COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

TO SIMPLY ADD? OR, TO RADICALLY ADJUST?

I just saw a cartoon of two men sitting in front of a giant banner that read, "VICTORY!" The first man asks, "What is your strategy for victory?" The second man answers, "Putting up this banner!"

This cartoon reminds me of what some are calling "apostolic." Only, the cartoon is funny, and the analogy is not.

To simply add "the apostolic office" to the old wineskin falls far short of the will and purpose of God. So does replicating old wineskins in the context of so-called "apostolic ministry."

Apostolic ministry - the purpose for which God gave some apostles - has an ingredient, a fruit, within itself. There is a radical difference between that to which the apostolic has been added, and that which the apostolic has produced.

The most convincing fruit of the apostolic ministry will be apostolic churches. Here’s a little glimpse of what apostolic churches may look like:

1. They will be mission-focused. The effectual carrying out of the Great Commission will be the heart of their fellowship.

2. They will be dominion-mandated. The understanding of the full implications of the Great Commission will be based upon Genesis 1:28.

3. They will be equipping the saints for cultural influence and marketplace ministry, valuing intercession, interaction and intervention beyond the "walls" of their fellowships.

4. They will envision and work toward the united church in their geo-political sphere, strategically ordered under elders in the gates who are guided by apostolic servant-leadership.

It’s not enough to hang up a sign. We need to hear from heaven, and take even the most radical steps when necessary, so that we might truly see God’s kingdom come, His will be done, on earth.