What do apostles do

These believers are equipped to be missionaries to the aspects of society they interact with, bringing a reforming mindset with them that longs to see transformation.

Apostles have a big picture mentality and are always looking to advance and extend the influence of the kingdom of God. They think aggressively, in the sense of movement and taking ground. They bring this thinking to churches, to prevent them from being parochial or self-centred.

Apostles will motivate, encourage, challenge and direct individual churches to move forward in their mission. Churches that are moving will be provoked to go further and faster, and deploy and release people and leaders. Apostolic culture and thinking will be developed to be the norm. Effective mission is best served by healthy churches so an understanding of governance and leadership is key for an apostle. In effect, apostles provide blueprints and plans for spiritual renovations, restorations, extensions, constructions, and even demolitions!

You can read more about the signs of an apostolically influenced church here. Paul saw himself as a master builder. He was keen that the churches he works with had strong foundations, meaning that Christ is the cornerstone that is the reference point for the apostolic and prophetic foundations.

Paul wanted his churches to correctly understand the meaning and implications of the gospel both theologically and practically, meaning cultures of freedom and the Spirit-filled life are key! This also means there will be a sense of gospel replication — taking the gospel out. Paul shows himself in 1 Cor to be a spiritual father.

Jesus also modelled this. They understand that spiritual maturity is more about character and identity than it is gifting and activity. Fathering is empowering , and not controlling. Other characteristics of healthy fathering include provision, connection, attention, protection, correction, valuing and endorsement. Thus, their full apostolic vocation was realized only in the Spirit John Paul viewed apostleship as a gift of the Spirit 1 Co , which was often accompanied by miraculous signs and mighty works 2 Co Such signs and wonders, however, were clearly secondary to the apostolic functions of preaching and teaching.

Apostolic Authority Having direct knowledge of the incarnate Word, and being sent out as authorized agets of the gospel, the apostles provided the authentic interpretation of the life and teaching of Jesus. Because their witness to Christ was guided by the Spirit John , the apostles' teaching was considered normative for the church. They were regarded as the "pillars" Gal and "foundation" Eph ; cf.

Rev of the church, and their teaching became the norm for Christian faith and practice. The deposit of revelation transmitted by the apostles and preserved in its written form in the New Testament thus forms the basis of postapostolic preaching and teaching in the church. It is evident that the apostles formed the nucleus of primitive Christianity. The New Testament highlights their function as apostles, without delineating in detail the authoritative nature of their office in relation to the church.

What is emphasized is that their apostolic commission authorized them to preach 1 Co ; to be ambassadors for Christ 2 Col ; Eph ; to be witnesses to all nations Luke ; and to make disciples of all peoples Matt Agnew, JBL : ; C.

Barrett, Signs of an Apostle ; W. Baur, New Testament Apocrypha 2 : ; O. Cullmann, Early Church ; E. Goodspeed, The Twelve ; L. Lightfoot, Galatians, pp. Mosbech, ST 2 : ; D. Munck, ST 3 : ; K. Schneemelcher, New Testament Apocrypha 2 : ; R. Schnackenburg, Apostolic History and the Gospel, pp. Plus Toggle navigation. Password Assistance. Email address. He has given us spiritual gifts of teaching, preaching, giving, helping, administration, for example, to use in ministry to each other.

We have all been called by God to serve in some way. While there are no biblical apostles today, God has lavished us with spiritual gifts. What a privilege we have to use them with the power of the Holy Spirit pulsing through us.

Glory to God! Jeremiah Bible Question: What is the role of an apostle today? Conclusion: What is the conclusion? Suggested Links: Were miracles and wonders signs of an apostle?

How were the apostles chosen? Does Ephesians list other leaders in the church? Were miracles and wonders signs of an apostle? Warning — You Better Listen! Like The Master Ministries P. Laura Adams is a writer, speaker, designer, and encourager with a heart to inspire. You can find her quirky stationery goods at www. Share this. What Is an Apostle? Do Apostles Still Exist? Laura Adams 6 May.

Apostle Definition In the Christian faith, apostles were those entrusted by Jesus to help organize the church and spread the message of His teachings.