The Apostolic Mandate
- Scott Bullerwell
- Jun 1
- 12 min read
Updated: Jun 3
In early May of this year, the district where I hold my Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada pastoral credentials, held a one-day “Family Gathering” conference where expressive worship and necessary business combined with young and old church leaders and other ministry servants.
The day was given to an assortment of fun, facts and business reports — parts of which could put a person into a trance and hypnotically send them to sleeps-ville; especially following a sumptuous lunch on the ‘District's dime’ — Thank you, Eastern Ontario and Nunavut District (EOND)! I can gladly report that conscious of the tricks of that Wile E. Coyote devil, I was able to successfully resist my routinely scheduled afternoon nap-time re-charge and remain alert to the PowerPoint stats and resolutions proposing changes to our governing By-Laws.
Following a kind-of ‘State of the District’ report by one of our Executive leaders, the floor was opened, permitting credential holders to seek clarification and ask thoughtful questions. And ‘yes,’ there was the occasional nonsensical ‘need-to-come-to-the-mike’ moment thrown in so that the rest of us could silently think – “Duh!!!”
Among the several good questions asked, one went something like this: “Earlier you referenced the importance of apostolic ministry. Can you tell me what you believe apostolic ministry to be and what is the district doing to encourage and train leadership in this?”
‘Great question,’ I remember secretly thinking!
Pentecostalism and Apostolic Go Together
Apostolic Ministry! Those two words are way up there in popularity among Pentecostals, along with other Christianese words like ‘Cross-Cultural,’ ‘Global Worker,’ ... and of course ‘Missional.’ So, exactly what do people mean by the term? Specifically, the delegate asking the question, wanted to know what HIS leader understood the word ‘Apostolic Ministry’ to mean and precisely how was it being facilitated or ‘evidenced’ in the district’s strategy?
Among our early Pentecostal ancestors, Charles Fox Parham, a Trinitarian Pentecostal, commands a degree of respect. Known as 'the father of Modern Pentecostalism,' he was the first to articulate Pentecostalism’s belief in initial evidence – connecting evidenced tongues with Holy Spirit baptism, a hallmark of Pentecostal theology. 1 Interestingly, Parham was also among the first to see and describe the early Pentecostal movement as “Apostolic” ... believing that the book of Acts accounts ought to be typical experiences for all believers. 2
Parham’s apostolic perspective is reflected in the way he consciously incorporated the word into his ministry. He founded the Apostolic-Faith movement, with its initial headquarters in Houston, Texas in 1905 (later Baxter Srings, Kansas), started “The Apostolic Faith” publication, with himself as editor [1889-1929) and created the Apostolic Faith Mission in Los Angeles, later to become that famous Azuza Street Mission, under his student William Seymour. 3
The Apostolic Faith Movement has circled the globe ...
many multiplied thousands have not only heard the old time gospel of saving grace, but have witnessed a return in great measure to the apostolic faith ...”
Charles F. Parham, A Voice Crying in the Wilderness, Second Edition, 1910
In Search of a Definition
If we imagine within a religious context that the term “Apostolic Ministry” is fundamentally a pretty simple term to define ... we should think again. I say this because actually the term is a fairly multi-faceted one and enjoys broad use.
1. It can refer to the original 12 apostles of Jesus ... but make it 13 if you add Paul.
2. It can refer to the unbroken line of continuity and authority of the Church with its
teachings and authority through apostolic succession.
3. It can address Apostolic identity, emphasizing a denominations connection to the
original apostles, with a focus on certain practices like baptism, communion, the
importance of Scripture and a commitment to social justice.
4. It can be an adjective, identifying a Church actively involved in the mission, witness
and work of the apostles — proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples and Christian
service.
5. It can refer to the Church’s faithfulness to the teachings and beliefs of the apostles –
preserving and transmitting foundational truths about such things as the nature of
God, the person of Christ and the work of salvation.
Combine these five ingredients and “apostolic’ can mean something like this: Following in the tradition of the ‘original twelve,’ while embracing the continuity of their authority and teaching through apostolic succession, the faithful preservation of the Good News and active engagement and commitment to the fundamental principles of the Christian faith, including advocating for the marginalized and oppressed.
The Book of Acts teaches us that if eleven sandaled apostles with unswerving confidence in a resurrected, returning Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit,
can missionally succeed – then Nike wearing
believers persuaded of these same truths,
can be just as apostolic and effective.
Refining My Definition
Within my religious tradition and denomination, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, (PAOC), the unique place of the original twelve apostles is without debate. So, definition # 1 above will not work. In the opening chapter of Acts, there was concern for a full compliment of 12 apostles (1:12-26) following the vacancy created by the defection and death of Judas. Remember, Luke, the author of Acts ... had mentioned in his earlier gospel, Jesus’ promise to them:
“I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:29-30)
Evidently, maintaining 12 apostles as a symbol of the 12 tribes of Israel was necessary; that is, up until Pentecost. Later, when Herod the king had James, the brother of John, killed with a sword, (Acts 12:2), no effort was made to fill the vacancy of this proto-martyr of the apostolic company. The twelve will forever remain unique!
Further, the adjective ‘apostolic’ has never been used within the PAOC to trace clergy succession back to the original 12, as do our Catholic and Episcopal friends – so definition # 2 is not a workable possibility.
Finally, while my tradition would acknowledge the four (or five)-fold ministry of Ephesians 4:11, with its iconic “some to be apostles” reference, it seems best to refer to ministry as mani-fold, not ‘one, two, four ... or five-fold,’ in view of I Corinthians 12:28-30 and Romans 12:6-8. The weakness in definition # 3, as I see it, is that it looks backwards to place my identity (and authority I suspect) in the twelve themselves, while ignoring the largess and generosity of God post-Pentecost. “Are all apostles,” asks Paul (I Corinthians 12:29)? No! Indeed, he says, “... there are diversity of gifts” (12:4) ... and they emanate from the Spirit, not the twelve. This leveling of office makes every believer a potential powerhouse, not merely an elite few.
All of this takes me back to how I might have answered my fellow credentialled holder-delegate’s question that early May afternoon, if I had been asked. 4 It would have gone something like this:
When I read the Acts of the Apostles, I don’t see declining or dying ministries or apostles celebrating marginal improvements. Do you?
“Thank you for your question,” I would have begun.
“You ask, ‘Can you tell me what you believe apostolic ministry to be,’ and I am happy to offer my perspective. I say ‘my perspective,’ because like you, I understand there are several viewpoints, each with their own traditions and influences.
I do not believe we can claim the same place that belonged to the original twelve [# 1]. Indeed, the most common title used of this Christ-chosen group in the Gospels is “the twelve,” not “the Apostles (cf. Matthew 26:14,20,47; Mark 4:10; 6:7; 9:35; Luke 8:1; 9:1; 18:31; John 6:67; 20:24) ... a designation that would come later (Acts 1:2, 12, 26). Considering that they were chosen specifically by Jesus ... were witnesses to his resurrection ... and given their role in the foundations of the early Church (Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14), ‘the twelve’ will forever remain unique.
I do not believe in apostolic succession either – as our Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and many Anglican Communions do [# 2]. I see nothing in scripture that pushes the theological concept that there is a direct, uninterrupted line of authority and teaching based on Bishops whose office is traced back to the original twelve. I suspect this makes me a true Protest-ant – a hat I am comfortable to wear.
Finally, I do not believe in emphasizing a sort of apostolic identity that connects our PAOC tradition to the original twelve [# 3]. After all, in the end, the focus of ‘apostolos’ is on “being sent” – not the persons of Peter, Andrew, Philip, Barthollomew, Thaddeus or any of the others. Besides, complex issues can be over-simplified or over-emphasized (to the neglect of others), depending on their ‘differing points-of-view’ and the degree of esteem to which any one apostle is held. So, for me, apostolic ministry legitimacy is to be found in a different definition than this.
“... the signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders
and mighty works.”
Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:12)
Now, before I express my view of apostolic ministry, I must say that I firmly believe in “apostolic ministry’ — for two reasons.
First, because the term is indeed biblical (Acts 1:25). You will remember that in Acts 1, God brings closure on the life of Judas by reminding us that even unthinkable apostacy by one of the twelve cannot in any sense delay the continuing advancement of God’s plan. The apostles after all, play a crucial ‘foundation’ role in the Church (Ephesians 2;20). Yes - twelve were selected. Yes - one defected. So, two candidates are selected for the vacancy ... and then Luke writes:
“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry ...” (1:24-25).
Dr. Luke concludes the chapter saying that lots are cast and Mattthias is chosen. The apostolate is once again complete (1:26). So, “apostolic ministry” is a biblical term and we ought not to be afraid of using it.
Second, I believe in “apostolic ministry” because when I read the Books of Acts as a Pentecostal, I see the apostles’ (and others) Spirit empowered, with signs like miracles, boldness, and supernatural manifestations following:
I see it in Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost (2:14-41) and his healing of a lame man (3:1-10);
I see it in deacon Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin (7:2-53), deacon Philip (“the Evangelist”) being ‘sent’ by the Spirit (8:29), the apostle Peter’s boldness before the “rulers, the elders ... teachers of the Law ... Annas the high priests ... and ... Caiphas” (4:5-8), and the apostle Paul’s preaching in the cities (13-28). Yes – anyone can operate apostolically;’ 5
I see it in Peter’s God-directed appearance at the Roman Centurion Cornelius’ house, his openness to new ways of seeing and believing, and the gospel reaching the Gentiles (10: 44-45) – so critically and doctrinally important;
I see it in the apostles' leadership and guidance to the Church, helping to make important decisions like appointing leaders (6:1-7) and including the Gentiles in the Christian faith (15:1-35);
And ... I am witness to the suffering, perseverance, even death of the apostles. All of them are jailed with the real possibility of death before them (5:17-33). Peter and John endure in prison for preaching Jesus (4:1-21). Paul experiences life-threatening trials for declaring Christ (e.g. Lystra - 14:19; Philippi – 16:22-26), and John, the beloved, is executed at the hands of a godless tyrant (12:1-2).
So, yes, I believe in “apostolic ministry” – being ‘sent’ to continue the teachings and mission of the apostles. Said another way, apostolic means walking in the ways and teaching of Jesus the same way the Apostles did ... preaching the Good News ... and as necessary even suffering reproach or greater for identifying with Christ and His Gospel.
While I am confident that apostolic ministry manifests itself in a long list of possibilities, I embrace three (3) core foundational factors that identify an apostolic ministry.
A Commitment to the Continuity of Apostolic TEACHING.
Clearly apostolic ministry is rooted in the New Testament, though the canon did not yet formally exist for the apostles.6 Still, its writers understand that there was a settled body of teaching (or doctrine), often referred to as “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (Jude 1:3) or “the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-9). No surprises here.
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself
and your hearers.”
I Timothy 4:16
Now, the ‘obvious’ aside ... be careful here, for it is not the New Testament in isolation. In fact, to the surprise of possibly some, “the gospel” is not a New Testament invention, as Galatians 3:8-9 and Hebrews 4:1-2 clearly demonstrate. The Old and New Testaments are inseparably linked; one the foundation; the other the fulfilment. So, none of this Andy Stanley “Getting Unhitched from the Older Testament” nonsense he tries to push on naïve believers.
The Scriptures are univocal. They combine to forge a single message and the apostles leveraged every Older Testament passage necessary while unconsciously writing the New, to explain, confirm, develop and make their appeal about the identity of Jesus ... that he was the coming Messiah forecast ... God in the flesh ... that a new covenant had been established with mankind, with the possibility of remission of sin and spirit empowering ... and that he intends to return a second time to judge the living and the dead, set up his messianic kingdom, reward the faithful, and put an end to evil. Of such is “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).
THIS – is apostolic doctrine. It begins in the Older Testament, with the veil removed in Christ in the New ... and the rapid growth and success of the early church lies, in part, to the fact that as “They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching” [Acts 2:42; didache; Other translations - “doctrine”], they were boldly preparing the way for future ‘sent ones’ to do no less.
“Apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos” (ἀπόστολος), meaning “one who is sent; messenger; envoy.” Therefore, an apostle is someone ... sent somewhere ... to do something.
A Commitment to Being Apostolic in MISSION.
There are eight Mission: Impossible movies, the first appearing back in 1996 ... and the latest, this past May. After twenty-nine years and eighteen hours of watching global mayhem and supervillains getting what they deserved – among the lessons we learn are that ‘the team’ remains fully engaged despite personal risk ... give their best to ‘save’ the world from the clutches of evil ... and achieves success – lead by their ‘messiah’ Nathan Hunt. If they fail, it’s this world’s last hurrah!
The apostles never saw an MI movie ... but they certainly understood the seriousness of their mission. I know this because of the twelve – a full eleven of them, says tradition, died martyrs. OK, we might quibble over the precise details surrounding each – but at the very least, all endured hardship like good disciple-soldiers – for the mission.
The apostle’s mission and ours has not changed over the centuries – “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel” (Matthew 28:19). In that regard – sometimes I go “there” ... and sometimes I equip others to go “there.’ Sometimes we church plant “here” ... and at other times, we do it “there.” So “here” and “there” can be absolutely anywhere — home or across a distant border. But always, the ‘Great Commission’ remains!
As a former O.T. prof., Brenda and I have travelled to other theological institutions to teach, train and preach; from Kathmandu, Nepal to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Korosten, Ukraine ... and lots of places in between. And when I am ‘home’ I seem to find myself even busier! The world is lost ... in desperate need of Christ ... and we should not be timid in going, speaking or sacrificing. This responsibility lies with every believer, not the few elites. In the power of the Holy Spirit, this mission continues in and through the Church. We should all be engaged.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”
(Matthew 16:19)
A Commitment to Operating in Apostolic POWER.
Every Pentecostal has available to them, through the Holy Spirit, power gifts (i.e. faith, healing, miracles) and more; gifts that build up the body of Christ, demonstrate the power of the Gospel, the love of God and fulfill God’s purposes for the edification of God’s people and fruitfulness in God’s service. Having fundamentally determined the cost connected to discipleship (Luke 14), while seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to make us effective witnesses (Acts 1:8), we should speak the Word with boldness (Acts 4:31), and expect God to confirm His word by signs (Mark 16:20).
Teaching ... Mission ... and Power! For me, these are the salient features of apostolic ministry. I trust my perspective is helpful to your understanding of what apostolic ministry looks like.
FINALLY ... the second part of your question, as I recall, was “What is the district doing to encourage and train leadership in this?” Another great question – and I am delighted to invite our District Superintendent to come to the podium ... and respond accordingly.”
Well, the “Family Gathering” went well that day in May. Friendships distanced by miles and ministry were reinvigorated ... catching up on the latest church ‘news’ was an inevitability ... and worshipping and hearing the collective wisdom of the ‘district team’ and their plans moving the EOND forward, was surely the capstone to the one-day event.
Maybe when we have our next “Family Gathering” I will report on what the District Superintendent had to say this past May, in response to the question on ‘Apostolic Ministry.’
“OnlySaying ...”
1. These days the ‘essentially’ of tongues as ‘initial evidence’ appears problematic in the PAOC, thus our current “refreshed” Statement of Essential Truths and By-Laws document.
2. While modern Pentecostalism is not simply a restoration movement, it nevertheless surely IS a restoration movement to some degree.
3. Charles Parham played a substantive role in the development of Pentecostalism. Regrettably, some of his beliefs were flawed: that God would restore xenolalic tongues so that missionaries could speak a foreign language without the need for study, that death means destruction (annihilationism), an acceptance of Anglo-Israelism (ten ‘lost’ tribes of Israel) and that the soul was not immortal.
4. Scripture citations in parenthesis would have been for personal reference only.
5. Though not technically apostles, deacon Stephen manifests Spirit-empowering boldness and deacon Philip is spirit-directed: “The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it. (Acts 8:29) ... a telling marker that anyone can operate apostolically.
6. The Synoptic problem, the relationship between the gospel of Matthew and Luke and their dependence/independence in the use of Mark and a hypothetical “Q”, is beyond the limits of this article.
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