Updated Jul 31, 2009

The Spring (2008) issue of Leadership Journal asked the question whether God intended a continuation of the office of “apostle” up to the present time? That issue has been debated a great deal. Everyone is familiar with the twelve men that Jesus called out and designated as “Apostles” (Lu 6:13). But what about the others in the Bible who are referred to as apostles? And, what about those in the present time who call themselves apostles?

I have been interested in this issue for a long time. In 2004, while I was preparing for my first missionary trip to Africa, a word of prophecy was given. The prophet said that God had called me to be an apostle in Africa. I realize that well-meaning (& otherwise godly) prophets sometimes confuse their existing knowledge (& concerns) with the inspiration of prophecy (cf. 1Cor 13:9 & Acts 21:3-14). But this was a man that I have high regard for. So, my question about the office moved a bit higher on my list of “study this” doctrines.

While in Africa, many (most?) of the ministers with which I came in contact recognized me, both verbally & literally, as an apostle. My thinking at the time was that God had called me to do a work and that the primary issue was fulfilling the mission that I was given – not the title that someone may assign to that work. My African brothers treated me in the same way when I returned to Africa in 2006. So again, the question of present-day apostles moved up on my priority list.

Now, several years after those trips to Africa, I have been brought back to study this issue.

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These are exciting days for ministry.  When I consider the possibilities God has provided for me to serve Him on relation to the Great Commission, I consider these unique to my generation(s):

Websites

Every church needs a website.  They can be done as cheaply or expensively as one can afford.  A website indicates several critical interest points.

• Our church is relevant to your life.
• Our church is service-minded to your family.
• Our church is available for informational needs.
• Our church is interested in resourcing your faith-building needs.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more.  Directions, service times, biographical information on pastors, leaders, promotions, upcoming special sermon series, services, etc.  For an example click here.

Your website in this culture is one of the primary outreaches to people ages 18-30.  If you don’t have a website for your ministry, let me help. Send me an email and I’ll have someone get in touch with you to see if you can do this.

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I retired from pastoring at the end of April (this year) when I turned 65. Although, as a protestant minister, I did NOT receive confessions in the same manner as a Catholic priest, I experienced some “interesting” things during my 30plus years in the pastorate. But nothing quite like this:

A local priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish.

A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and to give a little speech at the dinner.

However, he was delayed debating the “bail-out packages,” so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited:

“I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had also stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his best friend’s wife, and taken illicit drugs. I was appalled.

“But as the days went on, I learned that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.”

Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies for being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and said: “I’ll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived. In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession.”

Moral: Never, never, NEVER-EVER be late.

Received from Becky Day.

Courtesy, GCFL.net