Implementing
An Apostolic Model
Accepting
that the Bible clearly prescribes a leadership structure that
not only defines its internal structure, but one that defines
it’s external relationships with apostolic and prophetic leaders,
the question arises as to how such a model can be implemented
in the light of years of traditions and possibly comfortable
existing structures. The need to do so is urgent. The rise of
individualism and independence is now harming both believers
and churches, and is clearly contrary to the Biblical description
of the New Testament Church. The lack of accountability and
morality among a minority of church leaders is alarming and
increasingly becoming the topic of media attention. By adopting
an authentic apostolic model, churches will reap the rewards
of greater focus and intentionality, greater accountability
and the long term benefits arising from ministry integrity,
and a far greater sense of cooperation and therefore multiplication
arising from the pooling of resources rather than the constant
efforts to reinvent wheels.
The
single greatest obstacle to this is pride. Pride can stop a
congregational member from heartily submitting to their leader.
Pride can stop a pastor from realising that he does not have
all the gifts with which God wants to bless his church. Pride
can stop a church leader from stepping up to the plate and accepting
his God-ordained responsibility to look beyond his own immediate
sphere and accept that God is calling him to a greater one.
None of this is about power or hierarchical structures. It is
everything about what God has ordained and charged us to be
responsible with!
I
would like to propose a three phase plan for implementing an
apostolic model for local churches:
PHASE ONE ~
THE LOCAL CHURCH
1. Local churches need to reflect apostolic values of doctrine
- by ensuring the affirmation of
the orthodox creeds (I would recommend Dr. R.C. Sproul’s material
in this regard: RENEWING YOUR MIND, Baker Books, Grand
Rapids, 1998. www.gospelcom.net/ligonier ); and church discipline - which is undergirded by the forgiven (all Christians) truly knowing
how to forgive and matters of conflict resolution being motivated
by the desire to restore. John Bevere Ministries has an excellent
curriculum called THE BAIT OF SATAN available which has
revolutionised local churches in this regard.
2. Local churches need to understand the Biblical authority of
leaders (and how this overrides democracy) as the ordained form
of decision-making within a local church. Consequently, leaders
need to understand that they are called by God to minister on
His behalf rather than be an employee of a church. This will
change the way pastors are called to or from churches. I would
strongly recommend every local church to undertake John Bevere’s
UNDER COVER curriculum (www.johnbevere.org). This material
teaches the Biblical principle of submission and authority and
the benefit to believers and churches when these things are
in order.
3. Local church congregations should know that their presbuteros/poimeen
(pastor) is supported by a supervising apostle with whom they
meet or have regular contact. I would recommend that this book
be read by every local church leader and considered prayerfully
as to the benefits of such a relationship both for the pastor/leader
and the church.
PHASE TWO ~
AUTHENTIC APOSTOLIC LEADERS
1. Many apostles are aware of the call of God on their lives yet
struggling to know how to outwork their role. This book (AUTHENTIC
APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP, www.andrewcorbett.net)
concisely contains both the principles and parameters for apostolic
ministry and should be read by everyone who senses an apostolic
call on their lives. Understanding the responsibility to guard
doctrine, give direction, govern with disciple and grow with
development will help apostles to begin to understand their
important place in the Body.
2. Apostles need to take the initiative to show concern for pastors
and their churches in a regular, almost systematic, way. Most
pastors would deeply appreciate regular contact from a sincerely
concerned brother in Christ even if it wasn't an apostle. "Building
relationships" has become a corny cliché, but the essence
of what it stands for is actually vital and healthy.
3. Apostles need to recognize their distinctive authority and
begin to exercise this authority in prayer (who they pray for
in particular – understand the principle of 1Timothy 2:1-2,
that apostles as statesmen of the Church have a responsibility
to pray for Civil statesmen), public statements, and the establishment
of peer connections and joint initiatives.
4. Apostles need to exercise apostolic initiatives which are inspired
by the Holy Spirit. These will generally involve cooperative
efforts between several churches.
PHASE THREE ~ DENOMINATIONAL
TRANSITION
1. Denominations need to commit to being a Church with congregations
rather than merely an organisational collective of local churches.
The immediate implication for this is how denominational leaders
are appointed. Democratic elections for denominational leaders
would have to be abandoned if denominations or associations
are going to restructure along authentic apostolic lines. A
leader should be given the privilege of selecting his team and
bringing them to the movement for affirmation.
2. Denominations need to establish doctrinal councils/commissions
rather than avoid doctrinal matters by refusing to deal with
them. This was a characteristic of the Church for the first
600 years. This may involve some scrutiny of what is preached
by associated denominational ministers. We should welcome this,
not fear it.
Unity
of doctrine is possible, not just on major issues, but on, what
has been pergoratively called, "minor" issues. Perhaps
the most contentious doctrinal area is eschatology. “Left Behind”
should be left behind as a theological basis for eschatology!
While some claim this doctrinal field is too complicated, the
implications of whatever conclusions are made are dire - since
right now people are being killed (and a hermeneutical system
seeks to justify it) because of a misplaced doctrine of Zionism.
We need to realise that there is only one Gospel which saves
both Jew and Gentile and that in Christ all are equal (Galatians
3:29) and that promises of God have already long been fulfilled
(Josh. 21:45).
3. Denominations should stress "apostolic" rather
than "apostles". The word "apostle" is like
the word "father". It implies that there must be a
ministry relationship with pastors or churches for someone to
be rightly called an apostle.
In doing this, denominations should look to the natural apostolic
networks already existing within their movements. Some denominations
have gone about this in reverse by seeking to unilaterally allocate
pastors and churches into networks with whom there are no natural
relationships. Anecdotally this is not well received by local
church pastors.
The reality of church life is that there will be some pastors
who will refuse to be linked apostolically. Denominational leaders
should pray for these pastors to be divinely connected to an
apostolic network.
Andrew
Corbett
© 2003, Andrew Corbett, Tasmania
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