**Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Pentecostal Herald: The Importance of Teaching Apostolic Truth
by Simeon Young Sr.

Author and syndicated columnist Colleen Carroll Campbell wrote, “American ideals can be lost if they’re not taught. … ‘America is facing an identity crisis’ in which younger Americans know too little about our history and founding ideals. … Belief in American identity is particularly weak among young Americans. … Our democracy’s survival depends on each new crop of citizens understanding and assimilating our commitment to freedom, equality and the rule of law. … After more than two centuries of success, it’s easy to think that our American experiment runs on auto-pilot” (St. Louis Post Dispatch, June 19, 2008).


As important as it is to heed Campbell’s warning and advice, it pales in comparison to the tragedy of even one generation failing to teach apostolic truth to the next generation. Someone wisely said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” While we know that the church Jesus built will never become extinct, we must not make the mistake of thinking that the body of apostolic truth found in the New Testament “runs on auto-pilot.” Jesus built His church but He placed the responsibility of perpetuating apostolic truth squarely and firmly in the hands of His apostles and by extension to all His followers.

The theme of this issue of the Pentecostal Herald is “Education.” The articles in this issue demonstrate the importance of Christian schools run by churches, the value of home schooling by dedicated parents, the strengths and weaknesses of on-line distance learning, the advantages and pitfalls of secular college, and the reasons for getting an education at a UPC Bible college. The value of education, from the earliest levels of grade school to the highest levels of academia, is articulated with clarity in these timely articles.

James Littles, in his article titled “Preserving Our Faith Through Education,” says, “Transformative education is vital for preserving the apostolic faith today.”

David Norris writes, “Let me offer three simple suggestions to high schoolers who are getting ready to go to secular college: first, know who you are in God. … Second, remember that the purpose of going on a college campus is not to change the teachers; it is to get your education. … Third, it is easier to live victoriously for God in a community with godly support. If you have a strong and spiritual support system at your local church, do not be quick to leave it.”

Anthony Braswell says, “A true ‘Christ in Eeducation’ experience places the emphasis on our Creator and His Ccreation in the educational process and combines that with a distinct Christian environment, modeling what is taught. This education can take place inat the local church, a Christian school, a home school, or a godly home.”

Steve Ryerson, in his article “Home School Discipleship,” says, “Home educators are showing that the home can be a great place to use the God-given potential of the family to train young people to follow the leading of the Spirit in bringing the gospel to this world.”

Ron Wofford says, “The Bible college experience is all about atmosphere. It is the creation of a place where understanding of God, self, fellowman, and worldview can all be accomplished. Bible college creates an environment that allows one to dig deep into the rich resources of the Word of God and to experience spiritual happenings in an atmosphere that is conducive to growth in those areas. This type of education accomplishes so much more than just a classroom experience that imparts head knowledge only. It challenges the student to get beyond the mere facts of who God is and to explore the whys, the ways, and the wonders of God.”

The youth of the apostolic movement must not lose their apostolic identity because we failed to teach them the truths that have defined God’s people since the Day of Pentecost.

To paraphrase Campbell: Our survival as an apostolic movement depends on each new crop of apostolics understanding and assimilating our commitment to the Apostles’ doctrine.

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

DA where do you get all this info from?

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

Another excerpt from the James Littles article in the Herald:

Can we say "EMERGENT PARANOIA" has now set in?

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

The Pentecostal Herald is a publication from UPCI.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Ron Wofford says, And it's this environment that has spawned the leaders and the voices of the "emerging" "relevant" movement ....

And of course we know that Bridal Colleges numbers are down ...

Get accredited and then maybe folks will consider it ....

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Well, I think it is probably to late to turn it around.

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

This is a strange comment coming from you, Dan, an educator. Do you disagree with his assessment that contemporary methods that lack teaching are simply froth and pizzazz? You really think he sounds paranoid? I'm just not seeing what you are. It looks to me like you're picking up buzz words and trying to fit them into this guys mouth. I don't think he is saying what you think he is saying.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

What does that have to do with anything? :ursofunny

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

The notion that somehow some of the relevant churches are frothy and just pizzazz is OBVIOUSLY targeting them as some how shallow and no-frills ... this is FAR from the truth ...

many of these churches are teaching-centered ... sans the 3-4 running and hollering, emotional "experience" centered churches that are pervasive in our movement ...

Look at the church sites of a lot of the churches that are being targeted ... you'll find them stacked with teaching series.

Sure you can grab some coffee and a doughnut during their sessions but let's be real ... many of these churches are centers of reasoned learning ... and many of their leaders are highly educated ... and schooled in hermeneutical ethic.

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

If these churches are stacked with teaching series and the leaders are highly educated then I don't believe this article is addressing them. But it is definitely trying to encourage and sustain an Apostolic identity in the next generation with a drive at education and experience not experience alone.

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

Yeah but lets be honest. Most pentecostal churches will only teach if it is in a defensive manner. My pastor started teaching in Sunday School classes and the folks when ballistic. My dad allowed open and honest debate in his class back at the UPC and we all ended up leaving. By the time he realized where it all was headed it was to late and he tried his best to bring us back to the traditions of the UPC. Only problem is that once you start people thinking for themselves you can't predict their direction.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

What's more important? The Apostolic identity (culture) or the Apostolic message? Is it possible that the focus has been so much on identity to the point where teaching has become secondary?

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

I agree... and I dont see anything wrong with that at all.

And when I look at the article as a whole, I dont where it's addressing "relevant" churches in particular. I think permissiveness, slackness, and lack of sound teaching in general are worthy topics to be addressed. But we shouldnt assume they're speaking of "relevant" churches in particular every time those issues are addressed.

What they're saying, especially this part (below) could apply to a lot of Pentecostal/Charismatic churches & movements we've seen:

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I think judging from what the author is saying... the Apostolic message is the key component of the Apostolic Identity, much more so than "culture".

If you even look at the article quoted from earlier in this thread, he makes repeated references to teaching and education , and none to Apostolic "culture".

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

If that means we're identified by our doctrinal stance instead of our "look", I'm cool with that!

Re: Herald: Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign
 

You're right Dan. I have to wonder where he's getting his information. Does he cite any sources? This is not much more than broadbrushing and a straw man. It's interesting because this group he's targeting here seems more like the seeker sensitive movement than it does the emergent movement, even though he uses the working 'emergence' to describe them. His descriptors don't really apply to emerging churches. If he's referring to the seeker sensitive movement he has a legit gripe, but even then the grand daddy of all seeker churches, willow creek, has admitted to these short comings and is making MAJOR changes in their approach to deep the spirituality of their churches and one of the major statements is that people need to become more Bible based and they're making major advances in this area.

So, I'm not sure who he's talking about here. Idk, it sounds like the kind of general broadbrushing and demonization that goes on that uninformed people believe because it sounds informed.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

What is contained in the Apostolic doctrinal system that he's advocating here? Is it code for 'holiness standards' or does it refer to something else?

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Quick!

Tell me again why we have shed the word "Pentecostal" and picked up "Apostolic."

Penetcostal = experience.

Apostolic = looks.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Yep, I was thinking the same thing,on both counts.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Apostolic = doctrine

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I vehemently disagree.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

For sure.

I know there are wackos in every movement, but I'm struck by how many Charismatics I've met who clearly havent been grounded in basic foundational Christian doctrine.

I've known some who'll jump and praise God all day long, but their level of Bible knowledge is just nowhere near where it should be. Of course, that just opens a person up to all kinds of unsound doctrine and wacky teachings.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Define doctrine. Which ones?

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

The same can be said of way too many Apostolics.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Edward you are stubborn like a mule!!!

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Even many who dont have the same "looks" or standards as conservative denominations still consider themselves apostolic.
...Such as many PAW abd COOLJC churches.
Well, not all Pentecostals preach the doctrines the Apostles preach, particularly when it comes to the nature of God, and baptismal forumula.

So "Apostolic Pentecostal" distinguishes us from others who've just had he "Pentecostal" experience , but arent following the apostolic doctrine and practice, especially in regards to Oneness and Jesus name baptism.

I dont know why some folks would have a big problem with the "apostolic" label. I think it's not only well-intentioned, but also pretty accurate.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

A close friend of mine who grew up Baptist and goes to our church was told by a UPC minister that he was Apostolic and why that word meant so much to him. He then went on to explain why it is important to be Apostolic instead of Pentecostal in order to distinguish himself.

He then asked my friend what the word Apostolic meant to him and my friend said, "it [apostolic] is just another word for saying that your church is too good for everybody else."

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I am from Missouri!:spit

I know what the word Apostolic means, Miz.

I just think we picked up the label (recently) to show how holy we are.

I'm still Pentecostal.:thumbsup

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

But what doctrines is he talking about? "Apostolic" and "Apostolic doctrines" can be code for all sorts of things.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Love it!!!!!!


:ursofunny:ursofunny:ursofunny:ursofunny

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Well I started off by saying there are wackos in every movement, didnt I?

So yes, that would include Apostolics.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I think you should just call yourself "nondenominational".

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I've never associated the Apostolic with the clothesline holiness standards. :foottap

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

The funny thing is that these jokers picked up "Apostolic" to separate themselves from everybody else.

Have you looked around AFF lately? EVERYONE (even Daniel) thinks they're Apostolic, so the ploy didn't work.

I suppose they'll need to find a new moniker now. :)

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

What about the other 100+ other Apostolic denominations who've had the label, (most of them of them for decades now)?

Did they pick it up for the same reason?
I think not.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

...maybe nonapostolic/neopentecostal :bigbaby

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

What did you think of the article?

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Nope, I am Pentecostal.:smack

"I've got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul
just like the Bible saaaaaaaayyyyyss"

:shockamoo:shockamoo

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

I also am not an Apostolic. I don't need no stinking titles.

Re: **Herald Begins Apostolic Identity Campaign **
 

Like who?

Name me a large Oneness org with that moniker, please.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
United Pentecostal Church