|
Words do mean something, What does Apostolic mean?
At the risk of being some what Daniel A. like, I think we have missed it when we define ourselves as Apostolic and yet we don't act Apostolic.
Let's get beyond simple the Apostles doctrine, we all agree (I hope we do anyway) that is essential.
But the word Apostolic/Apostle means one that is sent, so to be apostolic is to be one that is sent. If we are to change the US or wherever sphere of influence God has planted, you live you need to start by sitting in the smoking session and go where people are. This is called incarnational, it is foundational to NT evangelism, God came to us, therefore we must go to people.
The current church planting model needs serious revision, as one who has both started 2 churches and help UPCI Home Missions plant 2 congregations I do have some credibility in this area.
The first model is to invest thousands of Dollars in a couple, get a building then try to attract people through whatever means possible. Yes there are success using this model, but more failures than anyone will care to admit.
Then the measuring stick of success then becomes the ABC's.
Attendance,
Buildings,
Checkbook
We then produce consumers and good church members and not the NT level of disciples.
Surely we can do better, with more success and a whole lot cheaper.
Lets start be setting up shop with a team of couples, who work in their community and develop relationships, go to where these folks are and start churches where people naturally live and exist.
After all to be Apostolic does not mean people come to us, we go to them, which is truly the ministry of Jesus.
Wherever we go Jesus the King goes, wherever the King is, people will bow.
What say ye!
|