Ministry

Leading with Care: Servanthood & Stewardship

As we might expect, the New Testament concepts of leadership are radically different from those so often visible in the worlds of politics or business (and, most tragically, sometimes in the church). The word most frequently used to describe leaders or leadership (proistemi) means to be set over or to direct – and carries within it the integral idea of ‘giving care and attention’; to attend to something with care and diligence, to be a protector or guardian. Whichever way we look at it, the kind of leadership the Lord wants in and through His church is a leadership that really cares for those it is leading. This kind of leadership is an expression of God’s grace (Romans 12:6) and should be undertaken with great diligence and zeal! (12:8). Why? Because the church deserves our very best – the Lord really cares that His people are not left “as sheep without a shepherd” (Number 27:17, Matthew 9:36).

At the heart of this type of leadership are two core characteristics – servanthood and stewardship. So, what do we mean by these two words? Firstly, servanthood is an attitude of humility that is the bedrock of leadership character, and is the foundation of all leadership and ministry for the Lord; and it is the epitome of the very attitude of Christ – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:28). Meanwhile, stewardship is the understanding that everything we have is on loan, entrusted to us by God. Good stewardship is the key to growth, and again is exactly the way Jesus handled His own task and commission – “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father” (Matthew 11:27, Luke 10:22). All God-pleasing biblical ministry is characterised by these two attributes. So, let’s dig a bit deeper…

Servanthood

The word used extensively for “ministry” in the NT is diakonia, which simply means ‘service’. A minister in any sense (and a deacon in particular), is nothing more – and nothing less – than a servant. Think about the two great New Testament apostles, Peter and Paul: whatever their gifting, responsibilities and achievements, they saw themselves first and foremost simply as “servants of Christ” (notice how they introduce themselves at 2 Peter 1:1 and Romans 1:1 respectively) – and they considered it the greatest privilege! They were servants, just like the greatest Old Testament leaders who preceded them – eg Moses (Josh 1:1, Heb 3:5), Joshua (Josh 24:29), David (Ps 78:70-71) and others.

When Jesus’s disciples were found to be arguing about which of them was the “greatest”, Jesus explained that if we want true greatness we must learn what it means to be a “servant” (Mark 9:33-35). As we’ve noted, servanthood is revealed to us most perfectly in Christ Himself – the Greatest who ever lived! Describing the way Jesus became a servant-slave to humanity, Paul reminds us: “Make your own attitude (or “mindset”) that of Christ Jesus, who existing in the form of God did not consider equality with God something to be used for his own advantage (or “to be grasped”). Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a slave… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-9).

Jesus sets us the example of how to embrace servanthood, and we see that it involves: letting go of anything we’re holding too tightly; emptying ourselves of every attitude or priority that fills us but can never fulfil us; humbling ourselves by dealing with all pride; bringing all things into obedience under Him; and being willing to die the many little (internal) deaths that come from a life of servanthood. These may include, for example: going the extra mile when you’re tired; celebrating another’s success when you feel you deserve the credit; choosing patience when you feel overlooked; turning the other cheek when you feel injured or insulted, standing aside to let others shine and succeed; absorbing another’s pain when you’re also hurting; or choosing silence when you long to defend yourself against criticism… Of course, this may not be easy – but when we embrace these things are free and liberated and discover true greatness!

Stewardship

Psalm 24:1 declares that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” – and as such all that we have is on loan from God; we’re called to be faithful stewards, entrusted with our gifts, tasks, responsibilities and spheres of leadership and influence. And Jesus said that much would be asked of those to whom much had been entrusted (Luke 12:48).

The concept of entrustment is seen throughout the New Testament – but in particular it’s worth noting the way Paul speaks of both his own ministry and the gifts and leadership responsibilities of others (eg 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 1 Timothy 1:11-12, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14). Perhaps nothing expresses it more powerfully that his words to the Corinthians: “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

And of course Jesus Himself spoke about the need to be found trustworthy in taking care of our gifts and talents. In Luke 16:10-12 He made clear that our faithfulness in handling smaller things would lead to being entrusted with bigger things, and our faithfulness in handling worldly wealth to being entrusted with “true riches,” and that our faithfulness in caring for delegated things would lead to being entrusted with our own things. These are really vital principles: we must take great care of what we’ve been entrusted with now, and if we are faithful we can expect to see growth; which is exactly what we see in the parables of the talents (Matthew 25:14ff, Luke 19:12ff). Spend some time appreciating the small things and material things and delegated things you’ve been entrusted with – and determine to take care of them as faithfully as you can!…

Servanthood and stewardship go hand-in-hand. And I think all other God-pleasing leadership attitudes and attributes (integrity, care, bravery, clarity, diligence, zeal…) will inevitably flow from this twin heartbeat. May a powerful generation of servant-leaders arise, knowing they’ve been entrusted with much and proving faithful in all these things…

Leading with Care: Servanthood & Stewardship PDF Download

Church, Leadership

The Ephesian Episodes: A Tale for our Times

Featuredby David LyonLeave a Comment

From very small beginnings, the church in Ephesus grew in such size and significance that within just three years its impact was felt not only in that city but across the entire region of Asia (modern-day Turkey)!… Fortunately, the New Testament provides us with more detail about this church than any other, so that we can learn from their success and take heed of the dangers they faced. The story of this church – told in a series of short dramatic episodes – is ‘a tale for our times’, and as we read it afresh, dig deeper and look behind the scenes we discover the heart of God for our churches, our cities and our regions…

Ephesian Episodes: A Tale for our Times Download

Church, Leadership, Mission

Growing Together: Apostolic Churches & The Great Commission

23rd Sep 202123rd Sep 2021by David LyonLeave a Comment

The apostle Paul described his relationship with the Philippian church and its elders as a “partnership” (Phil 1:5,7), and it’s clear from the New Testament that this kind of partnership was integral to the “advancement of the gospel” (Phil 1:12), enabling the mission to flourish and the churches to grow daily in number, so that the world of that day was “turned upside down” (Ac 17:6)! Jesus had risen, ascended, poured-out His Spirit and sent-forth His church, and this Spirit-filled church – inspired and thrust forward by her apostles, guided and cared-for by her elders – began to impact and transform every society into which she was planted!…

Now, in a world in greater need than ever, and with a gospel as powerful as ever, it’s the great destiny of the church to once again turn the world upside down and make way for the return of Christ. Led by her apostles and elders, and with every other precious part fully functioning, the church is the hope of the world! And in a time of such abundant harvest, we must be so missional and so well-built that multitudes can be rapidly added, discipled and sent-out. This paper seeks to lift our vision of the church, the apostles and the elders, and considers how their powerful partnership can best be outworked today…

Growing Together – Apostolic Churches & The Great Commission Download

Leadership

Apostles & Prophets

6th Sep 20216th Sep 2021by David LyonLeave a Comment

After His ascension, Jesus began giving precious gifts to his church, as expressions of his grace – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:7-11). As we have written elsewhere, these ‘fivefold’ gifts equip the church for its ministry and are essential if the church is to be built-up and to reach unity, maturity and fulness (Ephesians 4:12-13).

But there is a unique and particular pairing between apostles and prophets: they are foundations upon which the church is built (Ephesians 2:20), being distinguished from the other gifts by their particular revelation (Ephesians 3:5), hence we refer to them as ‘revelatory gifts’. The Chief Apostle and Prophet continues to manifest himself by giving apostles and prophets to his Body.

This downloadable paper considers the role and function of these important foundational ministries and the context in which they might function most fruitfully. It includes a range of questions that eldership and leadership teams may find helpful in evaluating their own relationships with apostles and prophets.

Download

Church, Leadership

Ministry Recognition: What should we be looking for?

6th Sep 20219th Jul 2022by David LyonLeave a Comment

Ephesians chapter 4 makes clear to us that the ‘fivefold’ ministries of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are Gifts given by the ascended Lord Jesus Christ to His church, and that all of them are essential if the church is to be built-up and to come to unity and maturity; they are vital parts of the church “until” that time (Ephesians 4:11-13). Jesus is still giving His Gifts to His church. They are divinely-given, not humanly-appointed.

If this is so, then it’s essential that the church knows how to recognise the Gifts Jesus is giving to us; we must know how to test and approve authentic ministry (Revelation 2:2). This will mean listening carefully to the Spirit and the Word, which will never be in conflict – the Holy Spirit won’t ask us to recognise a person who does not fulfil the biblical criteria…

So, what criteria do we find in the Word to help us test and approve these ministries? Although more of the New Testament evidence concerns apostles (there is much less information about the other ministries) and most of that concerns Paul (the pre-eminent post-ascension apostle), the Spirit has – of course – given us all we need to make the necessary judgments about each of the gifts, in their various expressions. The following brief points are by no means exhaustive (other posts explore some of these things in much more detail), but I hope they provide a helpful starting-point…

The Gifts of Christ

These ministries are people: those gifted by Christ, and given to the church – men and women themselves, not just what they do (note that in 1Co 12:28-30 Paul asks “are all” apostles, prophets or teachers? But in relation to the other gifts listed: “do all” work miracles, have gifts of healing, speak in tongues or interpret?) They are all expressions of God’s grace to His Church (Eph 4:7).
They’re given by the Chief Apostle (Heb 3:1), Prophet (Mt 13:57, 21:11, Lk 13:33), Evangelist (Lk 4:18-19, 19:10), Shepherd (Jn 10:11, Heb 13:20, 1Pe 5:4) and Teacher (Mt 23:10) and each is an aspect (portion) of Christ’s own nature and ministry. Each is needed (in its many expressions) for the church to have as full a measure of Christ as possible (Eph 4:7).
All five are essential for the church to come to maturity and fullness (Eph 4:12f); their shared focus and task is “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (4:12). They exercise their ministry in such a way that the whole church is empowered to exercise theirs. An absence of any of them will mean a lack in the church.
This equipping will continue “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (4:13) – when He returns.
There are different types and measures of each Gift; all apostles are not all the same; neither prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers. Their differences are ordained by God (cf. 1Co 12:18). Therefore we may not see all of the following characteristics in each of the ministries. We expect to see different “measures” of faith (Ro 12:3) and grace-gift (Ro 12:6, Eph 4:7, 1Co 15:10). .
Gifting may overlap within the same person: Paul and Barnabas were numbered amongst the prophets and teachers (Ac 13:1) before being recognised as apostles (Ac 14:4,14, cf 1Ti 2:7, 2Ti 1:11); Philip was one of the Seven (Ac 6:5) and an evangelist (Ac 21:8), etc.

Apostles

Apóstolos – one ‘sent-out’ with a commission and authorisation to represent the Sender.
Set apart by the Spirit for ‘the work’, which is wider than the local church (Ac 13:1-2, 14:26).
Commissioned, authorised and sent-out by Christ Himself (1Co 1:1, Gal 1:1,15).
A deep sense of servanthood (Ro 1:1, 1Co 3:5) and entrustment (1Co 4:1-2, Gal 2:7-8).
Devoting time to being with Jesus in prayer and Word (Mk 3:13, Ac 6:1-7).
Their commissions will vary – eg: “planting”, “watering” or “building” (1Co 3:5ff); or to a particular people (Gal 2:7-8) – and they may outwork their apostleship through another ‘underlying’ gift (pastor, teacher, etc) (Ac 13:1-2).
Grace and authority for founding and building-up churches (Ro 1:5, 1Co 3:10, 2Co 10:8, 13:10, Gal 1:15), which are the “seal” of their ministry (1Co 9:1-2).
Functionally “first” (1Co 12:28), the apostle is a ‘foundational’ ministry (Eph 2:20); laying a foundation of Christ-centred doctrine (1Co 3:10, Ac 2:46), based on his revelation (Eph 3:5).
Spiritual ‘architects’ (seeing the big picture) and master-builders (1Co 3:10).
Functioning as fathers toward churches and their leaders (1Co 4:15, 1Th 2:11).
Developing a sphere of ministry and churches under his care (2Co 10:13-17, 11:28).
Appoints elders to extend his fatherly care and government in each locality (Ac 14:23, Tit 1:5).
Concerned for the practical needs of the poor and needy (Gal 2:10).
Working in partnership with churches (Phil 1:5) and fellow-apostles (1Co 3:5ff); he may be a ‘hub’ for a team of ministries working together (Ac 13:13, Ro 16:3, Gal 1:2, 1Th 3:2, etc).
Enduring and persevering through hardships and trials (2Co 4:7ff, 6:4ff, 12:12).
Motivated by his vision of the Bride; Christ’s fulness in His church (Eph 4:13, Col 1:28f, 2Co 11:2).
Equipping the Body to be apostolic (‘sent-out’) (Eph 4:12).

Prophets

Prophḗtēs –‘one who proclaims’ or ‘one who predicts’; a ‘proclaimer of a divinely inspired message’.
Brings a revelation of what God wants to do or accomplish (Amos 3:7, Nu 12:6, 1Co 14:29-30).
Functionally “second” (1Co 12:28), the prophet works alongside the apostle in laying foundations in the churches and carrying foundational revelation (Eph 2:20, 3:5; 2Pe 3:2).
Bringing clarity and order; making things plain (1Co 14:25); never brings confusion or disorder (1Co 14:32-33).
Their spirits are pure and they will always exalt Christ (1Jn 4:1-2).
Strengthening, encouraging and comforting the churches (1Co 14:3, Ac 15:32).
Function in plurality, with others prophets in the local church (Ac 13:1, 1Co 14:29).
Equipping the Body to be prophetic (Eph 4:12).

Evangelists

Euaggelistés – ‘bearer of good tidings’.
Proclaims Christ and Kingdom; his message is never man-centred (Ac 8:5, 12).
Filled with the Spirit (Ac 6:3 cf. Ac 21:8) and led by the Spirit (Ac 8:26, 29, 39).
Seeking signs and wonders to authenticate his message (Ac 8:6, 13).
Willing to serve in order to release other ministries (Ac 6:4).
Works as part of a team; draws upon the apostle and others to ensure all the foundations are properly laid (Ac 8:12ff).
Asks probing questions and takes time to sit alongside unbelievers and explain the gospel to them (Ac 8:30ff).
Handles the Scriptures well and shares the gospel with ease (Ac 8:35).
Imparts faith to believe and call on the Lord (Ro 10:14-15).
Equipping the Body to be evangelistic (Eph 4:12).

Pastors

Poimén – shepherd
Expressing God’s heart of care and compassion for His people, so that none are like “sheep without shepherds” (Mt 9:36, Mk 6:34).
An integral aspect of Eldership (Ac 20:28, 1Pe 5:1-2).
Gatekeepers in the church, watching over the flock (Jn 10:2, 1Pe 5:2).
Works towards a flock established by the Spirit (Ac 20:28).
Having a voice that is heard and recognised by the flock (Jn 10:14).
Laying down his life for the sheep (Jn 10:11).
Equipping the Body to be pastoral (Eph 4:12).

Teachers

Didáskalos – ‘an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field; one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man’.
Functionally “third” (1Co 12:28), the teacher unfolds the apostolic doctrine, with authority (Tit 2:1, 15) and a deep sense of awe and responsibility (Jas 3:1).
Reliable, suitably-qualified and entrusted with the apostolic revelation and doctrines (2Ti 2:2).
Devoted to sound teaching and refuting error (1Ti 4:13, Tit 2:1).
Teaching God’s Word, not secondary sources (2Ti 3:16).
Teaching by the Spirit (1Jn 2:27, 5:6).
They will never teach for personal gain (cf. 2Pe 2:3).
Equipping the Body to handle the Word and teach one another (Eph 4:12).

How blessed we are that Jesus is still giving these Gifts to His church! May we be diligent in our evaluation of ministries and in giving proper recognition as they function and bear fruit amongst us…

Leadership

Eldership: A Dynamic, Noble Task!

6th Sep 20216th Sep 2021by David LyonLeave a Comment

Any familiarity we may have with the New Testament pictures of elders as overseers and shepherds must not allow us to miss the important details of this “noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1) or to become detached in any way from the dynamic realities of the NT. This article is written especially for elders and their wives, and for all who aspire to serve the church in this way, and takes a fresh look at some vital aspects of eldership and their implications for you as couples together…

1: Firstly, your “appointment” was or will be by the Spirit (Acts 20:28, where the word is etheto meaning ‘to put, place, lay, set, fix, establish’). Your eldership – an outcome of your lives and marriages – has been determined (indeed ‘pre-determined’) by God. It may have come about through the agency of others – affirmed by the Body, preceded by prayers and fasting, confirmed by the laying-on of apostolic hands (Acts 14:23) – but the appointment of every elder was established, fixed, arranged and set by the Spirit! That’s why we first know in our spirit those to whom we’re shepherds. That’s why at the end of your tenure you must give an account to a Higher Court (Hebrews 13:17). From start to finish, every aspect of this “noble work” (1 Timothy 3:1) is spiritual and is to be by the Spirit; elders function in a spiritual realm and dynamic. The ‘natural’ and the ‘spiritual’ are contradictions (Romans 8:4-8, 1 Corinthians 15:46, Galatians 3:3, Jude 1:19), and only spiritual leadership befits God’s House (Ephesians 2:22, 1Peter 2:5). Our natural leadership will never be enough, and will usually contradict God’s thoughts and plans! Elders must see and observe spiritually, think spiritually, make spiritual choices, selections and judgments (1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Corinthians 5:16, James 2:4)…

2: Elders are not just as an extension of apostolic government, but of the apostolic heart and mind – appointed by apostles (Acts 14:23) or their delegates (Titus 1:5) to lead the church in its ‘apostolic’ life and mission: being sent into all the world to make disciples (Matthew 28:18f). Elderships must not stop at seeing the flock well fed, well cared for and well physically; the goal must be healthy people mobilised for the mission. Therefore, elders will will turn the Body outwards; they will see beyond their locality and serve a greater, wider purpose – releasing people and resources to serve the apostolic vision (cf. Acts 16:1-3).

3: Eldership is a precious stewardship – “managing” or “taking care of God’s household/church” (1 Timothy 3:5). Elders are to “guard” themselves and the flock (Acts 20:28), which requires that they first guard their own hearts and lives (Proverbs 4:23), then guard one other to save any of us from falling or causing division (Acts 20:30), and then guard the church, which is God’s flock entrusted to us (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:3) – never ours. Elders are appointed by God’s Spirit for God’s people (Acts 14:23); they serve the flock, never the other way round and their ministry is on behalf of the Chief Shepherd, who alone will reward them for a job well done (1 Peter 5:4). However, whilst elders will be very close and connected with the church, very personal and available, their time and priorities will be dominated by the demands from ‘above’ not ‘below’. Elders are not ultimately answerable to those they serve and they cannot allow themselves to be distracted, diverted or diluted. Likewise, they ought to be unaffected by human praise (or criticism); what matters is the Master’s feedback!

4: A particular aspect of this will be the eldership’s care and guarding of God’s Word. As today, the issue in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-4) and Crete (Titus 1:10-11) was false doctrine which threatened to derail the advance of the gospel – and the primary weapon against it was the appointment of elders “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9). The antidote to false doctrine was and is elderships embodying sound doctrine. Elders cannot ‘contract-out’ their study of Scripture or their awareness of what’s being falsely taught in the church or the world. Not all elders will have primary responsibility for preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17), but all must be competent in handling God’s Word. This is at the heart of an elder’s’ ‘work’ and ‘craft’, and they must take time to become more proficient in it: to go deeper, dig-down, see and understand more…

5: Elders function as part of a team. The NT picture is exclusively one of ‘plurality’ and teamwork (eg, see Acts 11:30, 14:23, 15:2, 20:17, 21:18, 1 Timothy 4:14, Titus 1:5, James 5:14, 1 Peter 5:1); the elders are always seen together, never alone – indeed, they cannot function effectively alone. Their togetherness is an integral part of God’s ‘setting-in’ and must give rise to vital attributes: they’re never divisive or divide-able, always honouring, and appreciating on another. They embrace differences in their respective gifts and measures, but esteem their equality as elders. They need each other – for encouragement, correction, confidence-building, provocation security, common sense, perspective…. And the dynamics of their teamwork must go further, for they also work in harmony with the fivefold Gifts. They have different concerns (the eldership for the health of the flock; the Gifts for the equipping and maturing of the Body) – but these belong together! And since the fulness of the church depends on the input and deposit of the Gifts (Ephesians 4:11ff.), then to the extent such gifting is not present within an eldership, elders will draw from beyond themselves to ensure the church has all it needs (1 Corinthians 3:21-23 cf. 3 John 1:9-10).

6: Eldership involves powerful impartation! They may lay their hands on emerging leaders to impart something to them (1 Timothy 4:14) just as they will pray for the sick and see them raised up (Jas 5:13ff). The laying on of hands is no less essential or “foundational” than repentance, faith or baptisms (Hebrews 6:1-2)! Impartation demands that the elders are ‘always ready’: to intercede at any time; to draw heavenly realities down to earth (Matthew 16:19, 18:18). This dynamic of their task may well mean they use fewer words but see greater works – less instruction and more impartation! And this impartation will be vital to the development of others; elderships must impart something to emerging leaders without fear of being overtaken, eclipsed or surpassed.

7: Finally, elders are tasked with setting an example for others to follow (1 Peter 5:1-3, Hebrews 13:7) and this must have depth and breadth; not just an example in worship and prayer, but also in friendliness, openness, humility, winsomeness, missionary zeal; an example – in every respect – of those appointed by the Spirit according to God’s choice and arrangement… Their example is to be the very opposite of “lording it over” the church (1 Peter 5:3). They have authority, but we lead with a ‘light touch’; their authority and example builds-up and never tears-down (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:8, 13:10); it releases, liberates and sets free. Elders are to be catalysts, not controllers. And of course they should also set an example in devotion: elders worship and fall down before King Jesus (Revelation 4:10, 5:8, 5:14, 7:11, 11:16, 19:4). They are in awe of the One they serve and represent; they are in love; with Jesus, they are passionate and zealous and they make no apology!…

This noble” task” is “work” (1 Timothy 3:1); the word is ergon meaning ‘work, task, employment; that which is wrought or made; work that accomplishes something; a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intension, purpose)’. It is often hard work, but it is work alongside friends, by which something is built and created (cf. Nehemiah 3). And it is work undertaken in the dynamic of the Holy Spirit, who appoints and enables us to succeed in all we do!

In light of these dynamics, eldership teams may wish to consider: (1) Does your eldership fall short of the New Testament picture in any way(s)? If so, what adjustments are required? (2) How can you increase your impact and impartation? (3) As you develop emerging leaders in your church, what can you give them? (4) What do you dream of creating together?…

Leadership, Mission

Authentic Apostolic Ministry

31st Jul 202131st Jul 2021by David LyonLeave a Comment

One of the most distinct and significant Pentecostal-Charismatic developments of the last forty years has been the emergence of various groups insisting upon the validity of present-day apostolic ministry. Such claims are not without historic precedence, but the present movement has gained considerable momentum and an increasingly widespread acceptance. With it comes the danger of dilution; a watering-down of vital biblical truths, principles and patterns.

This article links to a thesis (written for my Masters Degree in 2012) concerned with the authenticity of apostolic ministry, in which the investigation is carried out from three perspectives.

1. Firstly, there is a thorough examination of the biblical evidence concerning the nature, functions and hallmarks of apostolic ministry as found in the Gospels, Acts and Epistles. Lukan and Pauline concepts of apostleship are compared, Paul’s self-understanding is probed, and a clear picture of authentic apostolic character, tasks and fruit emerges.

2. Secondly, there is a consideration of several ecclesiological matters, including the extent to which notions of ministry in general, and apostleship in particular, are shaped by views of the nature and mission of the church. This is followed by an overview of the historic development of modern concepts of apostolic ecclesiology.

3. The third perspective is a practical one, and here we consider how those convinced of a continuing apostolic ministry are outworking their beliefs. The focus is on some of those associated with the Restoration Movement, together with others representing the wider so-called ‘New Apostolic Reformation’. This part of the thesis considers the grounds and process of apostolic recognition, the exercise of apostolic authority, the development of apostolic spheres or ‘networks’, the apostolic approach to the major tasks of the church, and the response of the new models to the pressing issues of apostolic ‘succession’.

The overall concern of the thesis is to investigate the nature of biblically authentic apostleship: What is an apostle? What does he do? Are the biblical patterns relevant for today? Are contemporary expressions authentic? If apostolic ministry is essential in enabling the Church to come to unity and maturity before the return of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13), then it’s vital that we arrive at a truly biblical view of these things…

The THESIS is available to download using the link below. SUMMARY sections can be found at pages 48-50, 75-76 and 107-108, with overall CONCLUSIONS at pages 110-112.

Download

Church, Leadership

Who is He and Who are You?

Featuredby David Lyon1 Comment

One of the most important conversations of all time occurs in Matthew chapter sixteen! After about two years of His public ministry – during which He’d healed the sick, cast out demons, fed multitudes, raised the dead, taught with authority, calmed the storms and forgiven people their sins – Jesus asks His disciples who people think or say He is (Matthew 16:13), and they respond by summarising the most popular public opinions: that He’s a resurrected John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah, or maybe another of the prophets (16:14)…

But then Jesus turns the question on the disciples themselves, those who’ve been closest to Him, who’ve travelled and shared meals with Him and witnessed these things first hand, and asks: “But what about you, who do you say I am?” (16:15). This was no longer about public opinion. Now the focus was on their personal conviction. And without hesitation, Simon-Peter steps forward and is the first to reply: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” (16:16).

Jesus’s joy at Simon-Peter’s response seems almost palpable! And His next words are about to change Simon-Peter’s life forever: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (16:17). Peter’s conviction that Jesus was the Messiah wasn’t just the result of seeing His miracles and hearing His teachings, and it certainly wasn’t a belief instilled in him by his family or his fellow-disciples. Flesh and blood alone could not convince him. It was a revelation from God! He knew Jesus was the Messiah because God had revealed it to Him.

The same is true for everyone who knows Jesus is the Messiah: we believe it because God has revealed it to us! Think about it: however you came to know Jesus; whatever the circumstances; whenever it happened; whoever was involved in sharing their testimony or faith with you – your conviction and belief actually came about because God the Father was at work revealing the truth to you. Be assured: He wanted you to know; you heard it from God!

Jesus continues: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (16:18). This is the ‘first mention’ of the church (ekklesia) in the Bible. And notice what happens here: Simon-Peter has confessed the truth about Jesus’s identity (“You are the Messiah”) and in response Jesus proclaims the truth about his identity (“you are Peter”). The word ‘Peter’ is petros meaning ‘a rock’, or a ‘specific piece of rock’ and in those few words Jesus declares something essential that Peter will need to remember as the story unfolds – Jesus thinks he’s a rock; Jesus believes in Him; and Jesus will use him in the foundations of His church! This was Peter’s true identity. In the same way, it’s only when we confess the truth about Jesus that we begin to see our own true identity, and begin to see how Jesus wants to use us in what He’s building.

In declaring that He will build His church “on this rock”, Jesus is referring not to Peter himself but to the revelation Peter has received and confessed. The ‘rock’ in this case is not petros but petra – meaning the ‘bedrock’. This is vital: the church is built not a man (Peter, or anyone else) but on the foundational bedrock of the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Messiah! It’s as we believe and confess this truth that we’re born again and become part of His church (see Romans 10:9). Jesus is the Rock, the Foundation and the Cornerstone of His church (see Ephesians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11), and anything built on anything else is doomed to failure, as the story of the two builders dramatically illustrates (Matthew 7:24-27).

This conversation and this revelation lived with Peter for the rest of his life. It defined his identity and shaped his ministry. And in the next article we will look at what happened when he preached it to crowds of thousands on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2)…