An Apostolic Church

Apostle means "sent one". Jesus is the apostle (Hebrews 3:1), sent to reveal God to us and save us, and He sends us like He was sent (John 20:21). He immediately appointed and sent others to be apostles (Luke 9:1-2). This calling continues with Paul and many others (Romans 1:1, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy and others, teams and churches). Apostles aren't self-appointed, they are recognised (as even Paul was, Galatians 1). This isn't a hierarchical thing, they are to serve the church. They're listed first in 1 Corinthians 12:28 because they're foundational.

They're a gift given by the ascended Christ (Ephesians 4:7-13) and so they continue to be given today "until" He returns (verse 13). Jesus hasn't changed and his method for building His church hasn't changed since the New Testament, Why would we do things differently from Him?

Apostles are tasked with ensuring the church looks out and beyond its horizons. They ensure that the gospel is known and proclaimed, that the church is truly healthy as the Bible defines it. Most important, they catch the church up in global mission (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth, Acts 1:8).

What is an apostolic church?

  1. A church that receives and aligns itself with apostolic ministry. This is never imposed but gladly welcomed.

  2. A church that is built on an apostolic and prophetic foundation. Foundations shape everything else. If built on a pastoral foundation they will be very different in outlook (all about meeting the needs of Christians). If a church is built on an apostolic foundation then it will exist to reach out to those who don't know Jesus.

  3. An apostolic church is a missional church. The apostolic does many things but it's not about solving all the church's problems, like a super-pastor. It catches churches up in the biggest picture of global mission. Without apostolic input, we'll almost certainly become parochial. It should feel unsettling therefore when apostles give us their input!

  4. A church that continues to be part of a family. However big it grows, it must always be family. Paul uses family language repeatedly (1 Corinthians 4:14-15, Galatians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11, 1 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:10). A corporate impersonal organisation is not how God wants things to be. We know each other, love each other, are committed to each other, serve each other.

Questions for group discussion:

  1. Was the concept of being an apostolic church new to you?

  2. What do you think your experience should be of being part of an apostolic church? How might it be different from a being in a church that isn't like this?

  3. Do you think that you come to King's to have your needs meet? We wouldn't say it this way but do ours actions and attitudes suggest this?

  4. What does 2 Corinthians 10&11 suggest to you about apostolic ministry?

  5. Are you settled and comfortable where you are? Should you be?

  6. How should apostolic ministry impact how your small group operates?

  7. Why is it so important that we live as family in church? How can we do this?