FOR almost 500 years, Protestant churches have largely functioned within traditional denominational structures of one kind or another. But in the last century, particularly the last decade, new structures for ministry have emerged, taking the form of loosely-structured apostolic networks with greater personal authority given to those called “Apostles”. This has given growth to a new phenomenon called the New Apostolic Reformation.
There is a strong emphasis today on the recognition of apostles. The International Coalition of Apostles, headed by Dr C. Peter Wagner, is the talk of the day. There are also other similar groups promoting the necessity of apostles in building God’s Kingdom. We shall try to assess this development by asking three pertinent questions.
What is an Apostle?
Apostles were first appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ. “[Jesus] appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mk. 3:14–15)
Their role revolved around personal fellowship with Jesus, and representing Jesus in preaching the good news and driving out demons. The Greek word apostolos means delegate, envoy, messenger or agent.
The group of twelve expanded after Pentecost. The primary “qualification” of an apostle then was seeing the resurrected Christ and being personally commissioned by Him as a witness to His resurrection. “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? …” (1 Cor. 9:1). “… and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles…” (1 Cor. 15:5–9). Other marks of an apostle included “signs, wonders and miracles” (2 Cor. 12:12) and suffering for Christ’s sake. In 2 Corinthians chapters 11 and 12, for example, Paul defended his apostleship with a lengthy personal history of sufferings for the gospel.
The apostles were the authoritative teachers of the Early Church. Apostolic writings and doctrines form the content of the New Testament canon. The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). The apostles also undertook disciplinary action but they were not involved in the daily administrative running of the churches.
| “No matter how clearly the line is drawn between contending sides on this issue, no one will claim that the so-called apostles of today are in exactly the same shoes as those in New Testament days...” |
Are there Apostles today?
This question touches on the issue of apostolic succession. Conspicuously absent from the New Testament are efforts to appoint successors to the existing apostles (except when Judas was replaced by Matthias to maintain the number twelve before Pentecost).
In contrast, great care was taken to institute and maintain certain other offices in the churches, such as those of overseers (episkopos), elders (presbyteros), and deacons (diakonos) (Acts 14:23, 1 Tim. 3:1–12, Tit. 1:3–9, etc.).
In line with this, some argue that apostles are mentioned first in Eph. 4:11 (the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) because they are foundational and not because the office is continuous.
Rather, the point of the verse is not that ministry is five-fold but manifold.
Also, some believe that Paul’s “last of all he appeared to me also” indicates that Paul was the last apostle ever commissioned by Christ.
However, we must acknowledge that the apostolic gifting is alive and functioning in the Church today. We see this gifting in those who plant churches, head missionary work, and spearhead other ministries.
No matter how clearly the line is drawn between contending sides on this issue, no one will claim that the so-called apostles today are in exactly the same shoes as those in New Testament days (for example, they do not produce authoritative doctrines).
At the same time, no one will contend that the apostolic gifting has ceased to operate.
Should the ‘Apostle’ title be used?
Concerns have been raised regarding the International Coalition of Apostles’ (ICA) efforts to ‘confer’ apostleship on selected people. It must first of all be noted that ICA does not actually ordain or commission apostles; it merely gives recognition to people who are already exercising the apostolic gifting, and whose lives and ministries have been observed over the years.
The express aims of ICA are to facilitate meaningful networking among peer-level apostles for the acceleration of creative strategies in order to fulfill the Great Commission, and to provide a forum for accountability to one another.
These are noble aims. Besides, ICA does not claim to be the exclusive society of apostles (see http://www.apostlesnet.net/). Within this framework, the use of the title in itself is not a major problem.
At the same time, the following legitimate concerns should be raised concerning the activities of ICA and those of similar groups.
Theologically, the larger context of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) must be understood. The current phenomenon is not entirely new; it has roots going back a few hundred years to other movements. As a result, many accumulated theological assumptions are just taken over without critical judgment.
While many proponents of the NAR do not exactly believe the same things, a major feature of the movement is the ‘Kingdom Now’ teaching. It is believed that the restored apostles and prophets will lead a new and reconstructed Body of Christ in bringing about a gigantic end-time revival that will ‘conquer’ the kingdoms of the world and usher in the Kingdom of God on earth.
While the Bible promises that the Church will ultimately be victorious, the ‘Kingdom Now’ teaching is too triumphalistic and may lead to disillusionment and disappointment. We must remember that Scripture also teaches that God’s people are a remnant in the midst of the majority, and this small group of believers is a prime subject of persecution.
Structurally, it must be recognised that the conferment of titles is a form of institutionalism. While some measure of institutionalism may be inevitable, one will be wise to avoid too much ‘structure’.
Paul said it well: “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Gal. 3:3)
This is a good summary of the rise and decline of many revival movements. A move of the Spirit brings revival, and then human efforts creep in to try to maintain or even fan the fire (with much sincerity, it must be granted).
Slowly but surely, the focus shifts to titles and positions, to church buildings, and other material substance, and the fire fizzles out.
It has been said that if the Holy Spirit were to leave some sections of the Church today, they will still continue to function. While this diagnosis cannot simply be hoisted on to the present movement, it would be foolish to ignore this historical trend and human weakness.
Isn’t it possible for those apostles to network informally and non-exclusively without the present set-up? Practically, the process of conferment gives grounds for concern.
Despite ICA’s claim that it only recognises those who are already apostles, the way the recognition is given – the special ceremony, the pronouncement, laying of hands, et cetera – creates the inevitable impression that something is being added to the conferee and that the conferrer possesses special authority or mandate.
There are also ‘apostles’ who have become proud (a small minority, we hope) and insist on being addressed as ‘Apostle So-and-So’.
Conclusion
The Church in every generation has her issues of contention. It is often possible to accurately discern the true nature of a burning issue only after the dust has settled. We can only act according to the light given to us. This article is a small contribution to this end.
Let us “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). We call upon all apostles to serve with humility to prove their calling. We call upon all Christians to “fix (their) eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).
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