Apostle. Prophet. Evangelist. Shepherd. And Teacher. God has given these amazing gifts to the Church (Ephesians 4:1-13). Far too often we try to sum up leadership in the Church under the catchall title “pastor”, but what if God has a bigger picture for the equipping of the Church? What could local expressions of the Body of Christ look like organized around the gifts God has given us?

This week the conversation focused in on Apostles.

Apostles are the dream-awakeners of the community. The catalytic-too-much-energy-to-not-start-now leaders, and they live for the potential of what could be. The Apostle isn’t satisfied with a finished project because they always see the needs within a community or system that can be broken apart to build more room. Their focus is the next stage of the community’s development.

Apostles: Catalyze and Co-mission. Apostles are catalysts who start new works, and they co-mission others to join God in the renewal of all things. They are pioneers, always moving into new territory. Apostle literally means, “sent one.” They help to cultivate a thriving environment in the congregation and love crossing boundaries. We might call them “dream awakeners” because they help people discover and live out their calling. They help cultivate a discipleship ethos in order to see the multiplication of disciples, ministries, churches and movements. Apostles help people and communities live out the answer to Jesus’ prayer, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10).

Immaturity for the Apostle: An immature apostle tends to be so goal oriented they run over people, or run people ragged. Too often as apostles, in our immaturity finds their value in achievement, often at the expense of people. I know this from experience and I have to repent repeatedly. Adolescent apostles can lack gentleness and patience, and tend to be insensitive, because too often mission comes before people, instead of mission being for people. They can lack tolerance when people don’t understand them. They often can’t “turn it off” (i.e., take a day off). They sometimes have trouble being part of a group they’re not leading. They can be insensitive to how change and risk feels for others. They may in speech, but not in action trust that God is working, when they’re not. When they experience resistance from others they tend to push harder rather than stepping back and evaluating. They have a hard time staying faithful to an idea; they get itchy and want to move onto the next exciting idea.

Formational Learning:

(Head)

• What benefits and drawbacks could come from activating Apostles within FōS?

(Heart)

• Do you see yourself in the gift of the Apostle? If yes in what ways and what about the gift resonated with you? If no do you know someone who fits the description either mature or immature?

(Hands)

• What practices could allow us to equip, empower, and facilitate Apostles in our community?