Apostolic Ministry

The apostle’s ministry is the prime ministry of the church. It is set in the church “first” by God (1 Cor. 12:28). The church is to be first and foremost apostolic in its purpose and vision. It is important for the church therefore to understand the apostolic ministry because of its importance and placement in the church by God. Without this understanding the church will never fully understand its commission and purpose which are apostolic.

Currently, there are three teachings in regards to the ministry of an apostle:

The first says that the ministry of the apostle ended after John the Beloved died in Ephesus in 101 A.D.

The second says anyone who is a missionary is an apostle.

The third is that apostles are Jesus’ archectiton ascension gifts to the Church provided to perfect every believer for the work of the ministry. (Jonas Clark)

Since we are living in the days of restoration of the apostolic ministry, we need an understanding of this ministry in order to receive true apostles and reject false ones. Restoration necessitates knowledge in order to walk accurately and fully in what God is restoring. A revelation of the apostolic ministry will bring an understanding of what it means to be sent. It helps us understand what we are sent to do and what power and authority we have as “sent ones”. It helps us understand and receive the ministries that God is sending today.

A study of the apostolic ministry brings greater clarity and understanding of the New Testament. The New Testament books were written by apostles. The book of Acts is called the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus is the apostle of our profession (Heb. 3:1). A study of the apostolic ministry brings greater clarity and understanding to the ministry of the perfect apostle, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the model for all ministries and provides a blueprint for apostolic living.

In most bibles, the book of Acts is named “the Acts of the Apostles.” Some in the church have been asking God to birth into us the “apostolic heart” or “apostolic anointing.” We do not have to hold the “office” of an apostle to receive the apostolic heart, the heart of a “sent one” (Greek Apostolos), a heart which longs to see each individual member of the Body of Christ functioning in his gifts and callings. (Martha Lucia)

From the book Apostolic Ministry – A 50 Lesson Bible Course

By John Eckhardt

Published by Crusaders Ministry