THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY STRUCTURE

The Apostolic Ministry Structure
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
There is a place for every believer to be fully activated in ministry in the apostolic structure of the church.
As you stand peering at a High Rise building under construction you can see that massive metal framework climbing into the blue skies above. Soon that towering skeleton will disappear from sight as it is covered by block, plaster, paint, windows and decorative stone. It’s not the decorum that gives strength to the building but the unseen framework.
APOSTOLIC DESIGN
A building is something assembled with various components that are held together by a framework. That framework is the supporting structure of the building. Just like a High Rise building has a framework that provides its strength, so too does the Church have a structure that provides its strength. We are going to call the churches framework the apostolic structure or design.
As we study the apostolic design of the church we will discover the use of certain reoccurring words that offer definition and meaning such as, foundation, structure, edify, strength and build.
It is no coincidence that our Lord was born into a carpenter’s family and learned the skills and the trade of a carpenter. Since the natural is often a reflection of the spiritual we can learn some interesting truths. Jesus is a builder. In fact, Jesus is still building His Church. He said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matthew 16:18). Since Jesus is the Master Builder and we are His workforce (disciples), we must learn how to cooperate with His construction ministry. There are many scri ptures that teach us about the apostolic design and how we fit into it such as:
• We are lively stones (components) of His Church.
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).
• When fitly joined together we provide something that produces increase. All believers are lively stones set apart to build what Jesus is building.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
FOUNDATION
Not only is Jesus the architect of His Church, He is the very foundation. He is the Chief Corner Stone by which every lively stone must be aligned. scri pture says,
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
CORNERSTONE
In the construction process, the purpose of a cornerstone is for a sure alignment. It would be dreadful to work on a High Rise building only to discover that it leans like the bell tower of the Cathedral in Pisa. Just like a cornerstone, every lively stone must be cut and chiseled into shape for proper alignment inside Jesus’ apostolic structure.
In the apostolic design, Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into the apostolic structure therefore requires believers to submit to the fitting and chiseling of these two ascension gift assistants.
APOSTOLIC ALIGNMENT
Oftentimes, proper alignment to the cornerstone requires some cutting and chiseling in the lives of believers before the building process can begin. While the stones are lively they might not have a perfect alignment. Certain hindrances may need to be torn down, such as self-righteousness, pride, legalism, hypocrisy, doctrinal error, ignorance, and even rebellion. Sometimes even deliverance must take place. All are in preparation for entrance into His apostolic design.
When a building is structured properly the interrelated parts that are galvanized together provide an amazing strength to the entire building. The pattern of the apostolic is no different, when all the essential parts are in the right place there is strength. That strength readies the Church for the habitation of the Spirit of God. Therefore it is vitally important to see Jesus’ apostolic design and our part as lively components.
DESTRUCTION INSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
Many English words define the definition of structure. Let’s look at three interesting English words destruction, instruction and construction. All three of these words will help us enter God’s apostolic design.
1. De- Structure (Destruction) Sometimes things have to be destructed before they can be constructed.
2. In-Structure (Instruction) Instruction must be received before one can be part of the construction.
3. Con- Structure (Construction) Construction is what every born again believer is called to be doing.
DESTRUCTION
Oftentimes, before we can enter the apostolic design of the local church, destruction is the first step in the construction process. Words associated with destruction are: demolish, dismantle, tear down and remove. During the destruction phase there is a dismantling of vain religious traditions or inadequate understanding of scri pture. Some of the enemies of the apostolic structure that require destruction include:
Religion: Religion is an enemy of the apostolic because it is legalistic, self-righteous and hypocritical. Jesus, the builder of the church pronounced many woes against the religious spirit (Matthew 23). I wrote about this extensively in my book 30 Pieces of Silver.
My Ministry Syndrome: Those infected by the My-Ministry Syndrome only come to church to get something to advance their own ministries. This condition does not fit in the apostolic structure because it seeks to build its own ministry outside the local church. Jesus wants to use everybody in ministry but that ministry is never disconnected from the local church. Jesus, therefore, is building His Church with many members and not the lone ranger, Rambo’s ministry.
Bless-Me-Only: Many believers come to church only to be blessed. Yes, blessing takes place in an apostolic church, but it is only the beginning. After blessing comes equipping and training for the work of ministry. An apostolic design will refuse to let you slip into a consumerism or spectator mindset.
APOSTOLIC INSTRUCTION
After destruction is instruction. Words associated with instruction include: advise, counsel, coach, educate, explain, give lessons, guide, inform, school, teach, tutor and train.
As we receive apostolic instruction we become candidates to be placed inside the apostolic structure. This training enables us to become actively involved by equipping us for works of service. After you are trained you can become part of the construction process, the edifying (building) of the local church.
When instruction is not received, however, it diminishes the effectiveness and the strength of the apostolic design and makes it impossible to become fitly framed together. If an essential part is left vacant and unoccupied it is not supplying strength to the structure. scri pture says, “How can two walk together unless they agree?” A lack of agreement disqualifies one from becoming an effective joint that supplies and places them outside the structure. For instruction to take place requires submission and a hungry heart. scri pture says,
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live” (Proverbs 4:1-4).
APOSTOLIC CONSTRUCTION
Now that we have progressed through the destruction and received instruction we can enter the realm of construction. Words associated with construction are: assemble, form, compose, engineer, fashion, fabricate, build up, frame, fit together, edify and strengthen.
When one has come into the apostolic structure of the local church their individual gifts and specific callings are activated. All our gifts and talents are given by God for the edifying of the local church with its mission to disciple believers and fulfill the Great Commission. scri pture confirms that all have a role to play in the success and building of the church,
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
The purpose for the apostolic framework is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. This structure of ministry is the apostolic design that you have learned throughout. The quickest way to enter the ministry is by submitting your gifts and talents to the leadership of your church and making yourself available for service.
Every believer that submits to instruction fits in the apostolic framework.
There is room in the house for every gift, talent, calling and grace. Envision your individual calling added to the success of our corporate calling as an apostolic church.
THE APOSTOLIC STRUCTURE
Apostolic structure consist of the following that we will discuss at another time.
1. The Set-man
2. The Presbytery Team
3. In House Ministry Teams
4. Outreach Teams and Metron (small) Groups
5. The Local Church Equipping Center
In Conclusion: The purpose of apostolic structure is to launch every believer into the work of ministry. Jesus has provided two assistants in the foundation forming process referred to as apostles and prophets. To come into apostolic structure believers submit to the cutting and the chiseling (discipleship) of apostles and prophets. In this process of maturing believers get aligned to Christ who is the cornerstone, for a sure alignment to Him. Are you ready to enter the apostolic structure?
© by Jonas Clark