12 Earmarks of a True Apostolic Movement

How to recognize the difference between denomination-led movements and the work of the Spirit.
How to recognize the difference between denomination-led movements and the work of the Spirit. (Joel Kramer/Flickr/Creative Commons)
There is a global apostolic movement that is shaking Christianity and expanding the church as never before! This is an important shift away from the typical denominationally led church movements of the past. It is important for us to understand the difference between an apostolic from a denominational movement.

The following are generalizations that may or may not be true for particular denominations and apostolic movements:

1. Apostolic is usually led by one strong visionary. Denominations are led by a board.

2. Apostolic is usually mission driven. Denomination are policy driven.

3. Apostolic is usually missiological in its biblical hermeneutics. Denomination is usually theological, sociological or culturally driven.

4. Apostolic emphasizes covenantal relationships based on voluntary associations. Denominations emphasize hierarchical structures and business in their gatherings.

5. Apostolic emphasizes the present move of God in the earth. Denominations emphasize the glory days of the past.

6. Apostolic emphasizes the movement. Denominations emphasize the institution.

advertisement
7. Apostolic leaders are led by the Spirit in regards to ministry placement. Denominational clergy are led by their bishop or hierarchy.

8. Apostolic believes in biblical inerrancy. Most denominations believe in a higher critical form of inspiration. (Their line of reasoning goes like this: Because the church gave the Scriptures, the church has the right to change them, update them, etc. through church councils and official writings. Another thing said is that only the actual words of Jesus Christ in the Gospels are inspired of God.)

9. Apostolic emphasizes the power of Christ in terms of releasing faith to fulfill ministry. Denominations emphasize the power of committees to implement strategic plans.

10. Apostolic emphasizes the local church as the primary training ground for ministry. Denominations emphasizes the seminary.

11. Apostolic empowers the laity to minister (Eph. 4:11, 12). In denominations the clergy are expected to do the work of the ministry.

12. Apostolic movements believe apostolic succession is functionally based upon a divine calling, ministerial fruit and anointing. Denominations believe it is merely transferred through the laying on of hands during an ecclesial ceremony.

Joseph Mattera is overseeing bishop of Resurrection Church and Christ Covenant Coalition, in Brooklyn, New York, and author of numerous books, including Ruling in the Gates: Preparing the Church to Transform Cities. Follow him on Facebook or visit him online at josephmattera.org.

Do we have room for alcohol in the Assemblies of God?

Do We Have Room for Alcohol in the Assemblies of God?--By Rick Debous

Many are trying to decide whether or not we should loosen our stand against drinking alcohol, based solely on what the scripture says or doesn't say. While I agree that the Bible is the ultimate rule for the lives of believers and is the best way to govern our societies, I also believe that there are things that are not covered in specificity but are covered by the law of sowing and reaping. While I can't find a pure statement in the Bible that completely outlaws the consumption of alcohol I can say that the fruit of its use is a harvest no one wants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that over 88,000 people die each year because of sickness or disease that can be directly related to the use of alcohol. The U.S. Library of Medicine says there are 1.2 million visits to local emergency rooms because of alcohol, creating 7,459 unintended deaths, 28,696 murders, 19,347 suicides, and 10,228 deaths involving automobiles, and all at a cost to the U.S. economy of $223,500,000,000.00. What can't be reported or even tracked is how many kids are abused by drunken parents or guardians and how many homes and lives are destroyed because of alcohol use.

Why would we want to bring this evil into the lives of believers? Many have come to us to be delivered from it and its results. Have we forgotten the teaching of Paul that we should not do anything (even if it is not a sin) if it could offend our brother? This is not a "can we" issue; it is a "should we" issue!

It's like the generation that built the barricade between their town and the river that ran beside them. They built it because it flooded and destroyed all they had spent their lives building. They said, "We can't control the river and even though it's nice to look at, it's nice to have easy access to it, we never know when it's going to flood. So let's protect ourselves and our children by raising a standard so high that it can't get to where we live." Later, however, after that generation had passed away the children said, "What were our parents thinking? Why should we live behind such a high standard? If we take it down we will be able to see the beautiful river and enjoy all of its assets." They did take it down and the river did flood, and they lost both what they and their parents had built!

The generation who did not come directly out of a sin-ravaged situation but out of a Christ-blessed home may not value the high standards of the past generation as they should, but that does not change the law of sowing and reaping. What we sow or allowed to be sown will produce its fruit and if we lower our standards someone's children will pay for it!

Just as alcohol impaired the thinking of Herod when he commanded the head of John the Baptist it continues to impair the thinking of people everywhere. It creates an atmosphere and opportunity for sin which ultimately produces death. Sin kills relationships, futures, and eternities. Why would we want anything in our lives that impairs our thinking and makes sin seem less deadly? The drinking of alcohol in itself may not be sin, but no one can deny that it creates an atmosphere for sin to operate.

As we consider this in the light of the law of sowing and reaping rather than simply as legal or illegal, we should look first at the fruit that comes from the activity, both good and bad, and take our stand either for or against, based on its potential results. This I know—once you plant the seed someone will have to deal with its fruit, and once you take down the standard someone will have to deal with the flood! It is not just, "Can I do it and still go to heaven?" It is also, "If I open this door will my grandchildren end up paying for it?"

So, in my opinion, we should not make room for drinking in the lives of the leaders or the culture of the Assemblies of God!