development of a Kingdom mentality. The terms “my project” and “my mission” and “my ministry” disappears in the corporate effort to forcefully advance God’s Kingdom. Team spirit is a product of a covenant. When we walk in commonality and covenant, the joy of accomplishing the mandate together is fulfilled because there are others who are connected to us and knitted together in commitment to fulfill the same purpose and reach the goal.
Antioch Church Structure:
Antioch churches are local churches with apostolic perspective. These churches have a dynamic vision of sending out apostolic teams to reproduce apostolic churches in other territories and nations in order to advance the Kingdom of God. They are modeled on the apostolic Church that was in Antioch as mentioned in Acts 13.
New Testament churches must become prototype Antioch churches that have a sending spirit. The sending spirit of the Antioch church can be birthed in the local church, changing it from a camping ground to a training and dispatch centre. Those who are trained must be released into the work. The apostolic spirit is a sending spirit whose hallmark is the conveyance of grace.
“In the church at Antioch there were these prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (also called Niger), Lucius (from the city of Cyrene), Manaen (who had grown up with Herod, the ruler), and Saul. They were all worshiping the Lord and giving up eating (fasting) for a certain time. During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen them." So after they gave up eating (fasting) and prayed, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out. Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, went to the city of Seleucia. From there they sailed to the island of Cyprus.” (Acts 13:1-4 - New Century Translation).
Antioch Churches are proto-type New Testament patterned apostolic company with a sending mentality to release others into the work of the ministry under the specific direction of the Holy Spirit. They are apostolic [Greek: “apostello”] in nature, a company of saints called out and sent forth to declare the Kingdom of God in the earth under the oversight of apostolic leadership and the direction of the Holy Spirit. They are a sent company.
The character of a true Antioch apostolic Church is that it has an apostolic measure and dimension of grace. It is that of the five-fold ministry gifts in operation. It is very prophetic in nature, it is an evangelically oriented Church, and it provides pastoral function and a proper discipleship value for teaching the people in other to produce matured saints.
Apostolic Team Structure:
Apostolic teams consist of the five-fold ministry gifts with a mature apostolic leader giving oversight in a delegated area, community or nation. Other leaders within that area must relate with an apostolic vision an oversight in other to create and bring a maximum impart to that region. The goal of apostolic teams is to achieve Kingdom advancement and leaders lead by principle.
The apostles and the apostolic teams are obligated to both stewardship and accountability. We must walk in the integrity of our hearts as stewards of the Lord as correction and adjustment is brought through accountability. Titus and Timothy were young apostles who were both accountable to Paul, who was himself accountable to apostolic leaders.
“Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.” (Galatians 1:17-18)
“Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.” (Galatians 2:1-2 New International Version).
Apostolic teams must have pure and authentic motives for their operation as they are being led by the Holy Spirit and driven by the apostolic commission in bringing salvation to the ends of the earth and to impart and invest into the Church.. The ministry of the apostolic team must not be merchandise for financial gain. The goal is not on what is to be gained individually, but what is to be gained by God Himself. There must be proper financial accountability and an agreed reporting structure. They should be accountable to the presbytery of the sending agent and local church that serves as the apostolic center.
Apostolic teams must be submissive to authority and this principle is tested continuously for evidence of the spirit of true humility (Mathew 18:1-4).
Apostolic teams are builders in the Spirit realm. Apostolic teams establish foundations, birth innovation and bring divine impartation through relationship with local church leaders. They do not simply come to establish their own agenda and to promote the ecclesiastical pattern already established in those churches and regions, With a Kingdom agenda, the up-to-the-minute moves of the Holy Spirit are declared. Upgrades and breakthroughs in spiritual technology are shared.
The work of an apostolic team cannot be done alone. We are not independent workers for God's Kingdom, but as particular members of the Body of Christ that operates in a team spirit. Certainly we can accomplish some things independently, but more effective work and greater results are produced by team. We need all five-fold ministry gifts to function together as ordained by God. Each must operate in order to establish God’s purpose in the earth. When we function independently as a one man soldier, we limit ourselves in the ministry and we lack the flavour of the plurality of ministry that is yoked together in the same purpose of God.
The apostolic reformation is not only the restoration of the apostles but it is the restoration of the five-fold ministry of the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists. The five-fold ministry is needed for the apostolic team to penetrate and invade the nations as they impact the Body of Christ to raise up and release matured saints who have come into sonship for the purpose of Kingdom advancement.
Part of the apostolic function is to bring ministry teams together and facilitate relationship and godly covenant among them to bring unity in the Body of Christ. The fragmentation and disintegration of the Church in some nations is heartbreaking. Some leaders and ministries are trying to do the work of God independently while others pick up offences or bring destruction. Isolation from the fellowship of believers and lack of vital relationship in the Church results in a lack of divine order and the breakdown of apostolic structure. We should not lose contact with God’s ordain order and pattern.
The restoration of the five-fold ministry and apostolic order in the Church will signal the end of divisions among leaders and ministries. Apostles and the five-fold ministries must go into cities and nations to bring unity in the Body of Christ. Unity brings power, blessing and life (Psalm 133). Access to the colossal power of God’s Kingdom is granted when the Church walks in unity.
We are living in a season of transition. The Church is experiencing a transition into a Kingdom dimension and as a result divine relationships are forming to facilitate the present move of God. These relationships will help align us to the true purpose of God in advancing His Kingdom upon the earth.
Network or Networking – What is it? A network is a system of people and set of contacts that is created by the development and maintenance of relationships with others of the same field. In God’s Kingdom, a network is a spiritual, covenant proclamation of relationship in pursuit of a greater vision and purpose. A network is the joining of people through relationship with each other to fulfill a common purpose.
The terms network and networking are to a certain extent new in today’s Church. These expressions were brought into use mainly during the 1980s, when the prophetic movement brought about the restoration and establishment of prophets into the Church.
Despite the fact that the phrase ‘network’ is rarely used, the concept of networking is clearly Biblical.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.” (Matthew 13:47).
The Church is a vital part of the fulfillment of God’s purpose and plan for the harvest of the nations. As a net is knit and interwoven together, so must the Church be to fulfill the great commission. The strength of the net is the binding together of the nuts. This speaks of the importance of relationship and our strength in ministry. We must recognize that the process of building relationship takes time.
A spiritual network is more than an association, more than friendship, and more than a coalition, alliance, union and partnership with one another. A spiritual network is a divine connection that forms the entryway to the grace of God in fulfilling His purpose corporately. Apostolic networks can provide a place of voluntary accountability whereby leaders can agree to apostolic oversight and counsel based on covenant relationship, while maintaining their individual ministries as the Lord leads.
Relationship is not optional but it is a prerequisite to advance the Kingdom of God. As a corporate body, our destiny is linked together. Denominationalism hinders the development of covenant relationship, and lack of relationship hinders the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The effectiveness of our spiritual gifts and ministry and our impact in the nations is determined by the strength of our relationships. Investment into spiritual covenant relationship advances the purposes of God. The apostolic ministry, as well as the other five-fold ministries must promote genuine relationship and interaction among the Body of Christ.
Understanding of covenant relationship is essential in light of today’s superficial and peripheral relationships. Because of shallow and self focused desires there is no connectedness, and the lack of covenant has resulted in broken families, broken ‘churches’ and broken relationships. This lack has affected the morality of the nations and caused a breakdown of order in society. Covenant relationship goes beyond self interest. It is an agreement and a word of honour that we must live up to.
Covenant relationship releases corporate anointing. The present apostolic reformation will see a shift from the normal networking pattern into a more functional and relational system and order that will reflect and proclaim the covenant of God, because much of what is seen now is the building of personal kingdoms and names unto us, rather than God. The glory of our personal kingdoms and monuments does not reflect that which is of God.
Many in the beginning were established accurately in the pattern of an apostolic council and a relationship as reflected in the New Testament but have deviated and receded from this pattern. There is a need for a return to basics.
As apostolic and Kingdom minded leaders, what is our response and attitude towards the concept of relationship? I believe that relationship must be sinless and selfless to achieve success in networking and working together. In our relationships, we must put aside our personal agenda and carry out God’s divine agenda. Relationships based on Kingdom purpose are to be open, honest, cooperative and of the highest integrity.
Relationships should be free from oppression and the spirit of domination. Spiritual domination produces spiritual colonization and thereby limits our ability, potential and hinders growth in the Body of Christ. The result is a dependent Church that cannot function to fulfill God’s purpose, as their source and strength depends on man and not on God.
Liberation and equalization will come as the mountains are brought low, the valleys exalted and the crooked ways are made straight (Isaiah 40:4-5).
When we grow and function together in a cluster there is a release of new wine and the blessings of God in a greater measure that surpasses the individualistic and island mentality of doing things alone. We must understand that there is an impartation of God’s grace that comes through relationship.
"Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all." (Isaiah 65:8).
In recent years and the coming of the new apostolic reformation movement, many apostolic networks have developed across the nations that have been effective and instrumental in the advancement of the Kingdom. However, some have been man’s idea and agenda.
Apostolic network is an act of connecting with like minded ministers and ministries for the purpose of meeting people, making contacts, fellowship, impartation, exchange of ideas, interacting, sharing information and resources. The primary purpose and goal of this is to promote the Kingdom of God. It is not a web for spiritual colonization, domination or seeking for ministry platforms. The purpose for joining a network should not primarily be for what we can get, but what we can offer to invest solely for Kingdom advancement.
Apostolic networks are not supermarkets where we walk in and pick what we like, but are a relational place where covenants are developed for Kingdom purpose and advancement. Independence is left to take up a higher and corporate calling to pursue God. An apostolic network is a means to access a higher grace in order to mature and be ready for the work of the ministry. This grace comes through the set man or presbytery established by the Lord through the Holy Spirit as oversight.
The effective function of a network depends upon our ability to relate in a treaty manner. If we are not connected, then we are disconnected. When there is an absence of true covenant relationship, there will be the presence of divisions and schisms. The working of a relationship is one of deliberate effort. Relationship does not work unless we act to maintain it and a relationship must be serviced by both parties.
Our commitment to a relationship should not be based on what we seek to get and gain, but on the basics of a covenant and the word of spiritual deposit God has for us. It is important to note that fellowship is not possible unless true and genuine relationship is established. Fellowship centers on the common goal birthed by the formation of relationship. Therefore relationship is a vital organ that facilitates fruitful fellowship that advances God’s purpose.
Principles of Networking:
God works in principles and His dealings with us are progressive. There are certain principles and ethics that must be considered in our decision to build relationship and network together with others.
Principle #1: We must share the same values and vision in order to work together to build relationship. Network is the joining together of people through relationship to fulfill a common purpose. I have received several emails and contacts from emerging leaders who desire to build with us or seek to be a part of our ministry, but we cannot receive them.
We establish a covenant with those we have relationship with. They must have the vision and the same purpose (ministry) birthed in them. The spirit and character of the house must work in and through them. They must share the same values and speak the same message of the Kingdom. It’s a process of receiving the Spirit of sonship, because our friends and partners play a vital role in all that we do. What we have we consider as an inheritance given to us by God for true sons in the house who are in covenant with us through relationship.
We do not provide ministry covering and endorsement to everyone who comes to us for this. The provision for covering comes from a divine relationship and connection orchestrated by God, because He places us into our family. It is not a matter of personal choice of which house we want to belong to, but it is which house He has planted us in. We don’t make the choice, He makes the choice.
We cannot relate with those who do not carry the same DNA or life to aid the progress of the movement or network. Such people become parasites that only feast on the available resources without making any meaningful contribution, impute and involvement. Some leaders only network and build relationship because of the size of the church building and number of members, the ministry resources or the influence they can obtain, and therefore they are willing to offer any fee to join. It is like a religious club or becoming a member of a civic organization. Covenant relationship is not a religious club or membership but a God designed relationship. We cannot therefore network and build relationship on these areas mentioned with all kinds of ministries.
Networking promotes cross-pollination in the family and we must be very careful to discern the will of God about whom we work with. There are different families in the Kingdom of God, we need to identify the one God has placed us in. The success of our transition into the restoration of God will be determined by the measure of our relationship with an apostolic family. The apostolic family and tribe creates stability and systematic growth in the things that God is saying and doing. His present truths can also be drawn from outside our immediate network. It is imperative that we draw from other streams outside out network and not be closed-minded.
“And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not show their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.” (Ezra 2:59-62).
“Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.” (Ezra 4:1-6).
The day is coming when we will be required to show the family that we belong before we can be counted in what God is doing. If we cannot demonstrate relationship with our father’s house and the family we belong to because of our strange relationships, then we will be put out from the priesthood and the Kingdom.
Principle #2: This is the “Covenant Principle”. There must be an agreement (covenant). God is a covenant God. His relationship and dealings with all men is based on covenant. Without covenant God does not work. He entered into a covenant that provokes His purpose for the earth.
It is not possible to draw from the well of God’s zoe without connection with Him. The eternal zoe of God flows from our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the connection that is built within us in the Body.
“And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” (Genesis 15:7-18).
In the Greek, the word covenant is “diatheke”. It is a contract or agreement between two parties (man to man). In Israel, when two or more people come into a league, contract or agreement, they make a covenant by passing pieces of flesh between them. They say, “If anyone breaks the covenant, may the Lord do unto that person as this animal that is cut into two pieces”. A covenant involves blood.
The covenant that God had with Abraham was not “diatheke” because God knows that man will always break covenant. God entered into a covenant with Himself. The word is “beriyth” in the Hebrew, (God with Himself). God never breaks covenant. God walked alone by Himself between pieces of flesh that Abram cut, and came into covenant to bless Abram and his seed. To seal His confederacy (covenant of blessing), God changed the name of Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. When we walk in true covenant, there is always a change that takes place in the Spirit realm to release the fullness of God’s blessings upon the relationship and to advance the purposes of God.
Principle #3: There must be trust, faithfulness, honesty, loyalty, integrity and responsibility. Transparency is required in our dealings with one another. When there is lack of trust, faithfulness, honesty and responsibility in any relationship it will fail. Treachery destroys trust.
There is the story of the Sawi Tribe in Papua New Guinea. The tribe is known as cannibals. They have idealized treachery and betrayal in their relationship development, and this is what is practiced. The greater the betrayal, the greater the honour. They have a belief called, “tuwi asonai man” meaning “to fatten with friendship for the slaughter”. The motive for this friendship was to later kill and eat.
There has been much treachery and betrayal through relationships in the Church. There has been much exploitation and abuse through some networks and denominations. This has created subjection of the Church and resulted in a beggar mentality as resources are harnessed and their light hidden because of fear and insecurity. No willingness to create exposures.
Trust: It is the willingness to depend or rely on the strength and ability of others without suspicion. Trust is the act of being reliable and having confidence to risk leaving decisions or something in the hands, progress and providence of others.
“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” (Philemon 2:19-22).
Paul had trust in God and this resulted in his confidence (trust) in Timothy in sending him to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi. Trust is the nature of God. As leaders we have been divinely imparted and should carry in us that same nature of trust in our relationship with those whom God connects with us.
Faithfulness: It is to be committed, accurate and true to facts. To be faithful is to be trustworthy and dependent upon. One can entrust Kingdom responsibilities to our care knowing that we will be loyal to bear and continue that stewardship.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.” (Colossians 4:6-9).
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
To be faithful means we keep our word regardless of whether others do or do not.
Honesty: It is the quality of truthfulness, sincerity, being complete in emotion, attitude and the demonstration of high sense of integrity in our ways. Honesty requires that our words line up with our actions. The conviction of who we are is inseparable from our life and walk. Honesty distinguishes us and makes us valuable and virtuous. The work of the Father is only committed to men of honesty.
“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” (Acts 6:3).
“….Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17).
“Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. “ (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
Loyalty: It is the quality of a life of true focus and unwavering commitment to a cause or principle. Loyalty establishes order and support. Loyalty does not bring differences and conflicting interests but gives priority and protection against the violation of the integrity of a relationship and family.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed {his loyalty), and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Responsibility: It is the state or fact of being reliable and accountable. Responsibility requires submission to those in a position of authority. It is an attitude of bearing trust capably. God needs responsible sons and daughters in the Kingdom who will steward that which is His.
“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care (be responsible) for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” (Philemon 2:20-21).
Integrity: It is an unimpaired condition of moral and artistic value. Integrity is a quality of life, a state of being upright, complete and undivided. It calls for soundness, reliability and completeness.
As we move with God and establish relationships and network, integrity in both life and ministry must be demonstrated. There must be adherence to God’s moral values. The Church is desperately in need for true leaders who are honest, transparent, God–fearing, purposeful, experienced, focused, goal oriented and above all, balanced in the word of truth. There is no time for dishonesty and superficial leadership, integrity is essential. God needs leaders with substance that will advance His Kingdom purpose.
Principle #4: There must be a mutual respect for one another’s ministry and vision. Every relationship requires respect for each other’s vision and viewpoint. As I travel in developed and underdeveloped nations, I have noticed a lack of mutual respect. This lack undermines the gifting and grace of the leaders and the people. They are only seen as those to be ministered to. Value must be placed on both the ministry and the vision of the local ministries to create opportunities. An atmosphere of mutual respect is required for relationship.
Principle #5: We must be committed to one another. Relationship requires commitment. Do not develop relationships where there is no commitment. It is important that we keep well-defined, clear and open communication. Communication is not only established when we have a need from the other party, especially in long distance relationship that goes beyond the shores of national boundaries. Relationship surpasses geography. Contact on a regular basis is important for all relationship. Our lines of communication must be clear and open always. Lack of communication brings a breakdown of relationship and this causes misunderstanding.
The World Wide Web is a God given system to build relationship. This system should be used and not given to the enemy to abuse. The gospel can and should be advanced through this means.
As we come into relationship, network or the spiritual family that God has placed us in, commitment will assist us to work out differences. We must recognize the will of God and stay committed. We function more effectively by virtue of our commitment to one another. We should not walk out of a relationship the Lord has placed us in because of offence, except where there is no covenant. Give no room for the enemy to influence or manipulate what God has arranged. Remain committed to your covenant relationships.
Principle #6: Recognize the Structure of Authority. In every relationship and network God’s ordained authority structure exists and they must be recognized. This helps us to overcome the island mentality of doing things independently. The pattern of God is that we should become a part of a family network and spiritual relationship, so that there will be a true spiritual structure of authority, accountability and covering. Those who are independent without a family they belong to are considered rebellious and they are casted out. The breakdown of relationship to authority results in independence and decision making in the absence of counsel and spiritual support.
“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25).
“Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.” (Judges 18:1).
The issue of leadership has to be well addressed because leadership is a foundation, a platform upon which the success of the relationship network stands. The development of relationship network in accordance with the New Testament pattern raises up an apostolic council that is not governed by the traditional autocratic hierarchy. The present development of networking must adopt this New Testament pattern, the philosophy of servant-hood and an apostolic structure of governmental rule.
Lack of structural authority and the lack of recognition and submission to authority have wrought division and schism in the Body. Careless living, a lack of assurance, confidence and safety has resulted, jeopardizing our spiritual inheritance because it is devoid of confidence and leaving out hope among leaders.
We loose our spiritual inheritance in God and His Kingdom when we begin to decide and walk in our own ways of doing things, without recognizing spiritual leadership and structures. We cannot run on the highway and choose whomsoever we wish and bring them into headship and submit to them.
“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:5-6).
Kingdom advancement requires strategy through the release of the fullness of the five-fold ministries. One of the strategies for Kingdom reformation and advancement of the gospel is that there must be relationship with other ministries and ministers.
Apostles and apostolic churches are relational. They build relationship and seek for innovative strategies to get this done. We need to get over our attitude that we have with people in the city and in the Body of Christ, and begin to pursue godly relationship that will advance the purposes of the Kingdom of God.
On the other hand, when our relationship with an apostolic ministry demands the forfeiting of God’s gifts, ministry and calling upon our lives to come join theirs, it calls for a careful re-examination of the motives of such apostolic ministry if the interest is to build God’s Kingdom or their own kingdom to make a name unto themselves. We are not called to build our dynasty and empire, but to build the Kingdom of God in the earth. Attempts to change your gifts, ministry or call cut short the grace of God in your life. There is falsity and spuriousness in drawing others to serve us or be with our so call ministry or church. Our relationship with an apostle or an apostolic network does not change the gifts, calling and ministry of God upon our life, but it helps to define it, to confirm it and sharpen our focus towards the purposes of God in the earth.
Apostolic Team Spirit:
It is important that we come to realize that one of the ways by which the nations will be imparted by the declaration of the gospel of the Kingdom is through apostolic teams. The functioning of apostolic teams speaks much of the process of development and maturity of the local church. One of the apostolic strategies for the accomplishment of God’s purpose in the earth is through the release of matured apostolic teams that operates through a right lineup and chain of order.
T – Together
E – Everyone
A – Achieves
M – More
An apostolic team is a “sent working company” that is perfectly joined together as clusters. These teams operate concurrently in the same mind, speaking the same thing and going in the same direction and purpose.
“Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Apostolic teams are built on covenant relationship and not in an institutional way. Functional apostolic teams indicate the level of development and maturity of the church and assist the church to extend beyond the local environment and impact the nations. It is important that the team be trained and released into new territories to affect and impart these places.
Apostolic teams carry the same burden and passion. Clarity of vision, purpose and goal symbolizes this team.
Priority is given to fellowship, teaching and training to help develop an apostolic team spirit (Numbers 11:14-17). When there is team spirit there can be the development of a Kingdom mentality. The terms “my project” and “my mission” and “my ministry” disappears in the corporate effort to forcefully advance God’s Kingdom. Team spirit is a product of a covenant. When we walk in commonality and covenant, the joy of accomplishing the mandate together is fulfilled because there are others who are connected to us and knitted together in commitment to fulfill the same purpose and reach the goal.
Antioch Church Structure:
Antioch churches are local churches with apostolic perspective. These churches have a dynamic vision of sending out apostolic teams to reproduce apostolic churches in other territories and nations in order to advance the Kingdom of God. They are modeled on the apostolic Church that was in Antioch as mentioned in Acts 13.
New Testament churches must become prototype Antioch churches that have a sending spirit. The sending spirit of the Antioch church can be birthed in the local church, changing it from a camping ground to a training and dispatch centre. Those who are trained must be released into the work. The apostolic spirit is a sending spirit whose hallmark is the conveyance of grace.
“In the church at Antioch there were these prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (also called Niger), Lucius (from the city of Cyrene), Manaen (who had grown up with Herod, the ruler), and Saul. They were all worshiping the Lord and giving up eating (fasting) for a certain time. During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen them." So after they gave up eating (fasting) and prayed, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out. Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, went to the city of Seleucia. From there they sailed to the island of Cyprus.” (Acts 13:1-4 - New Century Translation).
Antioch Churches are proto-type New Testament patterned apostolic company with a sending mentality to release others into the work of the ministry under the specific direction of the Holy Spirit. They are apostolic [Greek: “apostello”] in nature, a company of saints called out and sent forth to declare the Kingdom of God in the earth under the oversight of apostolic leadership and the direction of the Holy Spirit. They are a sent company.
The character of a true Antioch apostolic Church is that it has an apostolic measure and dimension of grace. It is that of the five-fold ministry gifts in operation. It is very prophetic in nature, it is an evangelically oriented Church, and it provides pastoral function and a proper discipleship value for teaching the people in other to produce matured saints.
Apostolic Team Structure:
Apostolic teams consist of the five-fold ministry gifts with a mature apostolic leader giving oversight in a delegated area, community or nation. Other leaders within that area must relate with an apostolic vision an oversight in other to create and bring a maximum impart to that region. The goal of apostolic teams is to achieve Kingdom advancement and leaders lead by principle.
The apostles and the apostolic teams are obligated to both stewardship and accountability. We must walk in the integrity of our hearts as stewards of the Lord as correction and adjustment is brought through accountability. Titus and Timothy were young apostles who were both accountable to Paul, who was himself accountable to apostolic leaders.
“Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.” (Galatians 1:17-18)
“Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.” (Galatians 2:1-2 New International Version).
Apostolic teams must have pure and authentic motives for their operation as they are being led by the Holy Spirit and driven by the apostolic commission in bringing salvation to the ends of the earth and to impart and invest into the Church.. The ministry of the apostolic team must not be merchandise for financial gain. The goal is not on what is to be gained individually, but what is to be gained by God Himself. There must be proper financial accountability and an agreed reporting structure. They should be accountable to the presbytery of the sending agent and local church that serves as the apostolic center.
Apostolic teams must be submissive to authority and this principle is tested continuously for evidence of the spirit of true humility (Mathew 18:1-4).
Apostolic teams are builders in the Spirit realm. Apostolic teams establish foundations, birth innovation and bring divine impartation through relationship with local church leaders. They do not simply come to establish their own agenda and to promote the ecclesiastical pattern already established in those churches and regions, With a Kingdom agenda, the up-to-the-minute moves of the Holy Spirit are declared. Upgrades and breakthroughs in spiritual technology are shared.
The work of an apostolic team cannot be done alone. We are not independent workers for God's Kingdom, but as particular members of the Body of Christ that operates in a team spirit. Certainly we can accomplish some things independently, but more effective work and greater results are produced by team. We need all five-fold ministry gifts to function together as ordained by God. Each must operate in order to establish God’s purpose in the earth. When we function independently as a one man soldier, we limit ourselves in the ministry and we lack the flavour of the plurality of ministry that is yoked together in the same purpose of God.
The apostolic reformation is not only the restoration of the apostles but it is the restoration of the five-fold ministry of the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists. The five-fold ministry is needed for the apostolic team to penetrate and invade the nations as they impact the Body of Christ to raise up and release matured saints who have come into sonship for the purpose of Kingdom advancement.
Part of the apostolic function is to bring ministry teams together and facilitate relationship and godly covenant among them to bring unity in the Body of Christ. The fragmentation and disintegration of the Church in some nations is heartbreaking. Some leaders and ministries are trying to do the work of God independently while others pick up offences or bring destruction. Isolation from the fellowship of believers and lack of vital relationship in the Church results in a lack of divine order and the breakdown of apostolic structure. We should not lose contact with God’s ordain order and pattern.
The restoration of the five-fold ministry and apostolic order in the Church will signal the end of divisions among leaders and ministries. Apostles and the five-fold ministries must go into cities and nations to bring unity in the Body of Christ. Unity brings power, blessing and life (Psalm 133). Access to the colossal power of God’s Kingdom is granted when the Church walks in unity.
Comment
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Comment by Apostle Prophet Per Einar and p on March 30, 2009 at 6:29pm
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God bless you friend He will give you power he will anoint and use you to his great work.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesian: 6.1-14
For the king Jesus Christ, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. Philippians 2:10. Love in the Lord Jesus Christ fro Apostle Prophet Per Einar Jensen.From Norway
http://www.mirakeljensen.com
http://mirakeljensen.ning.com
http://kongjesuschrist.ning.com
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