What is an Apostolic Team?

I can’t speak for other movements, but as an Every Nation leader, here’s what I mean when I say apostolic team:

“a team of mature and gifted leaders who work together to help grow, guide and govern a movement of churches and ministries.”

Yep, I made that up. And, I might change it, depending on the feedback.

Here’s a word for word break down:

Team – Think football, not tennis. Not a lone “super-apostle” at the top making all the decisions, but a team of leaders making apostolic decisions together. (When I use the “A” word, I do not mean people who write books of the Bible, but “sent ones” who plant, establish and strengthen churches.)

Mature – Spiritual, ministerial and relational maturity. Not novices. (Note: sometimes maturity has little to do with age.)

Gifted – Maturity is important, but it is not enough. Some might be mature, but not spiritually gifted to lead churches.

Leaders – Not only apostles, but also prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers who do apostolic work.

Work – Spiritual leadership is hard work, a noble task.

Together – See “team” comment above.

To Help – Assist, aid, lend a hand, serve, encourage.

Grow – Larger, stronger and more influential.

Guide – Direction, focus, vision, mission.

Govern – In specified and agreed upon areas.

Hope that helps answer the “A Team” FAQ’s. If not, let me know.
And, feel free to ask me anything pertaining to leadership, and I’ll try to give my best answer on this blog.

Comments

[Po Seng Yuen]

Apostolic Team, I thought I knew what it means, but I actually don't. Thank you for the enlightenment. You have such wisdom, Pastor Steve.

[Joshua Harrelson]

Steve, I work with Louie Giglio at Passion here in the states. We are putting together a quick trip to Manila to identify some key relationships there. We have been told that you would be a great connection. We were hoping to connect with you when we come on May 9th, but I understand that you may be in the US right now. We are based in Atlanta and I was wondering if there would be some way that we could connect here before I leave, or there in Manila the following week. I am willing to travel to make the connection. God Bless

Joshua

[Lorie]

I really can't recall coming across a piece clearly de-mystifying the word "Apostle."

Thank you for this post, Pastor Steve. :) Helps people realize that there's really no need to want power when in ministry. :)

[Gareth Lowe]

I really enjoy your blogs - wise, humble and honest so thankyou very much. A great definition of apostolic team. Even though many people use the word I don't think I have seen it defined before. Do you think you could talk more about the role of apostolic teams in church planting (not the oversight of others doing it, but how they actually do it) and do you think you could write something on apostolic boundaries as you did on discipleship boundaries? tx so much!

[Dennis Isleta]

Hi Pastor Steve,

Thank you for this definition. I was always thinking of it while still at SWM.

By the way, happy birthday!

dennis isleta

[Dennis Isleta]

Hi Pastor Steve,

Thank you for this definition. I was always thinking of it while still at SWM.

By the way, happy birthday!

dennis isleta