Overview
This session outlines the concept of apostolic leadership and government within a church context, exploring its foundations in Scripture, its distinct types, accomplishments, and practical applications for church structure and governance.
Definitions and Foundations of Apostolic Leadership
- Apostolic leadership is rooted in the ministries of prayer and the Word, as seen in Acts 6.
- It emphasizes spiritual, missional, theological, and relational leadership, paralleling moments in Acts 13, 15, and 20.
- Each leadership aspect is likened to a leg of a table, all are equally vital.
Accomplishments of Apostolic Leadership
- Apostolic leadership pioneers and births new churches where none existed before.
- It strengthens existing churches primarily through teaching, preaching, and leadership input.
- Apostolic leadership leads to multiplication and the expansion of churches into new areas, cities, nations, and cultures.
Apostolic Government: Structure and Practice
- Apostolic government becomes necessary once churches have been planted, strengthened, and multiplied.
- Three main expressions of apostolic government are identified: wisdom, development, and authority.
Apostolic Wisdom
- Apostolic wisdom provides suggestive—not directive—guidance on ministry, mission, and church practices.
- Wisdom is context-sensitive and often shared out of experience and knowledge of Scripture.
- Acceptance of this wisdom is voluntary and not enforced.
Apostolic Development
- Apostolic development involves coaching, consulting, and mentoring church leaders towards greater effectiveness.
- Developmental relationships foster the growth of pastors, evangelists, and missionaries.
- Feedback in this context is presented as suggestions to enhance ministry effectiveness, not mandates.
Apostolic Authority
- Authority involves appointing church leaders, particularly in the early stages of church development.
- Apostolic authority addresses the rebuking of sin, doctrinal corrections, and mission alignment.
- Unlike wisdom and development, authority is directive and occasionally requires non-negotiable action.
Practical Implications and Framework
- Clear distinctions are made between offering wisdom, mentoring for development, and exercising authority.
- Scriptural examples guide the application of apostolic government within the church community.
- The session clarifies terminology and mindset for understanding and implementing apostolic government.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- How should apostolic government be balanced with local church autonomy after initial establishment?
- What are effective ways to contextualize apostolic wisdom in diverse cultures and regions?