The Apostolic Movement for students

Apostolic ministry is grounded in the fact that the God of Scripture is a sending God who graciously reaches out to a fallen world. Jesus is both the supreme revelation of the God who sends and the perfect example of one who is sent as an apostle. The church is an apostolic people sent into the world. Jesus appointed the Twelve with unique authority as witnesses to the resurrection. Paul shared in that unique authority but also demonstrated that the ministry of apostle continues in a functional sense. The spiritual gift of apostle is given to individuals to equip the whole church in its apostolic calling. Apostles are called by God, but their calling is to be recognized by the body of Christ. The ministry of an apostle is trans-local and involves both church planting and strengthening existing churches. The authority of an apostle is determined by the apostle's willingness to be a servant of the gospel and of the body of Christ. An apostles are recognized by their pioneering and translocal ministry of church planting and church strengthening. Apostles function best as leaders of apostolic bands that are in partnership with local churches. Throughout history various individuals, at the forefront of the church's mission, have demonstrated an apostolic ministry. Today a number of models of ministry point the way to the contemporary functioning of apostolic ministry. Apostolic ministry functions best when it is conducted in both power and weakness. As such it reflects the dual reality of the cross and resurrection in the ministry of the apostle. The gift of apostle has been given for the church's strengthening and equipping in its mission. Individuals with an apostolic ministry should be recognized and released to that function if the church is to be true to its calling in the world. The church began its existence as a missionary movement. The church is apostolic, not only because its teachings are founded on the Apostles, but because it is commanded by Jesus to take the gospel to every people group and wherever the gospel is met with faith, to found churches that continue the process.