What is Apostolic Oversight, Spiritual Covering?
Apostolic oversight:
Is not a means for personal kingdom building. The issue is not quantity - "How many churches do you have in your network?" The issue is the quality of care for the local church and love for the saints.
Is not about money, it is not "a pretext for greed " (1Thess. 2:5). Paul denies that he ever used his ministry as a secret means of enriching himself. Apostolic oversight is not multi-level marketing for church planters where all resources work their way to the top.
Is not about human glory; "I'm Apostle so and so". Paul said; we have never sought honor from men, from you or from anybody else (1Thess. 2:6). Paul here is repudiating personal ambition. Paul never used his preaching to gain the honor, recognition and approval that men give.
Is not micro-managing the church. Paul actually did have authority, but he never abused it. Even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority (1Thess. 2:6). The only authority that exists in the church is Christ's authority. True apostles are not authoritarian or controlling. Authority is always to be used for the benefit of those under it, never for the personal benefit of those exercising it.
True apostolic oversight has to do with being a "father" to the church. Seeing the church as a father sees his children, intent on training his children according to their individual needs. Caring for children is tiring work. Paul said; You remember brethren, our labor and toil, laboring day and night (1 Thess. 2:9). True apostles faithfully proclaim “The Gospel of God" without alteration or substitution.
Apostolic oversight is foundational. Paul said; I have laid a foundation and another builds on it (1 Cor. 3:10). The foundation of a building is out of sight, but it is the key to stability and the growth of the structure built on it. Many churches today have faulty foundations and as a result they continually struggle with the same problems. Jesus Christ himself is the Chief Cornerstone of the foundation (Eph. 2:20). Everything the church is and does has to be rightly related to Christ, because the church belongs to Him.
It is part of New Testament Christianity that churches are to be built up, equipped and matured through ongoing relationship with five-fold ministry. While in the first century this was done primarily through relationship with apostles who initially founded the churches, today many churches are discovering the importance of relating to apostles who may not have pioneered the church, yet provide a rich source of wisdom and strength through ongoing relationship. This is accomplished when a church moves beyond merely having fellowship and receiving ministry from apostles, into the place of identifying, recognizing and receiving oversight from an apostolic ministry. This can only occur where a relationship of trust has been established between a church and an apostolic ministry. Such a relationship takes time to establish.
The Benefits of Apostolic Covering
There is no reason for a church to have an apostolic covering if the church doesn't benefit from the relationship. If the only one receiving benefits is the apostle, something is wrong. Following are some areas that a church and its leaders should benefit from apostolic covering:
Counsel - In vision, helping to define it, refine it and articulate it. In doctrine, to help deal with doctrinal issues confronting a church or causing division in the church. In church discipline, this is especially helpful in difficult cases to avoid personal attacks against leadership when a member needs discipline.
Protection - This is to provide an atmosphere of safety and security for both the pastor and the people. To protect the people- if a leader falls into error or sin or becomes dictatorial, the congregation knows they have someone to appeal to, helping to avoid a church split. To protect the pastor - At times the Pastor needs someone to speak on his behalf. He needs protection against false accusations.
Accountability - Having apostolic covering gives the pastor someone to be accountable to, someone to talk to, relate to and just sound off to.
Confirmation - Apostolic covering can be used to confirm and ordain elders and other 5-fold gifts in the church. Having someone else to interview and confirm candidates for ministry can provide an objective view that is often missing in independent churches.
Encouragement - Visits by apostolic covering can bring encouragement and blessing to a local church.
Commitment - Apostolic covering doesn't work unless there is a level of commitment by a pastor and congregation. Every pastor knows the value and importance of commitment in the local church. A level of commitment is needed if you're going to entrust someone with ministry responsibility in the local church.
As an apostolic network we would like to share what apostolic minsitry means to us.
Shepherds Of Grace International, is an Apostolic ministry, which means:
We are called by God to live a separated and consecrated life. Romans 1:1, Paul describes himself as a "...bond-servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God".
We are called to be an Apostolic Father, planting and establishing churches world-wide and developing responsible evangelistic ministry. The Word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:15, "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers...", an apostolic father will produce mature sons and daughters who are ready to carry a high level of anointing in preaching, ministry, and integrity.
We are "kingdom minded", bringing Godly believers together, from every tribe and nation, for the purpose of the great commission. Reaching The World For Christ and training them to discover their potential, plan, and purpose in life; while helping them to identify and step into their ministry.
We do not seek a sign, but expect signs and wonders to follow an apostolic ministry. "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." 2 Corinthians 12:12
We will conduct ministry in the humility that Paul the Apostle demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 15:9, when he said, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle...".
We are servants of the most high God, providing a Spiritual Covering, with the understanding that leadership is not title or position, but rather relationship, responsibility, and empowering others. (1 Peter 5)
We do not think ourselves better than another, but we are committed to growing closer to Christ daily. Studying to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, being a doer of the Word, making the most of every opportunity as we actively participate in the great commission.
With this definition of "apostolic ministry", Shepherds Of Grace International has a heart to go to the places that many other’s do not go… to the places where there is no ministry, or very few established ministries in operation. Reaching the unreached people groups with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We provide a Spiritual Covering for Pastors, Churches, and other outreach ministries. Functioning together through Evangelism, Leadership Conferences, Church Planting and Short-term Mission efforts.
We are not a Denomination, but rather a Fellowship. For individuals that want to join the SOGI family and meet the requirements, we provide ministerial credentials. Those becoming licensed and ordained with SOGI will recieve an International Ordination. Those who are called to missionary work will recieve an International Missionary Ordination.
If you would like to come under the Spiritual Covering of SOGI, partner with us in ministry, or recieve an International Ordination... send your request to:
Email: staff@shepherdsofgrace.org
Postal Service:
Apostolic Fatherhood
(9) For I think that God hath set forth us apostles last, as it were appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
The reference here seems to be that of gladiators in the arena of ancient days. History records that gladiators who fought in the arena by morning were given armor to protect themselfs as they fought wild beast. But in the afternoon theater the gladiators were brought in the arena naked and without anything to defend themselves from the sword of the assailant. If they escaped death in the arena, they were kept to be slaughter on another day. These were really called men appointed to death. They were the last to make an appearance in the theater for that day, so they were called "the last". Paul compares the suffering of the Apostles to these "last" gladiators and further suggest that the Apostles succeeded the Prophets in suffering.
(9b) ...spectacles unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
As in a theater we are on exhibit to all. We demonstrate to men and angels the sufferings of Christ. The world and heaven is watching, Heb. 12:1
(10) We are fools for Christ's sake, but are wise...
Paul speaks irony for the apostles were neither fools, weak, nor contemptible.
(11) Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst and are naked, and are buffeted and have no certain dwelling place...
As itinerant preachers, not knowing where we shall live, facing trouble not struggle... labor, persecution and suffering for Christ sake.
(12) ...the labor worketh with... persecution.... we suffer it. (13) Being defamed... made as faith... all things unto this day.
Only the grace of God can enable men to volunteer to suffer like this. The natural man Adelges or repays wrong done to him, but true Christian are not to retaliate. Rom 12: 17-21, Mt. 5:38-48
(14) I write not there things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I worn you...
Paul writes not to find fault, but as a father cares for his sons writes a warning, not to be carried away by every pretender to apostleship and not to neglect those who God trusted to bring you the message of salvation.
(15) For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Although you have many who offer their services as your instructors or teachers, you have only one by whom you were converted whom who has a parental feeling for you. So follow or imitate me as I imitate Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament as well as history, any inheritance was always past down through the "father". This was also true for the direction and choices of life, such as, religion, customs, livelihood, family connections or covenant with others. Fathers where the ones who set in order the patterns of life the family was to follow.
The word of God shows us that inheritance was not just "territory", or material substance, but more importantly, covenant, order and establishment.
Covenant:
II Chron. 15:12
(12) And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul.
King Asa heard the words of the prophet and began to enter into the covenant that his forefathers made with God. Asa had to go back before he could go forward. His forefathers covenant was his foundation. This covenant brought order.
Order:
II Chron. 8:14
(14) And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.
God has always given order and direction in approaching Him and approaching ministry. Not every detail of our lives are reveled to us, but our covenant with God that calls us to order will establish our divine destiny. For when our lives are in order with His covenant, every word of God concerning our life will be established.
Establishment:
II Chron. 17:3-5
(3) And the Lord was with Jesoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim
(4) But sought the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
(5) Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand: and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.
In the day in which we live, everyone is a "teacher" but not everyone is "teachable". Many people want the wealth of the inheritance, the territory, land, material things, bigger ministries, bigger churches, bigger reputations, greater anointing, bigger altar calls, bigger crowds, they want to "go to the next level" and have all the symbols of spiritual success.
They want to be established, but treat "covenant" and "order" like a buffet, taking only the things that taste good to them...
"For after all... I am the head and not the tail... God has called me to prosper...
... I am called of God... I walk in the anointing of God... "
The result, many people look at this to be the sum total of their inheritance. Then they make every effort to establish successful, thriving, financially lucrative empires called ministries, which becomes the measuring stick for their "anointing".
But as we know, success can be taught and organizations can be established, and even carry the mandate for ministry without having any real eternal value.
One can not be truly connected to people or conduct righteous ministries with a buffet mentality, accepting only what taste good or feeds the pride of man.
For the gospel is not just blessings, but it is also offensive... dogmatic... humbling, full of trials, persecutions, sufferings...and if it where not for these things, there would be no blessings.
So when a father past down to his sons their "inheritance", he was passing down more then the wealth he acquired, for the real inheritance was the benefits of his sufferings... the trials, embarrassments, humbling circumstances, persecutions and troubles that taught him how to walk honest, upright, just, wholehearted, sincere, righteous, in mercy and in faith to God. This was the inheritance of Godly Fatherhood..
We have lost the "Fatherhood of our inheritance" and God is calling us back to follow righteousness and to look from whence we came.
Isaiah 51:1 &2 (1) Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
(2) Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
Problem in the day in which we live is that generation after generations have lost the Godly fatherhood of our forefathers. When the Father is out of order, without God's intervention the family will not be established. The sons and daughters are provoked to live in caos, struggling to gain personal direction and purpose of life from there environment or every passing wind. There is no real inheritance of fatherhood.
Forefathers:
- They were more then teachers/instructors, they were the strongest influencers
- Character was transmitted and imitated
- They gave knowledge with understanding
- There was a Parental Connection
- Fatherhood was past down.
This produced a strong generation, stable, secure, upright and prepared to father, and pass down a rich inheritance of fatherhood.
Fathers Today:
This produces unprepared dysfunctional sons/daughters, who become critical, skeptical, angry and sometimes disconnected, battling some insecurities, identity and self esteem issues.
Part-time Father:
- Father figure, but no instruction or weak Godly influence
- Few Character traits transmitted
- Principles with no convictions
- No Parental Connection
- No Fatherhood to pass down
Produces unprepared dysfunctional sons/daughters with many insecurities, uncontrolled anger, irresponsibility, rebellion, low self esteem, identity crisis, laziness and lack of respect.
No Father:
- No Godly father influence
- No character preparation
- No guidance
- No Parental connection
- No Fatherhood past down
Produces unprepared, rebellious sons/daughters who have no direction or purpose, identity, self esteem, who are out of control, bitter, full of anger and have no restraint.
Immature or unprepared sons/daughters will become immature unprepared fathers or parents.
What are the qualities of Fatherhood that God intended for us to inherit?
Let us look at a few father's who had an extraordinary favor of God on there lives.
Enoch - Walk with God and was no more
Noah - Spared in the flood, from the judgment of God
Abraham - Made to be the father of nations
David - A man after God's own heart Hezekiah - Given extended life
We find in the following scriptures: (Gen 5:22, 6:9, 17:1, l Kings 3:6, ll Kings 20:3, Ps. 16:8, Micah 6:8, Mal. 2:6, l Thes. 2:12) that each of these men had the certain Spiritual Fatherhood traits in common.
Father God is the best example, for He has a parental concern for each of us. Before we were formed in the womb, He knew us and ordained us. He sent his Son Jesus in order to establish His kingdom. Jesus said; "...if you have seen me, you have seen the father... for I and the father are one..." Jesus poured himself into the disciples giving them direction, identity, mission, and righteousness, who after the day of Pentecost were empowered to become the apostles who brought birth and fatherhood to the new testament church, and proclaimed, "imitate me as I imitate Christ".
Because of salvation, we can now be one with Christ, "...for I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ, liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me".
Apostolic Fatherhood is giving birth to sons/daughter into the kingdom of God, nurturing a relationship through parental feeling, concern and responsibility, imparting covenant of Christ, which brings the order of God that establishes and empowers sons/daughters to maturity, preparing them to one day become fathers who will bring forth fruit, and fruit that remains.
Apostolic Ministry Yesterday and Today
The Function of an Apostle In the First Century Churches.
1. Taking the gospel to unreached areas. Paul said to the Romans, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20).
2. Laying a firm foundation (Christ Himself) for the churches being established. Paul speaks of this important apostolic role: "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise master builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:10,11).
3. Training the initial leaders and appointing elders. When Paul and Barnabas made their second visit to Lystra, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch, they prayed and fasted and ordained elders in each church (acts 14:21-23). Paul likewise instructs Titus to "set in order" the churches in Crete and appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5).
4. Dealing with specific problems, false doctrines or sins in the churches that had been established. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians illustrates his use of apostolic authority to speak to a number of problems in the church he had planted at Corinth: disunity, immaturity, pride, immorality, taking other believers to court before secular authorities, questions about celibacy and marriage, disputes about meat sacrificed to idols, wrong handling of the Lord's Supper, misuse of spiritual gifts, confusion about the resurrection, etc.
5. Promoting unity in the Body of Christ. The unity principle was applied on many different levels. In Philippi, Paul had to deal with a situation of contention between two ladies in the local assembly, Euodia and Syntyche. In Corinth, there was apparently city wide disunity in the church because of various believers choosing to rally around dynamic leaders such as Paul, Apollos, and Peter. Paul also performed the apostolic role of providing a link of communication and sharing with the universal Body of Christ around the world.
6. Demonstrating and imparting the supernatural dimension of the Kingdom of God. Although it is God's intention for all believers to heal the sick, cast out demons and perform miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit, those in apostolic ministry are particularly to bear this credential. Thus it is said that God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Apostles were often used in a special way to impart the power of God to other believers.
In stating these six functions of apostles in the First Century church, it must be realized that each of the apostles in the New Testament was unique as to how he carried out his apostolic role. Peter was particularly gifted in reaching out to the lost. Paul seemed to excel in teaching and in building believers together as a functional expression of the Body of Christ. John's apostleship carried with it a prophetic heart that God's people would continually walk together in righteousness with the Lord and love each other. James, the half-brother of Jesus, also seems to have functioned as an apostle, even though the focus of his ministry was more pastoral and localized in Jerusalem.
It is also important to realize that having an apostolic calling did not automatically mean that the apostle had the right to exercise full authority in all places and situations. It was a ministry based upon relationship and not only on calling.
Also, it means that the authority of an apostle waned in certain ways once the local church was firmly established and provided with the oversight of local elders. The relationship and the authority still existed when necessary to intervene in problems not being remedied by the local leadership, but it was Paul's perspective that he was like a father whose role of authority diminished once his son or daughter reached adulthood. His heart was not to establish a "chain of command," but rather to see each church established under the headship of Christ.
The Function of an Apostle Today...
Are the functions still relevant today? Yes!...
Relevant Functions for Today:
Unreached Areas - Although the gospel has gone out to some degree to every nation of the earth, there are still an estimated 16,000 "people groups" that are geographically or linguistically isolated and have never even heard of Jesus Christ.
Foundation Laying - Many churches in America and all over the world have never really been established on a solid biblical foundation. They have been built upon human traditions and human opinions, but not upon Christ Himself and His eternal Word.
Training Leaders - Today the apostolic function of training leaders has been largely replaced by seminaries and Bible schools. Appointing the leaders of local churches has been made a matter of congregational voting, selection by a denominational hierarchy, or ambitious aspiring young preachers simply starting their own churches and appointing themselves the pastors. The result has often been that leaders are put in places of responsibility that they are not really called to by God, and are not adequately equipped to fulfill. They may have been good students at the seminary, but are likely to miss the kind of personal training and character development that Timothy received from Paul.
Problem Solving - It is clear that local churches frequently encounter problems that they have difficulty solving without outside assistance. Pastors are often without any personal accountability and often have no one to give them input regarding church problems. Sometimes local leaders have blind spots and cannot even see the shortcomings that exist. There still a need today for men of apostolic authority to pierce through the blindness, ignorance and pride, speaking the Word of God to areas of sin, imbalance, false doctrine, division and other problems.
Unity - The disunity of the Body of Christ is still a scandal that robs us of the full blessing of God and undercuts our testimony to the lost. Men of genuine apostolic heart have a burden to see God's people come together as a united family and a united army. They see an overview of the universal church around the world and can sense the heartbeat of what the Lord is speaking. The vision is sorely needed in the church today, and only men of apostolic insight and authority can bring it about in a significant way.
Supernatural - We live in a day when God is moving mightily to restore signs and wonders to the church. For too long we have relied upon our intellect, human wisdom, and persuasive words - the very things Paul put no confidence in: "My message and my preaching were not in wise and persuasive words, but with demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power (1 Corinthians 2:4,5).
Yes, we need apostles today!
Many Churches have lost there focus and have little or no foundation. God is raising up apostles to serve His Church today, and if we are wise we will recognize our need for such output.
Jesus is restoring His Church today! Making ready His Bride! Let us receive those He sends to be part of the restoration process!
