Researcher/Sociologist George Barna estimates that 8 percent to 9 percent of adults in the United States are now involved in some type of House Church. His prediction is that, at the rate we're going, 70 percent of the church will be worshipping in such non-traditional settings within the next 20 years. Here's my concern; I see it all the time. If a Simple Church gathering ever steps out and invites a traveling minister into their midst, based upon the example they've seen in the old Institutional Church (IC), at most, the Itinerant blows in, blows up and blows out, rarely ever to be called upon again. A very strong "We'll take it from here" attitude is projected. "Thanks for the blessing, Apostle Smith!" In contrast, in Acts 16, we read of how Paul started a church at Lydia's home and, later, he visits the group meeting there again. Author/Speaker Frank Viola said, "I believe the apostolic ministry in the NT is itinerant. Apostles sometimes stayed in cities for lengthy periods of time to lay the foundation for a new Christian community (the Twelve in Jerusalem for 4 years, Paul in Corinth for 18 months and in Ephesus for 3 years). But eventually they left and went to other places to preach Christ and establish new Christian communities." Years ago, our IC in Arlington invited Graham Cooke to impart into us and we called upon Graham repeatedly over the 7 years that I was with that church. He didn't "lord" over us but, rather, he "fathered" our group. What a wonderful example that was for me, personally. With the advancement of communication in today’s world, it may not always be necessary or efficient for an apostolic minister to stay a long time when they might be accessible via telephone or webcam. Personally, I have ministered by phone to Pakistan and several African nations as well as various cities across the USA. I have been teaching via eMail to millions since 1999. The Lord has provided some incredible tools. Are we using them? To those who are technologically proficient in these methods, are you available to assist those who are not so gifted? We are, after all, a Body fitly joined together, needing one another. The Apostolic Today Are YOU an apostle - a SENT one? Is your Church (HC/SC/IC), utilizing this apostolic gift from God? Whether you refer to it as coaching, mentoring, or apostling, point is, it's a ministry from God to His Church and is NOT to be ignored. We’re not referring to the possession of an institutional title, mind you. “Apostle” is a JOB description, after all, describing one has been sent to do God’s will among His people. "When your authority is based on the position or title, and you need a position or title to lead, chances are you're not a real leader," says Neil Cole, Executive Director of Church Multiplication Associates (cmaresources.org) and author of Faith Where Life Happens. Cole has planted more than 700 churches in 32 states and 23 nations. THERE’s a real apostle, if you ask me. I once had the privilege of spending the day with two couples with strong apostolic and prophetic ministries. I recall how each grieved at the manner in which The Church so poorly stewarding the apostolic gift. I asked them for a "worst case" scenario and the picture was grim: In short, we would have thousands of introverted cults meeting in homes throughout the nation - "Bastard Churches," one might say, leaving many within and without The Church gloating as they shout, "I told you so" across the land. Where the importance of apostolic ministry is concerned, Viola had this to say: "I believe that the Apostles are called, trained and sent to plant the ekklesia. They lay the foundation of Jesus Christ among a group of people. They equip, train, and then leave the church on its own under the headship of Jesus. This principle is best seen in the ministry of Paul...[and] other apostles as well, including Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, etc. (all of whom are called “apostles” in the NT). "...the principle of apostolic ministry can be traced back to the Triune God. At bottom, God purposed to expand the fellowship of Father, Son and Spirit to human beings. That’s apostolic ministry at its root. Its goal is to establish visible communities on earth that reflect the Trinitarian Community in the heavens..this ministry is part of the church’s DNA — her organic nature. All the gifts and ministries mentioned in the New Testament are like the natural features on a human body. They organically emerge just as eyebrows and fingernails organically develop on a baby — just as long as the child is cared for properly. "...apostles aren’t the only ones who preach...Apostles preach; but preaching doesn’t make one an apostle." In another interview, Frank goes on to say: "Apostles are “sent ones.” They, like Jesus Christ (the first apostle), travel. NT scholar Robert Banks makes this point wonderfully in his book, “Pauls’ Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting”...He draws a distinction between “the work” and “the church” in NT usage. The work is itinerant; the church is local. That doesn’t mean that non-apostles don’t or can’t play a role in establishing organic Christian communities. There is what I call the work of “site preparation” before a foundation is laid by an apostolic worker. Cornelius, Priscilla and Aquila, Philip the evangelist in Samaria, and “the man of peace” that Jesus spoke about in the Gospels are examples of those who prepared the site in the NT era. But the NT militates against the idea that all Christians are apostolic workers (1 Cor 12:28)...that’s a good thing to my mind. There are few ministries that a Christian can be called to that are as difficult and as demanding as that one." Church: Do not try this at home...or SHOULD we? The strongest advocates of the HC/SC movement agree that the movement is endangering itself by resisting leadership in an effort to redefine it. Barna agrees that the small-group movement has long struggled as an effective means of growing people spiritually because of a lack of good leadership, and he believes that the current movement will have to face the same issue. Is a church without a leader fully a church? Is a family without a father fully a family? It is often stated among he HC/SC ranks that any two believers meeting at Starbuck’s is church. It’s true, but only because we ARE The Church and can never NOT be The Church. Though such meetings are, in fact, meetings of The Church, there must STILL be a sense of godly authority and leadership. A family needs parenting, and The Church is a family. To assume that a bunch of kids without parents is a strong, healthy family - no matter how the kids might describe themselves - is wrong. If I saw a house full of kids without parents, well...I'd probably be more inclined to see them as a gang or a bunch of orphans. Remember, the opposite of hierarchy is anarchy. True, the governmental aspect of Church leadership has gotten a bad rap because of abusive leaders, but is that an excuse to embrace an anarchistic, isolationist view of church? Like it or not, there is a Biblical pattern for leadership. As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. Remember that. This is why the Lord's prayer includes the line, "thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." Earth is to mirror Heaven. There's a fierce war going on in the heavens, which explains all the wars on Earth. Likewise - and I don't mean to be crude - there are so many struggles revolving around the male gender. Those who ARE making babies are, too often, abandoning them to be raised by single moms without support or nurturing. The "bastard church" of today is just like that - improperly established churches, failing to allow proper "fathering" by inviting the apostolic ministry, and completely ignoring that aspect of our Church families - the “fathering” part - even though it's for their own good. The independent, "Don't tread on me" spirit of America can often serve as our nation’s worse enemy. Tony Dale of House2House Ministries said: "I agree with C. Peter Wagner that we desperately need apostolic and prophetic types that the church is built on." He notes. "But I would completely reject any concept that this is governmental. It isn't the force of their personality. It isn't that they are classic great leaders. It's what they do by laying down their lives that prepares the groundwork for what they're going to accomplish." Dale’s “Tidal Wave” video cites the house church movement in China— much of which was implemented by women and teenagers. The American HC/SC movement is spawning a new type of leader who leads from brokenness and weakness rather than personal charisma, education or wealth. As Dale’s wife, Felicity, author of “An Army of Ordinary People,” contends, “God is looking for leaders who walk with a limp; those who, like Jacob, have fought with God and surrendered unconditionally to Him. They have learned from the disappointments and challenges of following Him through good times and bad." If you’re choosing an apostle to speak into your lives, make sure that individual is covered with sweat and has the blood of demons dripping from his word; a warrior with a stellar reputation. Such a person can teach you a great deal and help you to mature. We should expect living things to grow. That is to say, though a thing may not always get bigger, it will multiply itself. Many churches - HC/SC/IC -never multiply. Not even once, people being more inclined to “sit and get comfy” rather than “go into all the world” in accordance with The Lord’s Great Commission. Where the apostolic ministry is concerned, here are a few tips: 1) Pray about it. Ask your group to pray and seek God's guidance: "Should we invite an apostle into our midst? Could WE, too, use some fathering?" 2) The rule of thumb I prefer is "relationship before function." Get to know someone by their reputation before inviting their ministry. Ask around. There ARE false apostles and you won't have to contend with that issue if you're careful. 3) Support them (Read 3 John 5-8). A true apostolic type has laid it all on the line for Jesus. They could use your help. Ask around and get some recommendations. There are some incredible Christian people out there whose lives are bearing MUCH fruit. You’re sure to “click” with somebody. 4. The Bible reveals that the early Christians sold what they had and laid it at the apostle’s feet. These days, we lay our money at the pastor’s feet. That alone should tell us something’s wrong. VERY wrong. 5. Finally, those who think that their group’s apostle will be raised up from among their own clan had best think twice about that as well. A “sent one” will be “sent” TO that group - NOT raised up from their own ranks (how many families produce their own fathers?). Besides, even if there WERE an apostle in their midst, he/she would have to be sent - and supported - BY his /her own group. One thing I love about this movement is that there are no Big Shots except Jesus. If you need help, many people live for the opportunity to do so. What lies ahead for the HC/SC movement? I believe we will have to engage the challenges of elitism, leadership, church government, accountability and even heresy. I know - sounds like the IC most of us just came from. But that's church life! As I often say, there's never been a tidy move of God. This one won’t be any different. In our passion to return to 1st Century Christianity, let’s not forget that they failed on all kinds of levels. Once the giddiness of the honeymoon is over, we WILL be tested, too. The dreaded "rub" will come. It HAS to. I recommend you involve an apostle and do it soon. For the good of The Church. Let’s purposefully break free from the unsuccessful Church model we’ve had presented to us. You know...the one where everything begins and ends with the pulpiteer and his supporting cast, all requiring an ungodly amount of finances to support the entire professional spectacle... an unbiblical model at best. Every blessing. Michael Tummillo A servant of God

1 Cor 12: 27-31 (AMP)

Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].

So God has appointed some in The Church [for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; [speakers in] different (unknown) tongues.

Are all apostles (special messengers)? Are all prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God)? Are all teachers? Do all have the power of performing miracles?

Do all possess extraordinary powers of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love].

Researcher/Sociologist George Barna estimates that 8 percent to 9 percent of adults in the United States are now involved in some type of House Church. His prediction is that, at the rate we're going, 70 percent of the church will be worshipping in such non-traditional settings within the next 20 years.

Here's my concern; I see it all the time. If a Simple Church gathering ever steps out and invites a traveling minister into their midst, based upon the example they've seen in the old Institutional Church (IC), at most, the Itinerant blows in, blows up and blows out, rarely ever to be called upon again. A very strong "We'll take it from here" attitude is projected. "Thanks for the blessing, Apostle Smith!" In contrast, in Acts 16, we read of how Paul started a church at Lydia's home and, later, he visits the group meeting there again.

Author/Speaker Frank Viola said, "I believe the apostolic ministry in the NT is itinerant. Apostles sometimes stayed in cities for lengthy periods of time to lay the foundation for a new Christian community (the Twelve in Jerusalem for 4 years, Paul in Corinth for 18 months and in Ephesus for 3 years). But eventually they left and went to other places to preach Christ and establish new Christian communities."

Years ago, our IC in Arlington invited Graham Cooke to impart into us and we called upon Graham repeatedly over the 7 years that I was with that church. He didn't "lord" over us but, rather, he "fathered" our group. What a wonderful example that was for me, personally.

With the advancement of communication in today’s world, it may not always be necessary or efficient for an apostolic minister to stay a long time when they might be accessible via telephone or webcam. Personally, I have ministered by phone to Pakistan and several African nations as well as various cities across the USA. I have been teaching via eMail to millions since 1999. The Lord has provided some incredible tools.

Are we using them? To those who are technologically proficient in these methods, are you available to assist those who are not so gifted? We are, after all, a Body fitly joined together, needing one another.

The Apostolic Today

Are YOU an apostle - a SENT one?

Is your Church (HC/SC/IC), utilizing this apostolic gift from God?

Whether you refer to it as coaching, mentoring, or apostling, point is, it's a ministry from God to His Church and is NOT to be ignored. We’re not referring to the possession of an institutional title, mind you. “Apostle” is a JOB description, after all, describing one has been sent to do God’s will among His people.

"When your authority is based on the position or title, and you need a position or title to lead, chances are you're not a real leader," says Neil Cole, Executive Director of Church Multiplication Associates (cmaresources.org) and author of Faith Where Life Happens. Cole has planted more than 700 churches in 32 states and 23 nations.

THERE’s a real apostle, if you ask me.

I once had the privilege of spending the day with two couples with strong apostolic and prophetic ministries. I recall how each grieved at the manner in which The Church so poorly stewarding the apostolic gift. I asked them for a "worst case" scenario and the picture was grim: In short, we would have thousands of introverted cults meeting in homes throughout the nation - "Bastard Churches," one might say, leaving many within and without The Church gloating as they shout, "I told you so" across the land.

Where the importance of apostolic ministry is concerned, Viola had this to say: "I believe that the Apostles are called, trained and sent to plant the ekklesia. They lay the foundation of Jesus Christ among a group of people. They equip, train, and then leave the church on its own under the headship of Jesus. This principle is best seen in the ministry of Paul...[and] other apostles as well, including Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, etc. (all of whom are called “apostles” in the NT).

"...the principle of apostolic ministry can be traced back to the Triune God. At bottom, God purposed to expand the fellowship of Father, Son and Spirit to human beings. That’s apostolic ministry at its root. Its goal is to establish visible communities on earth that reflect the Trinitarian Community in the heavens..this ministry is part of the church’s DNA — her organic nature. All the gifts and ministries mentioned in the New Testament are like the natural features on a human body. They organically emerge just as eyebrows and fingernails organically develop on a baby — just as long as the child is cared for properly.

"...apostles aren’t the only ones who preach...Apostles preach; but preaching doesn’t make one an apostle."

In another interview, Frank goes on to say: "Apostles are “sent ones.” They, like Jesus Christ (the first apostle), travel. NT scholar Robert Banks makes this point wonderfully in his book, “Pauls’ Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting”...He draws a distinction between “the work” and “the church” in NT usage. The work is itinerant; the church is local. That doesn’t mean that non-apostles don’t or can’t play a role in establishing organic Christian communities. There is what I call the work of “site preparation” before a foundation is laid by an apostolic worker. Cornelius, Priscilla and Aquila, Philip the evangelist in Samaria, and “the man of peace” that Jesus spoke about in the Gospels are examples of those who prepared the site in the NT era. But the NT militates against the idea that all Christians are apostolic workers (1 Cor 12:28)...that’s a good thing to my mind. There are few ministries that a Christian can be called to that are as difficult and as demanding as that one."

Church: Do not try this at home...or SHOULD we?

The strongest advocates of the HC/SC movement agree that the movement is endangering itself by resisting leadership in an effort to redefine it. Barna agrees that the small-group movement has long struggled as an effective means of growing people spiritually because of a lack of good leadership, and he believes that the current movement will have to face the same issue.

Is a church without a leader fully a church? Is a family without a father fully a family?

It is often stated among he HC/SC ranks that any two believers meeting at Starbuck’s is church. It’s true, but only because we ARE The Church and can never NOT be The Church. Though such meetings are, in fact, meetings of The Church, there must STILL be a sense of godly authority and leadership. A family needs parenting, and The Church is a family. To assume that a bunch of kids without parents is a strong, healthy family - no matter how the kids might describe themselves - is wrong. If I saw a house full of kids without parents, well...I'd probably be more inclined to see them as a gang or a bunch of orphans.

Remember, the opposite of hierarchy is anarchy.

True, the governmental aspect of Church leadership has gotten a bad rap because of abusive leaders, but is that an excuse to embrace an anarchistic, isolationist view of church?

Like it or not, there is a Biblical pattern for leadership.

As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. Remember that. This is why the Lord's prayer includes the line, "thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." Earth is to mirror Heaven. There's a fierce war going on in the heavens, which explains all the wars on Earth. Likewise - and I don't mean to be crude - there are so many struggles revolving around the male gender. Those who ARE making babies are, too often, abandoning them to be raised by single moms without support or nurturing. The "bastard church" of today is just like that - improperly established churches, failing to allow proper "fathering" by inviting the apostolic ministry, and completely ignoring that aspect of our Church families - the “fathering” part - even though it's for their own good.

The independent, "Don't tread on me" spirit of America can often serve as our nation’s worse enemy. Tony Dale of House2House Ministries said: "I agree with C. Peter Wagner that we desperately need apostolic and prophetic types that the church is built on." He notes. "But I would completely reject any concept that this is governmental. It isn't the force of their personality. It isn't that they are classic great leaders. It's what they do by laying down their lives that prepares the groundwork for what they're going to accomplish."

Dale’s “Tidal Wave” video cites the house church movement in China— much of which was implemented by women and teenagers. The American HC/SC movement is spawning a new type of leader who leads from brokenness and weakness rather than personal charisma, education or wealth.

As Dale’s wife, Felicity, author of “An Army of Ordinary People,” contends, “God is looking for leaders who walk with a limp; those who, like Jacob, have fought with God and surrendered unconditionally to Him. They have learned from the disappointments and challenges of following Him through good times and bad."

If you’re choosing an apostle to speak into your lives, make sure that individual is covered with sweat and has the blood of demons dripping from his word; a warrior with a stellar reputation. Such a person can teach you a great deal and help you to mature.

We should expect living things to grow. That is to say, though a thing may not always get bigger, it will multiply itself. Many churches - HC/SC/IC -never multiply. Not even once, people being more inclined to “sit and get comfy” rather than “go into all the world” in accordance with The Lord’s Great Commission.

Where the apostolic ministry is concerned, here are a few tips:

1) Pray about it. Ask your group to pray and seek God's guidance: "Should we invite an apostle into our midst? Could WE, too, use some fathering?"

2) The rule of thumb I prefer is "relationship before function." Get to know someone by their reputation before inviting their ministry. Ask around. There ARE false apostles and you won't have to contend with that issue if you're careful.

3) Support them (Read 3 John 5-8). A true apostolic type has laid it all on the line for Jesus. They could use your help. Ask around and get some recommendations. There are some incredible Christian people out there whose lives are bearing MUCH fruit. You’re sure to “click” with somebody.

4. The Bible reveals that the early Christians sold what they had and laid it at the apostle’s feet. These days, we lay our money at the pastor’s feet. That alone should tell us something’s wrong. VERY wrong.

5. Finally, those who think that their group’s apostle will be raised up from among their own clan had best think twice about that as well. A “sent one” will be “sent” TO that group - NOT raised up from their own ranks (how many families produce their own fathers?). Besides, even if there WERE an apostle in their midst, he/she would have to be sent - and supported - BY his /her own group.

One thing I love about this movement is that there are no Big Shots except Jesus. If you need help, many people live for the opportunity to do so.

What lies ahead for the HC/SC movement?

I believe we will have to engage the challenges of elitism, leadership, church government, accountability and even heresy. I know - sounds like the IC most of us just came from.

But that's church life! As I often say, there's never been a tidy move of God. This one won’t be any different. In our passion to return to 1st Century Christianity, let’s not forget that they failed on all kinds of levels. Once the giddiness of the honeymoon is over, we WILL be tested, too. The dreaded "rub" will come. It HAS to. I recommend you involve an apostle and do it soon.

For the good of The Church.

Let’s purposefully break free from the unsuccessful Church model we’ve had presented to us. You know...the one where everything begins and ends with the pulpiteer and his supporting cast, all requiring an ungodly amount of finances to support the entire professional spectacle... an unbiblical model at best.

Every blessing.

Michael Tummillo

A servant of God

What are YOU doing

with the Apostolic ministry?