Overview
This session provides an overview of apostolic leadership and government, defining their roles, functions, and practical implications for church governance and development.
What is Apostolic Leadership?
- Apostolic leadership is described in four ways: spiritual (word and prayer), missional (sending and guiding on mission), theological (resolving doctrinal issues), and relational (building deep relationships).
- Acts 6 illustrates spiritual leadership focused on word and prayer.
- Acts 13 highlights missional leadership by sending leaders on new missions.
- Acts 15 demonstrates theological leadership through resolving doctrinal disputes.
- Acts 20 reflects relational leadership through Paul's deep connection with the Ephesian elders.
Outcomes of Apostolic Leadership
- Apostolic leadership leads to the pioneering and birthing of new churches.
- Existing churches are strengthened and built up, primarily through teaching and preaching.
- There is multiplication and expansion into new areas, cities, nations, and cultures.
Defining Apostolic Government
- Apostolic government organizes, guides, and addresses decisions and crises in newly birthed or connected churches.
- Effective governance relies on the prior birthing, strengthening, and multiplying of churches by apostolic leaders.
Three Aspects of Apostolic Government
- Apostolic wisdom offers suggestive, experience-based guidance to church leaders, generally non-directive.
- Apostolic development involves coaching, mentoring, and consulting to elevate local leaders’ effectiveness, not issuing mandates.
- Apostolic authority includes appointing local leaders, rebuking sin, correcting doctrine, and ensuring mission alignment, sometimes requiring directive action.
Application of Apostolic Authority
- Appointment of elders or leaders typically occurs during a church's early formation.
- Rebuking of sin and correcting doctrine are handled with authority, not as suggestions.
- Aligning mission priorities (e.g., care for the poor) is part of maintaining core church values and direction.
Purpose and Framework
- The provided framework clarifies vocabulary and understanding around apostolic leadership and church government for application in ministry contexts.
- The intention is to share a working approach to apostolic ministry, recognizing the diverse interpretations and resources available.