What to do with Misplaced Apostolics?

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Baron1710

IMO everyone has giftings, and a good pastor can help people both find and develope those giftings. Not everyone wants to be on the platform. I have watched my dad take care of so many things in a small church that no one ever knew about. He didn't want the recognition, and never sat on the platform.

Oh what a great testimony of your Dad. I find that very uplifting and inspiring. And I am sure there are a lot of people in churches that do exactly that. Including pastor's.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Antipas

If you guys don't mind me asking...what is the gift not being used?

I asked that a long time ago and Rhoni ignored my post

[Blubayou]

St Matt- I agree with your posts and it is good to see you posting again.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

There are many Apostolic people who desire to be used in places of ministry within their local assembly but they are not utilized. Some trying to find a niche/a place, and they never gain acceptance or are asked to participate.

The Bible tells us to...Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest.

With this in mind...why can't we open doors of opportunity for others to have a part in church functioning? Why must it always be family or friends in our churches? What are we afraid of?

Just curious.

Blessings, Rhoni

P.S. Who would you use? Why would you choose them?

Rhoni, when churches use just family and friends I don't think the church can grow. And some pastor's and members might be surprised what some people in their church have to offer. I think people get comfortable with the familiar and are sometimes afraid to change the status quo. If pastor's don't have the time to teach and foster disciples then the church will be stagnat. We can fast and pray that God will open the hearts and minds of our leaders to use us in His will. Not for our own gratification but to further the kingdom.

[Antipas]

Right now I'm aching to teach a home bible study at our house...but the wife and I work a lot and the house work is really neglected. LOL

[steve p]

I heard a sermon last night in Nashville that spoke of Spiritual Fathers.
T'was an amazing sermon. God touched me deeply to become an intentional spiritual father. This would encompass bringing up those whom God has called to minister. But it also encompases the willingness to set ego aside and allow those whom God has called to fulfill their destiny. Also, God does not call spiritual fathers or mothers to make sure that the children called by Him are perfect in every way before they step into their calling. We encourage!! And, we allow them to make their mistakes. AND we bandage the wounds .....not shoot the wounded. Sometimes we cry for perfection from others and that just shows us our own weakness. Love covers many sins. Dont be afraid to NOT get it right. Take a chance. Allow those who have a calling on their life to LIVE that life. Support them with prayer and intercession. I've said too much already!
Blessings!!!!

[Jack Shephard]

To me the church is the closest thing to a theocrasy. God will often speak to a person or pastor on how to lead the assembly or church, but at the expense of not talking to the people in the church too. There is a main leader though the pastor, leader, cultural architect or whatever, but he or she is not the absolute authority, God and His word are. There are leaders that twist the word of God to fit their own agenda. Some do that honestly because they themselves misunderstand it but some do it dishonestly. If God only spoke to the leader and not the memebers, if that is what we taught then we are a cult. The great thing is that we do teach God speak to individuals.

[Baron1710]

Originally Posted by steve p

I heard a sermon last night in Nashville that spoke of Spiritual Fathers.
T'was an amazing sermon. God touched me deeply to become an intentional spiritual father. This would encompass bringing up those whom God has called to minister. But it also encompases the willingness to set ego aside and allow those whom God has called to fulfill their destiny. Also, God does not call spiritual fathers or mothers to make sure that the children called by Him are perfect in every way before they step into their calling. We encourage!! And, we allow them to make their mistakes. AND we bandage the wounds .....not shoot the wounded. Sometimes we cry for perfection from others and that just shows us our own weakness. Love covers many sins. Dont be afraid to NOT get it right. Take a chance. Allow those who have a calling on their life to LIVE that life. Support them with prayer and intercession. I've said too much already!
Blessings!!!!

I only disagree with your final sentence!! Say on.

Rhoni,

thanks for starting this thread. While we have been evangelizing we have seen so many different ways pastors do things in their churches. Unfortunately, I really meant "their churches".

Many pastors do not have a shepherds heart, nor do they have an Elijah spirit to pass on to others. Many times it's about exalting their own families and those who they hand pick for their own reasons.

A few years before we went full time evangelizing we were in a church for about 1 year. They had me minister in song 3 times. After the fourth time, I knew I was finished being used there. Because God did something amazing while using me as the vessel and the entire congregation was on it's feet worshipping God and there was such a Shekinah presence of God there.

This was the problem....the pastor's wife was also a singer and for some reason I don't know if it was just a low time in her walk or what, but there was no anointing on her. Therefore, I was perceived as a threat. It saddened me greatly for the pastor and his wife to hate the fact that God chose to use me in that manner. But, I can't help how God chooses to use me. Bro. Suber taught us, the greater the pain, the greater the anointing. I have had a lot of pain in my life and God greatly anoints me, no glory to me, all to HIM!

The majority of pastors we have seen are not "KINGDOM" minded but are "their kingdom" minded. We would have greater revival in our country if politics in the church were obliterated and ego destroyed.

I do believe the day will come soon when God will say enough is enough. You tried it your way, now I"M going to do it MY way. For God will work a great harvest in this country before He returns.

[Kay B]

I can only say that if anyone wants to help in Alaska whether it be on the mainland or in the bush you will be welcome. Just don't expect things to be the same as in the
lower 48.