HOW PASTORS PARNTER WITH APOSTLES AND BISHOPS

Apostles are God’s "sent ones, " described by Paul as "a glory to Christ" (2 Cor. 8:23) and "the scum of the earth" (1 Cor. 4:13) depending on your viewpoint! They are ambassadors of a heavenly kingdom sent to establish that kingdom in the hearts and lives of men. Apostles wage war against Satan to liberate a territory. Bishop means "overseer or supervisor." (Acts 20:17, 28) This describes the role of an apostle to those pastors in his sphere. (2 Cor. 10:15)

We are told by Jesus to pray for laborers to be sent out (Mt. 9:38). In the Book of Acts, the most common workers were apostles. If God sends us apostles, how should we relate to them?

In the New Testament, apostles came first. In our day, they are arriving last. We already have traditions in the modern church that operate without any association with apostles. Although the church needs a foundation of apostles and prophets (see Eph. 2:20), most of the present-day church is on a pastoral base with pastors, not apostles, having major influence over congregations, seminaries, denominations, and doctrines. Are we willing for things to change?

Many questions need to be answered. For example, consider the touchy topic of finances. How are apostles supported? Paul sometimes relinquished his support in order to undermine the pseudo-apostles (2 Cor 11:12). Yet Jesus ordered those preaching the gospel to live by the gospel. (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 2 Tim. 2:6-7) Will this pattern work in any culture? The early church laid wealth at the apostles’ feet (for the poor- Acts 4:35). If we say we believe in apostles, but don’t support their ministry, then we are not investing in our vision. We need to make a choice: Do we want to be an apostolic church? The following outline offers five points for discussion.

I. Believers need to be covered by apostolic authority, especially pastors and prophets.

A. Accountability. Someone watching for your soul. Practice (model) what you preach!

B. Community. Where is your spiritual family, your tribal identity in God?

C. Encouragement. Someone who knows you, whose words build you up in God.

II. Jesus said His "sent ones" should be respected.

A. Sent on assignment to cities and people groups (Mt.10:5, Gal. 2:9)

B. Expect to be supported (Mt. 10:9-14). Teach people God’s word for this to happen!

C. Two issues: (Mt. 10:14, 40-42) Do they receive you? Do they follow your words?

III. Three R’s of welcoming apostles. (3 Key Questions to reject False Workers)

A. Recognize. Are they for real? (Rev. 2:2)

1) Real apostles’ signature- signs, seals, & sons. (2 Cor. 12:12, 1 Cor. 4:15, 9:2)

2) Discern anointing, character, & purpose. (1 Cor. 15:10, Acts. 26:16-19)

3) Discern their love for the whole Body of Christ (1 Cor 1:10-13, 3:21-23)

B. Receive. Did God send them? (To me?) (Jer. 23:21, John 1:6, Act 26:17)

1) Believe their words as being from God (1 Thess. 2:13)

2) Build by learning from their apostolic wisdom (1 Cor. 3:10)

3) Honor them for who they are (Mal. 1:6, 1 Cor. 4:14-15, 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

C. Relate. How do I network with them? (1 Cor. 12:12-18; Eph. 4:16)

1) Acknowledge their sphere of influence (2 Cor. 10:13-16)

2) Choose to stand under their spiritual authority (Not all will... see 3 Jn vs 9)

3) Function on a Team with integrity (David’s men- 1 Chron. 12:17, 18, 32, 38)

A) Headship- Everything God creates has only one head

B) Heart- "undivided heart"- David’s team (1 Chron. 12:33, Mt. 6:21)

IV. Partner with apostles’ mission. Whole church is apostolic. (Rom. 1:5, 15:18, 16:7)

A. By praying for them to have boldness and free utterance. (Eph. 6:19)

B. By working with them as part of a Team to finish the Task (Rom. 16:1-16, Phil 2:25)

C. By regular contributions Who watches for your soul? Do you support him with your tithes, and by generous offerings for special needs or projects? (1 Cor. 9:11-14)

V. Paul dealt with this financial issue as a practical doctrine several times.

A. Apostolic support is a right for apostles and their families- 1 Cor. 9:1-14

B. Their support should be taken care of first- 2 Tim. 1:5

C. Support by partner churches is an occasion of blessing from God- Phil. 4:14-19

© 2001 Ron Wood, Touched By Grace, Inc.
ron@touchedbygrace.org