Different Kinds of Apostles and How to Make Room for Them in the Church

I have been in the apostolic movement since the late 1980s (we used to call this the “A & P” network because it highlighted apostles and prophets in the modern day. I’ve observed many kinds of apostolic leaders. By “apostolic,” I am referring to a person who functions in the apostolic ministry gift as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. They may also oversee an apostolic church that exerts great influence in their community, and/or lead a network of churches.

One size definitely doesn’t fit all in the apostolic, or in any of the other ministry gifts for that matter! They all have different modes of operation and/or function as well as different motivational gifts and bents. Of course, any true apostolic leader may have one or more of the following characteristics.

The following are the different kinds of apostolic leaders I have observed:

1. The Connecting Apostle

These apostolic leaders are like the Apostle Barnabas mentioned in the Book of Acts. Barnabas was always connecting people together and was the one responsible for connecting Saul (later on he became the great Apostle Paul) to the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:26-27). These leaders love networking key people together, function with a strong heart of mercy (they give people second and third chances; read Acts 15:37-39), and have an amazing understanding of where to place people for the maximization of their gifts and callings.

This kind of leader also has a burden for unifying the Body of Christ and are adept at creating horizontal networks or associations of leaders in their regions, either for fellowship or to fulfill a joint mission (hence they are usually quite ecumenical).

2. The Teaching Apostle

Paul the Apostle focused on teaching the truth and was committed to maturing people in the faith through his teaching ministry (Colossians 1:24-29). These are scholarly leaders who write much and attract people into their networks of influence through their great scholarship and practical insight. They also major on quality, doctrine and developing covenantal systems of engagement within their circles of influence.

What separates these from others with mere theological theory is their ability to form strong coalitions with high-level commitment to fulfilling the Kingdom mandate of spreading the gospel.

3. The Prophetic Apostle

These are intuitive, spontaneous leaders who have an amazing ability to think quickly with words of wisdom from the Lord. They are great visionaries and dreamers and think ahead of the curve and have a great gift of exhortation and/or preaching extemporaneously. With their great gift of motivation, they are able to attract many leaders into their spheres of influence.

4. The Military/Spiritual Warfare Apostle

These are like military generals in the Body of Christ who create hierarchical networks with a strong top-down leadership approach. They usually lead strong vertical networks with high commitment and are not really interested in participating in ecumenical associations (unless it fits their particular agenda or they lead it). This is because they are so focused on their purpose and lack patience and grace to work with other strong leaders who have a different view of the church or who do not want to submit to their leadership.

5. The Cultural/Social Justice Apostle

These apostolic leaders attract leaders into their networks because of political/social issues such as traditional marriage, abortion, immigration, social justice and the like. They have a prophetic bent and are also great unifiers of like-minded leaders.

6. The Signs and Wonders Apostle

These apostolic leaders are like the Apostle Peter who spread the gospel by the use of extraordinary signs and wonders through the gift of faith (Acts 5:15). These leaders can draw great crowds, build large churches, and regularly take risks of faith regarding finances, building bigger buildings, as well as helping others walk in the supernatural. They will draw other pastors and leaders into their networks who are hungry for the supernatural.

7. The Community Apostle

These apostolic leaders dive into the economic, social and political lives of their communities with a goal of shepherding their cities, not just a congregation. Many of these leaders create programs that serve their communities with their churches or networks becoming key agents of change for surrounding areas.

8. The Missions Minded Apostle

This apostolic leader is focused on statistics, trends, demographics and cultural relevance, and helps lead innovative networks and/or organizations that lead the global charge to spread the gospel. They are very scholarly and introspective yet brilliant leaders who are totally focused upon Kingdom expansion for the glory of God. They are great lecturers in conferences and provide a great service for the Body of Christ at large as they, like the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32), understand the times and know what the church ought to do.

9. The Shepherding/Pastoral Apostle

This is an apostolic leader who is more focused upon the lives of the leaders of their network than upon having a corporate mission. They have a paternal anointing and take the most joy in washing the feet of their sons and daughters so they fulfill their vision and destiny! This is perhaps the most lacking apostolic leader in the church today since there is a dearth in the church regarding true apostolic spiritual parenting.

10. The Entrepreneurial/Marketplace Apostle

This kind of apostolic leader is a hybrid leader with a dual ministry of church and business, creating wealth through initiatives that support the work of the Kingdom of God. This kind of entrepreneurial ability attracts many leaders who desire an impartation from them so they can also be prosperous in everything they touch!

11. The Elder Statesman Apostle

This kind of apostolic leader is a very wise person who is able to represent the Kingdom of God to other denominations and those in the political and social realms. They are generally very ecumenical and have a ministry of reconciliation and are sometimes called upon to be peacemakers between opposing groups. These leaders are usually respected by Christian and non-Christian alike and are by nature very ecumenical.

12. The Intercessory Apostle

These apostolic leaders spend much time in prayer and engage in high-level spiritual warfare so light can break through in dark places. They are able to attract enough people to start large organized networks of pastors and leaders who believe their main calling is to expand the Kingdom through prayer and spiritual warfare strategies. What separates these from typical prophetic intercessors is that they not only have a great gift of prayer but also are able to create influential networks of prayer leaders.

In closing, many leaders I know likely fall into about three to four of the categories above. These twelve kinds were written for the sake of clarity, but not meant to legalistically confine our thinking in such a way that limits our perspective regarding apostolic leadership. Also, there are probably many other categories others could think of, which would further complicate and mesh various anointing and ministry functions together.

Review and Reflection on Diverse Apostolic Leadership

This message offers a valuable taxonomy of apostolic leadership, moving beyond a monolithic understanding to recognize the multifaceted nature of this crucial ministry gift. Drawing upon decades of observation within the apostolic movement, the author presents twelve distinct yet overlapping expressions of apostolic function, each illustrated with biblical parallels and clear characteristics.

The review of these categories – from the connecting and teaching apostles to the intercessory and entrepreneurial – highlights the richness and diversity within the Body of Christ. It underscores the crucial understanding that effective leadership is not confined to a single mold but manifests in various strengths and focuses. The author rightly points out that individuals often embody several of these characteristics, further emphasizing the complexity and dynamism of apostolic ministry.

The reflection prompted by this content is significant. Firstly, it encourages self-assessment for those in or aspiring to apostolic leadership. Recognizing one’s dominant tendencies and strengths can lead to greater self-awareness and more effective ministry. Secondly, it fosters a greater appreciation for the diverse contributions of other apostolic leaders. Understanding these different “types” can break down potential biases and encourage collaboration across different spheres of influence. Thirdly, it serves as a valuable tool for churches and networks in identifying and supporting the specific gifts and callings of their leaders.

The concluding note wisely cautions against rigid categorization, acknowledging the fluid and interconnected nature of these expressions. This nuanced perspective prevents the framework from becoming a limiting factor and encourages a more holistic understanding of apostolic leadership.

A Five-Point Call to Action for Engaging with Diverse Apostolic Leadership

1. Self-Identify and Cultivate: Take time to reflect on which of these categories resonate most with your own gifting and calling. Intentionally cultivate those strengths and seek opportunities to function within your primary apostolic bent.
2. Recognize and Value Others: Actively identify and appreciate the different expressions of apostolic leadership around you. Understand their unique contributions and avoid imposing a singular model on everyone.
3. Foster Collaboration: Seek opportunities to connect and collaborate with apostolic leaders who operate in different spheres and with different strengths. Recognize that the Kingdom advances most effectively through unity in diversity.
4. Embrace Mentorship and Discipleship: If you are a seasoned leader, intentionally mentor and disciple emerging apostolic leaders, helping them identify and steward their unique gifting. If you are newer, seek out mentors who embody the types of leadership you are drawn to.
5. Pray for All Expressions: Regularly pray for all types of apostolic leaders within your community and beyond. Recognize the vital role each plays in the advancement of the Kingdom and intercede for their effectiveness and impact.

Let’s Pray Together

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the rich tapestry of leadership gifts you have bestowed upon your Church. We acknowledge the diverse expressions of the apostolic ministry, each vital and necessary for the fulfillment of your purposes on earth. Grant us wisdom to recognize, value, and support these different leaders. Help us to move beyond limited perspectives and embrace the beauty of your multifaceted design. Empower those who connect, teach, prophesy, engage in spiritual warfare, champion justice, demonstrate your power, serve communities, reach the nations, shepherd leaders, build in the marketplace, offer wisdom, and intercede with fervent prayer. Unite us, Lord, in a common vision, leveraging our diverse strengths for the glory of your name and the expansion of your Kingdom. May we walk in humility, honoring one another and working together to see your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

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