Apostolic Structure
Apostolic Structure
Because of a faulty understanding concerning the role and function of Apostles in the End Times Church, many have simply given themselves the title of Apostle and claim apostolic structure based on their own personal preferences.
Here is a brief outline of what is involved in the setting up of an apostolic structure in the Church:
1. A church need not have been planted by an apostle. It is often started as the result of the evangelistic efforts of believers who have a zeal for the lost. It may also be started by several believers gathering together for fellowship.
2. This is seen as an example in the Acts, where the original church at Antioch was started by believers who scattered due to the persecution and simple spread the Word as they went.
3. In the case of Antioch, the Church at Jerusalem was considered the spiritual headquarters of the Christian Church, and they sent someone to take charge of the work at Antioch. The man that they sent was Barnabas, who had a pastoral ministry, with a prophetic orientation. He was sent by the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem to take a role of overseer at Antioch.
4. Barnabas later took it upon himself to call in help for the work. A teaching ministry was sorely needed, so he went and found Paul, and brought him back to help in the work.
5. After a season the Church at Antioch was well established under the leadership of elders, and some of these elders also had moved into the Fivefold Ministry. All that was lacking was the existence of Apostles.
6. In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit spoke during a time when the members of the fivefold ministry were gathering to wait on the Lord. At that time the only fivefold ministries which were recognized were the Prophet and Teacher. Once Paul and Barnabas had been set apart as Apostles, there were now Apostles, Prophets and Teachers at Antioch.
7. Now Antioch began to stand as a Ministry Center in its own right, just like Jerusalem. And only now could it begin to function in true New Testament pattern. The full apostolic structure was now in place.
8. Now that Antioch was established as a Ministry Center, Paul and Barnabas were free to leave the work under the leadership of elders who could hold the fort, while they traveled out to different places to establish new churches. The actual work of traveling out or "doing the work of an evangelist" was not their apostolic function, but allowed them to carry out their apostolic function once each new church was established.
9. In establishing new churches, we see three distinct stages that were carried out as follows:
(1) Where no church existed, the Apostles preached the Gospel and founded new churches. This required an application of the Evangelistic Ministry.
(2) Once churches were formed, the Apostles appointed elders in each church. This opened the way for the Pastoral Ministry.
(3) To churches that showed promise Paul sent representatives to go and spend time at that location, or he went himself for a season to help establish the work. This resulted in several main ministry centers being formed at those locations.
10. Churches existed at two levels. The highest level was the Ministry Center, which was usually located in a major city or region. Then there were the local churches that met in homes spread throughout the community. When Paul wrote to his churches, he wrote to the leaders of the Ministry Center, knowing that his letter would be distributed to every level.
11. For a list of churches that would have been considered Ministry Centers in the early church, you need simply look at the list of churches to which John wrote in the book of revelation. There were many smaller home churches under the authority of those main Ministry Centers.
12. The fivefold ministry always works from and returns to the local ministry center. So Paul and Barnabas as apostles worked from and were sent out from Antioch. However they returned there after completing their travels, since that was their home location. Prophets, Evangelists and Teachers all are sent forth from the Ministry Center and return there eventually.
13. The only ministry that remains 'at home' is the Pastoral Office. The Pastor is an elder over a region and this can occur at various different levels. So there may be a Pastor of a home church, a Pastor of a local suburb, or a Pastor over a ministry center.
14. The church at Jerusalem was under the Apostolic Leadership of Peter and John, but the local Pastor of that Church was James, the brother of Jesus. Thus when Peter and John traveled out, as Paul and Barnabas did, they left the home center under the authority and leadership of James.
15. The Pastoral Office is in effect the position held by one who is the overseer of a Ministry Center. This is a much higher level than Pastoring a local home church or regional church gatherings.
Christ the Head
1. Apostles.
2. Prophets.
3. Teachers.
4. Evangelists.
5. Pastors.
6. Elders (Teaching & Non-Teaching).
7. Deacons/Deaconesses/Bishops
8. Leaders.
9. Administration/Governments/Helps/Operations.
10. Lay Ministers/Servants/Members (Volunteers--the Priesthood of every believer).
New Pattern Schematic
The End Times Church is being established on a pattern which partially resembles the Early Church, but a full pattern is better obtained by considering the allegories God has given us from the Old Testament.
A. Apostolic Offices
God is establishing four different realms of operation for the Apostolic Office in these last days. These are based on the structure given by the early leaders of Israel as follows:
The Moses Apostle
The David Apostle
The Joshua Apostle
The Solomon Apostle
Each of these apostolic types has a different emphasis, and together they accomplish the establishment of the Church according to the Pattern that God has given.
Moses Apostles
The role of this apostle is to lay a doctrinal foundation for the Church and to set in place a pattern that will help transition the Church from the systems of this world (Egypt) to the system that God has given (Promised Land).
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Teaching Office.
Joshua Apostles
The role of this apostle is to practically set in place the structure laid out by the Moses Apostle. Thus just as Joshua took the land and apportioned it to the people by their tribes, so the Joshua apostle will 'take the land' and apportion it to the church.
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on evangelism and revival.
David Apostles
The role of this apostle is to gather together those who have rejected and moved away from the existing church system, and build them together into a new pattern. Just David trained up his mighty men, and then brought the ark of God back to the people, so this apostolic type will bring about the restoration of the presence of God, with an emphasis on music as part of the process.
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Prophetic Office.
Solomon Apostles
The role of this apostle is to bring together the old and new under a new pattern that will establish the fullness of God's order for the End Times Church. In order to accomplish this, this apostolic type will complete the pattern that is initiated by the David apostle, just as Solomon built the temple designed by David.
This apostolic type will make use of the principles of business and cause an influx of finances in order to accomplish this task.
The main emphasis of this apostolic type is the Pastoral Office.
B. The Church Structure
The End Times church will be structured very much like the early church, but with more emphasis on networking, so that the work will not be destroyed as the early church was because of the lack of full communication.
The End Times Church has far more resources than the early church had, and is more equipped to carry this out. It will do this using the following levels of spiritual authority.
1. Apostolic Parentage
God's order is for the Apostolic Fathers and Mothers to birth a new breed of Fivefold Ministries which will 'leave home' to establish the Church according to the new pattern that has been birthed into them.
2. Apostolic Teams
Those who have been birthed by spiritual parents will function as full apostolic teams, and will be sent forth as Jesus sent His apostles to go forth to the nations to continue the work He had begun.
Amongst such teams there will be those who hold more executive positions as Presbyters under the Apostolic Parents, just Peter, James and John held such positions within the team of 12 that Jesus set up.
3. Prophetic Counter Insurgence
Only by the use of Counter Insurgence Warfare (C.O.I.N.) can the works of darkness be undermined and overcome. This was lacking in the early church, and the enemy succeeded in destroying all the leaders before the work could grow to a point of being strong enough to survive all attack.
It has been proved that this warfare tactic is more effective than conventional war, and that is why the enemy has sought this form of warfare both against the church, and in the natural world. We must use Satan's own tactics against him in order to survive and overcome.
It is the role of the Prophetic Office both to birth and to protect the establishment of new works. The prophet must prepare the ground in the Spirit, and then continue to protect the new ministry by 'Patrolling the Walls' of the new church.
4. Accountability and Chain of Command
It is necessary that leadership authority always be delegated downwards, and that levels of authority and accountability are maintained for the protection of all, and the efficient functioning of the work of God.
God has never been the author of the Democracy that is so strongly touted by today's politicians. He has always functioned on a Theocracy, where He has the king, He as given His command, and expected a response from the people.
End Times apostles are thus usually depicted as Kings, and Jesus Himself is known as the King of Kings. Thus true apostolic structure involves the delegation downwards of authority and the subsequent accountability to one another in the Lord.
5. Clear Local Structure.
The local church is always the church in the community, and consists of the church in the place where the people live. This is most commonly seen in the form of home churches, or the gathering of small groups for fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.
The larger gathering is to be found in periodic times of fellowship amongst the home churches, larger conferences and conventions, and the merging together of the church in the local Ministry Center, at which activities will take place 24/7 and from which all local ministry is directed.
This began in the early church with the use of the Temple for public gatherings, and the local gatherings in the homes. Later on Ministry Centers were established in the larger regions.
The Apostolic Church: Integral Components
Apostolic Truth
Christ the Priest: Salvation, sanctification, worship
Christ the King : the kingdom & mobilization
Christ as Creator, Redeemer, Lord : Development, Redemption, Government
Apostolic Spirit
The Holy Spirit for a new life
The Holy Spirit for empowerment for service
The Holy Spirit for sanctification
Apostolic Structure
Apostolic (Headquarters): for Mission = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, Chief Elder (Pastor)
Presbyterian (Local Church): for Pastoral Care = Chief Elder (Pastor), Elders (Teaching & Non-Teaching)
Diaconal (Small Groups): to serve both = Deacons/Deaconesses/Bishops, Leaders, & Administration/Governments/Helps/Operations
Congregational: well ordered churches, and a mobilized corps of volunteers for all areas of life = Lay Ministers/Servants/Members (Volunteers--the Priesthood of every believer)
Each component of the suggested model is necessary in the apostolic Church. With each component working in cooperative union, the Church can ably take new territory and safeguard territory already taken. In other words, she can shape the future. May God grace us to cooperate with the Lord Jesus as He braids a cord of apostolic Truth, of apostolic Power, and of apostolic Structure. A threefold cord is not easily broken. Let us not make it difficult for the Lord to braid it in the first place. There is a future to shape.
The Apostolic Ministry Structure
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
There is a place for every believer to be fully activated in ministry in the apostolic structure of the church.
As you stand peering at a High Rise building under construction you can see that massive metal framework climbing into the blue skies above. Soon that towering skeleton will disappear from sight as it is covered by block, plaster, paint, windows and decorative stone. It’s not the decorum that gives strength to the building but the unseen framework.
APOSTOLIC DESIGN
A building is something assembled with various components that are held together by a framework. That framework is the supporting structure of the building. Just like a High Rise building has a framework that provides its strength, so too does the Church have a structure that provides its strength. We are going to call the churches framework the apostolic structure or design.
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
It is no coincidence that our Lord was born into a carpenter’s family and learned the skills and the trade of a carpenter. Since the natural is often a reflection of the spiritual we can learn some interesting truths. Jesus is a builder. In fact, Jesus is still building His Church. He said,
I will build MY CHURCH and the gates of hell [hades/ unseen/ grave] shall not prevail [be prevailing] against it (Matthew 16:18).
Since Jesus is the Master Builder and we are His workforce (disciples), we must learn how to cooperate with His construction ministry. There are many scriptures that teach us about the apostolic design and how we fit into it such as:
We are lively stones (components) of His Church.
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).
When fitly joined together we provide something that produces increase. All believers are lively stones set apart to build what Jesus is building.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
FOUNDATION
Not only is Jesus the architect of His Church, He is the very foundation. He is the Chief Corner Stone by which every lively stone must be aligned. scripture says,
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
CORNERSTONE
In the construction process, the purpose of a cornerstone is for a sure alignment. It would be dreadful to work on a High Rise building only to discover that it leans like the bell tower of the Cathedral in Pisa. Just like a cornerstone, every lively stone must be cut and chiseled into shape for proper alignment inside Jesus’ apostolic structure.
In the apostolic design, Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into the apostolic structure therefore requires believers to submit to the fitting and chiseling of these two ascension gift assistants.
APOSTOLIC ALIGNMENT
Oftentimes, proper alignment to the cornerstone requires some cutting and chiseling in the lives of believers before the building process can begin. While the stones are lively they might not have a perfect alignment. Certain hindrances may need to be torn down, such as self-righteousness, pride, legalism, hypocrisy, doctrinal error, ignorance, and even rebellion. Sometimes even deliverance must take place. All are in preparation for entrance into His apostolic design.
When a building is structured properly the interrelated parts that are galvanized together provide an amazing strength to the entire building. The pattern of the apostolic is no different, when all the essential parts are in the right place there is strength. That strength readies the Church for the habitation of the Spirit of God. Therefore it is vitally important to see Jesus’ apostolic design and our part as lively components.
DESTRUCTION INSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
Many English words define the definition of structure. Let’s look at three interesting English words destruction, instruction and construction. All three of these words will help us enter God’s apostolic design.
1. De- Structure (Destruction): Sometimes things have to be destructed before they can be constructed.
2. In-Structure (Instruction): Instruction must be received before one can be part of the construction.
3. Con- Structure (Construction): Construction is what every born again believer is called to be doing.
DESTRUCTION
Oftentimes, before we can enter the apostolic design of the local church, destruction is the first step in the construction process. Words associated with destruction are: demolish, dismantle, tear down and remove. During the destruction phase there is a dismantling of vain religious traditions or inadequate understanding of scripture. Some of the enemies of the apostolic structure that require destruction include:
Religion: Religion is an enemy of the apostolic because it is legalistic, self-righteous and hypocritical. Jesus, the builder of the church pronounced many woes against the religious spirit (Matthew 23). I wrote about this extensively in my book 30 Pieces of Silver.
My Ministry Syndrome: Those infected by the My-Ministry Syndrome only come to church to get something to advance their own ministries. This condition does not fit in the apostolic structure because it seeks to build its own ministry outside the local church. Jesus wants to use everybody in ministry but that ministry is never disconnected from the local church. Jesus, therefore, is building His Church with many members and not the lone ranger, Rambo’s ministry.
Bless-Me-Only: Many believers come to church only to be blessed. Yes, blessing takes place in an apostolic church, but it is only the beginning. After blessing comes equipping and training for the work of ministry. An apostolic design will refuse to let you slip into a consumerism or spectator mindset.
APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTION
After destruction is instruction. Words associated with instruction include: advise, counsel, coach, educate, explain, give lessons, guide, inform, school, teach, tutor and train.
As we receive apostolic instruction we become candidates to be placed inside the apostolic structure. This training enables us to become actively involved by equipping us for works of service. After you are trained you can become part of the construction process, the edifying (building) of the local church.
When instruction is not received, however, it diminishes the effectiveness and the strength of the apostolic design and makes it impossible to become fitly framed together. If an essential part is left vacant and unoccupied it is not supplying strength to the structure. Scripture says,
“How can two walk together unless they agree?” (Amos 3:3).
A lack of agreement disqualifies one from becoming an effective joint that supplies and places them outside the structure. For instruction to take place requires submission and a hungry heart. Scripture says,
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a Father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not My law. For I was my Father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of My mother. He taught Me also, and said unto Me, Let thine heart retain My Words: keep My commandments, and live” (Proverbs 4:1-4).
APOSTOLIC CONSTRUCTION
Now that we have progressed through the destruction and received instruction we can enter the realm of construction. Words associated with construction are: assemble, form, compose, engineer, fashion, fabricate, build up, frame, fit together, edify and strengthen.
When one has come into the apostolic structure of the local church their individual gifts and specific callings are activated. All our gifts and talents are given by God for the edifying of the local church with its mission to disciple believers and fulfill the Great Commission. Scripture confirms that all have a role to play in the success and building of the church,
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
The purpose for the apostolic framework is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. This structure of ministry is the apostolic design that you have learned throughout. The quickest way to enter the ministry is by submitting your gifts and talents to the leadership of your church and making yourself available for service.
Every believer that submits to instruction fits in the apostolic framework.
There is room in the house for every gift, talent, calling and grace. Envision your individual calling added to the success of our corporate calling as an apostolic church.
THE APOSTOLIC STRUCTURE
Apostolic structure consist of the following that we will discuss at another time.
1. The Set-man = Chief Apostle
2. The Presbytery (Elders/5 Fold Equipping) Team = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, & Pastors
3. In House Ministry Teams = Pastors, Teachers, Elders, & Deacons
4. Outreach Teams and Small Groups = Apostles, Evangelists, Teachers, & Deacons
5. The Local Church Ministry Equipping Center = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, & Chief Elder (Pastor)
In Conclusion:
The purpose of apostolic structure is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into apostolic structure believers submit to the cutting and the chiseling (discipleship) of apostles and prophets. In this process of maturing believers get aligned to Christ who is the cornerstone, for a sure alignment to Him. Are you ready to enter the apostolic structure?
Because of a faulty understanding concerning the role and function of Apostles in the End Times Church, many have simply given themselves the title of Apostle and claim apostolic structure based on their own personal preferences.
Here is a brief outline of what is involved in the setting up of an apostolic structure in the Church:
1. A church need not have been planted by an apostle. It is often started as the result of the evangelistic efforts of believers who have a zeal for the lost. It may also be started by several believers gathering together for fellowship.
2. This is seen as an example in the Acts, where the original church at Antioch was started by believers who scattered due to the persecution and simple spread the Word as they went.
3. In the case of Antioch, the Church at Jerusalem was considered the spiritual headquarters of the Christian Church, and they sent someone to take charge of the work at Antioch. The man that they sent was Barnabas, who had a pastoral ministry, with a prophetic orientation. He was sent by the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem to take a role of overseer at Antioch.
4. Barnabas later took it upon himself to call in help for the work. A teaching ministry was sorely needed, so he went and found Paul, and brought him back to help in the work.
5. After a season the Church at Antioch was well established under the leadership of elders, and some of these elders also had moved into the Fivefold Ministry. All that was lacking was the existence of Apostles.
6. In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit spoke during a time when the members of the fivefold ministry were gathering to wait on the Lord. At that time the only fivefold ministries which were recognized were the Prophet and Teacher. Once Paul and Barnabas had been set apart as Apostles, there were now Apostles, Prophets and Teachers at Antioch.
7. Now Antioch began to stand as a Ministry Center in its own right, just like Jerusalem. And only now could it begin to function in true New Testament pattern. The full apostolic structure was now in place.
8. Now that Antioch was established as a Ministry Center, Paul and Barnabas were free to leave the work under the leadership of elders who could hold the fort, while they traveled out to different places to establish new churches. The actual work of traveling out or "doing the work of an evangelist" was not their apostolic function, but allowed them to carry out their apostolic function once each new church was established.
9. In establishing new churches, we see three distinct stages that were carried out as follows:
(1) Where no church existed, the Apostles preached the Gospel and founded new churches. This required an application of the Evangelistic Ministry.
(2) Once churches were formed, the Apostles appointed elders in each church. This opened the way for the Pastoral Ministry.
(3) To churches that showed promise Paul sent representatives to go and spend time at that location, or he went himself for a season to help establish the work. This resulted in several main ministry centers being formed at those locations.
10. Churches existed at two levels. The highest level was the Ministry Center, which was usually located in a major city or region. Then there were the local churches that met in homes spread throughout the community. When Paul wrote to his churches, he wrote to the leaders of the Ministry Center, knowing that his letter would be distributed to every level.
11. For a list of churches that would have been considered Ministry Centers in the early church, you need simply look at the list of churches to which John wrote in the book of revelation. There were many smaller home churches under the authority of those main Ministry Centers.
12. The fivefold ministry always works from and returns to the local ministry center. So Paul and Barnabas as apostles worked from and were sent out from Antioch. However they returned there after completing their travels, since that was their home location. Prophets, Evangelists and Teachers all are sent forth from the Ministry Center and return there eventually.
13. The only ministry that remains 'at home' is the Pastoral Office. The Pastor is an elder over a region and this can occur at various different levels. So there may be a Pastor of a home church, a Pastor of a local suburb, or a Pastor over a ministry center.
14. The church at Jerusalem was under the Apostolic Leadership of Peter and John, but the local Pastor of that Church was James, the brother of Jesus. Thus when Peter and John traveled out, as Paul and Barnabas did, they left the home center under the authority and leadership of James.
15. The Pastoral Office is in effect the position held by one who is the overseer of a Ministry Center. This is a much higher level than Pastoring a local home church or regional church gatherings.
Christ the Head
1. Apostles.
2. Prophets.
3. Teachers.
4. Evangelists.
5. Pastors.
6. Elders (Teaching & Non-Teaching).
7. Deacons/Deaconesses/Bishops
8. Leaders.
9. Administration/Governments/Helps/Operations.
10. Lay Ministers/Servants/Members (Volunteers--the Priesthood of every believer).
New Pattern Schematic
The End Times Church is being established on a pattern which partially resembles the Early Church, but a full pattern is better obtained by considering the allegories God has given us from the Old Testament.
A. Apostolic Offices
God is establishing four different realms of operation for the Apostolic Office in these last days. These are based on the structure given by the early leaders of Israel as follows:
The Moses Apostle
The David Apostle
The Joshua Apostle
The Solomon Apostle
Each of these apostolic types has a different emphasis, and together they accomplish the establishment of the Church according to the Pattern that God has given.
Moses Apostles
The role of this apostle is to lay a doctrinal foundation for the Church and to set in place a pattern that will help transition the Church from the systems of this world (Egypt) to the system that God has given (Promised Land).
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Teaching Office.
Joshua Apostles
The role of this apostle is to practically set in place the structure laid out by the Moses Apostle. Thus just as Joshua took the land and apportioned it to the people by their tribes, so the Joshua apostle will 'take the land' and apportion it to the church.
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on evangelism and revival.
David Apostles
The role of this apostle is to gather together those who have rejected and moved away from the existing church system, and build them together into a new pattern. Just David trained up his mighty men, and then brought the ark of God back to the people, so this apostolic type will bring about the restoration of the presence of God, with an emphasis on music as part of the process.
This apostolic type has a strong emphasis on the Prophetic Office.
Solomon Apostles
The role of this apostle is to bring together the old and new under a new pattern that will establish the fullness of God's order for the End Times Church. In order to accomplish this, this apostolic type will complete the pattern that is initiated by the David apostle, just as Solomon built the temple designed by David.
This apostolic type will make use of the principles of business and cause an influx of finances in order to accomplish this task.
The main emphasis of this apostolic type is the Pastoral Office.
B. The Church Structure
The End Times church will be structured very much like the early church, but with more emphasis on networking, so that the work will not be destroyed as the early church was because of the lack of full communication.
The End Times Church has far more resources than the early church had, and is more equipped to carry this out. It will do this using the following levels of spiritual authority.
1. Apostolic Parentage
God's order is for the Apostolic Fathers and Mothers to birth a new breed of Fivefold Ministries which will 'leave home' to establish the Church according to the new pattern that has been birthed into them.
2. Apostolic Teams
Those who have been birthed by spiritual parents will function as full apostolic teams, and will be sent forth as Jesus sent His apostles to go forth to the nations to continue the work He had begun.
Amongst such teams there will be those who hold more executive positions as Presbyters under the Apostolic Parents, just Peter, James and John held such positions within the team of 12 that Jesus set up.
3. Prophetic Counter Insurgence
Only by the use of Counter Insurgence Warfare (C.O.I.N.) can the works of darkness be undermined and overcome. This was lacking in the early church, and the enemy succeeded in destroying all the leaders before the work could grow to a point of being strong enough to survive all attack.
It has been proved that this warfare tactic is more effective than conventional war, and that is why the enemy has sought this form of warfare both against the church, and in the natural world. We must use Satan's own tactics against him in order to survive and overcome.
It is the role of the Prophetic Office both to birth and to protect the establishment of new works. The prophet must prepare the ground in the Spirit, and then continue to protect the new ministry by 'Patrolling the Walls' of the new church.
4. Accountability and Chain of Command
It is necessary that leadership authority always be delegated downwards, and that levels of authority and accountability are maintained for the protection of all, and the efficient functioning of the work of God.
God has never been the author of the Democracy that is so strongly touted by today's politicians. He has always functioned on a Theocracy, where He has the king, He as given His command, and expected a response from the people.
End Times apostles are thus usually depicted as Kings, and Jesus Himself is known as the King of Kings. Thus true apostolic structure involves the delegation downwards of authority and the subsequent accountability to one another in the Lord.
5. Clear Local Structure.
The local church is always the church in the community, and consists of the church in the place where the people live. This is most commonly seen in the form of home churches, or the gathering of small groups for fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.
The larger gathering is to be found in periodic times of fellowship amongst the home churches, larger conferences and conventions, and the merging together of the church in the local Ministry Center, at which activities will take place 24/7 and from which all local ministry is directed.
This began in the early church with the use of the Temple for public gatherings, and the local gatherings in the homes. Later on Ministry Centers were established in the larger regions.
The Apostolic Church: Integral Components
Apostolic Truth
Christ the Priest: Salvation, sanctification, worship
Christ the King : the kingdom & mobilization
Christ as Creator, Redeemer, Lord : Development, Redemption, Government
Apostolic Spirit
The Holy Spirit for a new life
The Holy Spirit for empowerment for service
The Holy Spirit for sanctification
Apostolic Structure
Apostolic (Headquarters): for Mission = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, Chief Elder (Pastor)
Presbyterian (Local Church): for Pastoral Care = Chief Elder (Pastor), Elders (Teaching & Non-Teaching)
Diaconal (Small Groups): to serve both = Deacons/Deaconesses/Bishops, Leaders, & Administration/Governments/Helps/Operations
Congregational: well ordered churches, and a mobilized corps of volunteers for all areas of life = Lay Ministers/Servants/Members (Volunteers--the Priesthood of every believer)
Each component of the suggested model is necessary in the apostolic Church. With each component working in cooperative union, the Church can ably take new territory and safeguard territory already taken. In other words, she can shape the future. May God grace us to cooperate with the Lord Jesus as He braids a cord of apostolic Truth, of apostolic Power, and of apostolic Structure. A threefold cord is not easily broken. Let us not make it difficult for the Lord to braid it in the first place. There is a future to shape.
The Apostolic Ministry Structure
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
There is a place for every believer to be fully activated in ministry in the apostolic structure of the church.
As you stand peering at a High Rise building under construction you can see that massive metal framework climbing into the blue skies above. Soon that towering skeleton will disappear from sight as it is covered by block, plaster, paint, windows and decorative stone. It’s not the decorum that gives strength to the building but the unseen framework.
APOSTOLIC DESIGN
A building is something assembled with various components that are held together by a framework. That framework is the supporting structure of the building. Just like a High Rise building has a framework that provides its strength, so too does the Church have a structure that provides its strength. We are going to call the churches framework the apostolic structure or design.
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
It is no coincidence that our Lord was born into a carpenter’s family and learned the skills and the trade of a carpenter. Since the natural is often a reflection of the spiritual we can learn some interesting truths. Jesus is a builder. In fact, Jesus is still building His Church. He said,
I will build MY CHURCH and the gates of hell [hades/ unseen/ grave] shall not prevail [be prevailing] against it (Matthew 16:18).
Since Jesus is the Master Builder and we are His workforce (disciples), we must learn how to cooperate with His construction ministry. There are many scriptures that teach us about the apostolic design and how we fit into it such as:
We are lively stones (components) of His Church.
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).
When fitly joined together we provide something that produces increase. All believers are lively stones set apart to build what Jesus is building.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
FOUNDATION
Not only is Jesus the architect of His Church, He is the very foundation. He is the Chief Corner Stone by which every lively stone must be aligned. scripture says,
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
CORNERSTONE
In the construction process, the purpose of a cornerstone is for a sure alignment. It would be dreadful to work on a High Rise building only to discover that it leans like the bell tower of the Cathedral in Pisa. Just like a cornerstone, every lively stone must be cut and chiseled into shape for proper alignment inside Jesus’ apostolic structure.
In the apostolic design, Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into the apostolic structure therefore requires believers to submit to the fitting and chiseling of these two ascension gift assistants.
APOSTOLIC ALIGNMENT
Oftentimes, proper alignment to the cornerstone requires some cutting and chiseling in the lives of believers before the building process can begin. While the stones are lively they might not have a perfect alignment. Certain hindrances may need to be torn down, such as self-righteousness, pride, legalism, hypocrisy, doctrinal error, ignorance, and even rebellion. Sometimes even deliverance must take place. All are in preparation for entrance into His apostolic design.
When a building is structured properly the interrelated parts that are galvanized together provide an amazing strength to the entire building. The pattern of the apostolic is no different, when all the essential parts are in the right place there is strength. That strength readies the Church for the habitation of the Spirit of God. Therefore it is vitally important to see Jesus’ apostolic design and our part as lively components.
DESTRUCTION INSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
Many English words define the definition of structure. Let’s look at three interesting English words destruction, instruction and construction. All three of these words will help us enter God’s apostolic design.
1. De- Structure (Destruction): Sometimes things have to be destructed before they can be constructed.
2. In-Structure (Instruction): Instruction must be received before one can be part of the construction.
3. Con- Structure (Construction): Construction is what every born again believer is called to be doing.
DESTRUCTION
Oftentimes, before we can enter the apostolic design of the local church, destruction is the first step in the construction process. Words associated with destruction are: demolish, dismantle, tear down and remove. During the destruction phase there is a dismantling of vain religious traditions or inadequate understanding of scripture. Some of the enemies of the apostolic structure that require destruction include:
Religion: Religion is an enemy of the apostolic because it is legalistic, self-righteous and hypocritical. Jesus, the builder of the church pronounced many woes against the religious spirit (Matthew 23). I wrote about this extensively in my book 30 Pieces of Silver.
My Ministry Syndrome: Those infected by the My-Ministry Syndrome only come to church to get something to advance their own ministries. This condition does not fit in the apostolic structure because it seeks to build its own ministry outside the local church. Jesus wants to use everybody in ministry but that ministry is never disconnected from the local church. Jesus, therefore, is building His Church with many members and not the lone ranger, Rambo’s ministry.
Bless-Me-Only: Many believers come to church only to be blessed. Yes, blessing takes place in an apostolic church, but it is only the beginning. After blessing comes equipping and training for the work of ministry. An apostolic design will refuse to let you slip into a consumerism or spectator mindset.
APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTION
After destruction is instruction. Words associated with instruction include: advise, counsel, coach, educate, explain, give lessons, guide, inform, school, teach, tutor and train.
As we receive apostolic instruction we become candidates to be placed inside the apostolic structure. This training enables us to become actively involved by equipping us for works of service. After you are trained you can become part of the construction process, the edifying (building) of the local church.
When instruction is not received, however, it diminishes the effectiveness and the strength of the apostolic design and makes it impossible to become fitly framed together. If an essential part is left vacant and unoccupied it is not supplying strength to the structure. Scripture says,
“How can two walk together unless they agree?” (Amos 3:3).
A lack of agreement disqualifies one from becoming an effective joint that supplies and places them outside the structure. For instruction to take place requires submission and a hungry heart. Scripture says,
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a Father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not My law. For I was my Father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of My mother. He taught Me also, and said unto Me, Let thine heart retain My Words: keep My commandments, and live” (Proverbs 4:1-4).
APOSTOLIC CONSTRUCTION
Now that we have progressed through the destruction and received instruction we can enter the realm of construction. Words associated with construction are: assemble, form, compose, engineer, fashion, fabricate, build up, frame, fit together, edify and strengthen.
When one has come into the apostolic structure of the local church their individual gifts and specific callings are activated. All our gifts and talents are given by God for the edifying of the local church with its mission to disciple believers and fulfill the Great Commission. Scripture confirms that all have a role to play in the success and building of the church,
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
The purpose for the apostolic framework is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. This structure of ministry is the apostolic design that you have learned throughout. The quickest way to enter the ministry is by submitting your gifts and talents to the leadership of your church and making yourself available for service.
Every believer that submits to instruction fits in the apostolic framework.
There is room in the house for every gift, talent, calling and grace. Envision your individual calling added to the success of our corporate calling as an apostolic church.
THE APOSTOLIC STRUCTURE
Apostolic structure consist of the following that we will discuss at another time.
1. The Set-man = Chief Apostle
2. The Presbytery (Elders/5 Fold Equipping) Team = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, & Pastors
3. In House Ministry Teams = Pastors, Teachers, Elders, & Deacons
4. Outreach Teams and Small Groups = Apostles, Evangelists, Teachers, & Deacons
5. The Local Church Ministry Equipping Center = Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, & Chief Elder (Pastor)
In Conclusion:
The purpose of apostolic structure is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into apostolic structure believers submit to the cutting and the chiseling (discipleship) of apostles and prophets. In this process of maturing believers get aligned to Christ who is the cornerstone, for a sure alignment to Him. Are you ready to enter the apostolic structure?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene on
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Paul will almost always mention himself as an Apostle before he ever mentions himself as a Teacher or Preacher/Evangelist. Check any of the beginning of his epistles.
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Gill on
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Actually, it seems Paul only describes himself as being a preacher and a teacher twice in his epistles: if it means anything, he gives "preacher" prominence, and lists "teacher" last, after "apostle."
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. [1 Timothy 2:7]
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. [2 Timothy 1:11]
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Permalink Reply by Ricardo 'ReAsOn' Butler on
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Thanks for the correction. You see we need brother who are going to correct us when will slip! Amen!
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"14. The church at Jerusalem was under the Apostolic Leadership of Peter and John, but the local Pastor of that Church was James, the brother of Jesus. Thus when Peter and John traveled out, as Paul and Barnabas did, they left the home center under the authority and leadership of James."
James was considered one of the leading Apostles at that time, according to Apostle Paul and accounts within the Book of Acts. So when you speak of Apostolic leadership, speak as Paul did: James Peter and John (Acts 15 & Galatians 2)
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No disagreement here either. But James (both of them) where apostles, but the one who is called the Lord's brother was a Pastor too.
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True, however you mentioned him with no Apostolic authority. That was my point.
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Permalink Reply by Chaplain Pat Harris on
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THIS IS GREAT! I COMMEND BOTH OF YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS AND KNOWLEDGE. OF COURSE, I WILL CUT & PASTE ALL OF THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE AND TEACHING AS WELL.
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Oh ok. He was an apostle, but if you notice Paul wrote that they should condescend to men of low estate. So even though they held the highest office in God's government on earth. They made themselves of no reputation. Peter called himself Elder and stressed that before apostle. Paul calls himself preacher first, apostle second, teacher to the gentiles last. But when they wrote their letters they identified their authority for writing by saying apostle by the will or commandment of God.
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