Apostles & Ministries

Apostles are part of the continuing foundation of the church.  They are necessary until the body of Christ reaches unity of faith and reaches its ultimate maturity (Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 4:12-13).

Apostles are gifts of the ascended Lord Jesus Christ to his church, and are first among the equipping ministries (Ephesians 4:7-11, 1 Corinthians 12:28). They are not first because of superiority but because of their function. Paul described himself as a 'master builder' concerned with the total design of  the church (1 Corinthians 3:10).

Apostles preach the Kingdom of God and lay Jesus Christ as the foundation in people. They establish communities of believers who demonstrate together in the power of the Holy Spirit what it means to be the church of Jesus Christ. The description of the church in Acts 2:41-47 is an example of an apostolic community.

Apostles appoint elders, who have the responsibility to continue the heart and mind of the apostles into the church (Acts 14:23). The apostles, elders and the people of God work together in fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

Apostles are team players; while having primary leadership they act as the catalyst for the other ministries [Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists] so that together they can prepare God's people for works of service. As such, no Ephesians 4 ministry works independently of others; they have a corporate responsibility towards God and his people.