APOSTLES

Apostles are one of the "fivefold ministries". These individuals are anointed to operate in "foundational" situations. They are often the ones who do the initial groundwork in the development of churches and other ministries.

This is why the Apostle Paul made the statement that he did not build on anybody else's foundation. His calling was to "pave the way". Unfortunantely, some individuals have tried to mimic Paul when they were not called as an apostle. Some of these individuals have literally "torn apart" churches so that they could begin "fresh" and not build on someone else's foundation. It is such myopic actions that have done untold damage to the body of Christ.

However, as we learn more about the true functions of each of the fivefold ministries, we will see healing occur where the damage of the past has taken place. The beauty of who we are in Christ, is that once we recognize an error, we can repent and be sensitive as to how God is directing that we are to restore those whom we have injured.

The apostle will often have an anointing that will give him or her insights into the way that God is directing for a group or local assembly to function. It is this awareness that uniquely qualifies an Apostle to lead into previously "uncharted waters" as he or she moves out under God's direction.