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Apostolic Reformation |
There is a growing change
that is
sweeping across the church world today. It is an Apostolic
Reformation and it is dramatically changing the way we function
individually and corporately as we see the office of
the apostle restored. One of the revelations that I believe
is being restored during this reformation is a revelation regarding an
aspect of the Lord's character. He is called "Lord of
hosts" (1 Samuel 4:4, Isaiah 1:24, Isaiah 2:12...) over 245 times. That is three times more than any other
name that He is called. Strongs Concordance says:
OT:6635
tsaba' (tsaw-baw'); or (feminine) tseba'ah (tseb-aw-aw'); from OT:6633; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg.
organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively
(specifically, hardship, worship):
KJV - appointed time, (+)army, (+)battle, company, host, service,
soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare).
 Our God is the Lord of the armies.
There is a call going out through the body of Christ in this day for us
all to get in rank and file. The army is being formed up.
It is a re-formation and it is occurring as the office and gift of the
apostle is being recognized and received in the body of
Christ.
In the military there is order, discipline, and an understanding of
authority. All of these things are necessary for us to learn
to move as "one man" (Neh. 8:1). To impart this
understanding and build teamwork soldiers go through a rigorous training regimen.
Each soldier understands the importance of working together and
teamwork.
| Please note that all
references to war, warfare, battle etc. are referring to spiritual
warfare. We must not confuse battle against demonic forces
with people. We must demonstrate our love towards people just
like Jesus did as well as pray and act as He did. |
There are great changes sweeping the body of
Christ today. As we
understand more of this aspect of the Lord's character we'll see changes
in the way the church functions. I expect to see even more discipline
exercised individually and corporately. I expect to see more examples
of corporate teamwork with communities, cities, nations and
internationally. To accomplish this five fold leaders will take on
more of the characteristics found in good military officers.
Good military officers exhibit the
characteristics of "servant leadership." They lead
by example. They never ask their people to do what they don't do or
have not done themselves. They take care of their people, train
them, equip them, challenge them and prepare them for warfare both
physically and mentally. I believe the five fold ministry gifts that
are part of this apostolic reformation will prepare their people
spiritually, mentally and physically so that we might "make disciples
of all nations." They will a greater care and concern for the
stewardship of the gifts and callings in peoples lives because they
realize that the church cannot reach maturity without each other (Eph.
4:16). They really will seek to help each of you become what God has
called you to be. It will not be about "building their
ministry."
I have observed In the military that junior officers think in terms of
tactics.
They love to fight. Senior officers (Generals & Admirals), have
to see the big picture. They have to think and act
strategically. Those with the apostolic gifting will think strategically.
Check out this historical study on the Greek word that we have
translated apostle.
Strategic thinking requires a leader to
think in terms of intelligence, operations, communication, supply, and mobility.
To rise to the rank of Admiral or a General requires that you attain a certain
level of administrative skill as you have to not only lead your people,
but you also have provide for them and coordinate their interaction with
other units as they engage the enemy. Another term for this kind of
administration is operations.
The Apostle Paul was known as a "wise master
builder." He laid the foundation for others to build
upon. He saw strategically and laid a foundation that others
could build upon. When I observe Paul in the epistles directing the
various ministries (Timothy, Titus, etc.) I think of him like a general
contractor coordinating the gifts of the sub-contractors.
This is very similar to what an admiral or general does. Only,
they coordinate their various units to engage an enemy with an overall
strategic plan. Each unit has its specialty and to magnify their
effectiveness their operations must be coordinated.
C. Peter Wagner of Global
Harvest Ministries, has this to say regarding the Apostolic
Reformation:
"new forms and operational
procedures began to emerge in areas such as local church government,
interchurch relationships, financing, evangelism, missions, prayer,
leadership selection and training, the role of supernatural power,
worship and other important aspects of church life"
Hence I believe that we are seeing
changes sweep through leadership and the church as there comes a greater
understanding of the need for:
To that end, we are doing what we can to
encourage, support and equip others to grow into the Army of the Lord. Tim
Taylor, Watchman Ministries International, March 03, 2003 |
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