In my last post, I introduced the Ephesians 4 model for church leadership and the 5 spiritual gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher. Clearly these are all Biblical terms and gifts that compliment each other well in church leadership. Clearly, we can see many of these gifts and characteristics in ourselves and others around us. So why is the apostle, prophet, and evangelist so uncommon in the local church? Why do we drive by churches that advertise their "Head Pastor" but not their "Head Evangelist?" I would love to see an ad in the church bulletin looking for a "Youth Prophet." The answer is found in the history and development of the church.
History and Theology
Through the Middle Ages and the Reformation, Christianity became increasingly dominant in Europe, so much so that Western Civilization came to be built on this era of "Christendom." Out of this time a doctrine began to emerge that taught that, since everyone already knew about Jesus and churches were already built, pastors and teachers were the only two positions necessary. There was no need to go and build, to convict, or to spread; only to teach and shepherd. It was a kind of maintenance for the status quo. Of course, upon closer examination of this time Europe was by no means entirely on fire for Jesus. In fact, there was a lot of "cultural Christians" who assumed their salvation and a lot of people using Christ for their own selfish reasons (sound familiar?). But it is the church leadership and structure which we have inherited to disastrous consequences.
The theological support for these claims of the time rested in the cessationist doctrine, which believed that after the "apostolic age," Jesus ceased to distribute these kinds of spiritual gifts. Usually cessationism comes up in some of the gifts mentioned in 1 Cor. 12 such as tongues or miracles, but it is relevant to apostles and prophets as well. This side of the argument uses Ephesians 2:20 ("having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone") to say that the foundation of the Church, the prophets and apostles, has been laid and doesn't need to be laid again. They argue that the "Apostle" is a specific title pertaining only to those 12 directly appointed by Jesus with authority for miracles and writing infallible scripture. To apply this kind of title to anyone today would, of course, be extremely dangerous for the integrity of scripture and the faith.
But there are many problems with this definition. Although this is sometimes how apostle is used, the greek apostolous is often used in generic terms for "the one sent out" or "messenger." In Luke 10 we see 72 sent out, historically often referred to as the "72 Apostles" for the greek for sent, apesteilen. Miracles and signs did not only follow the apostles but others like Stephen and Philip. Matthais, the one chosen to replace Judas as an apostle, was not directly chosen by Jesus. Paul is clearly called an apostle but was only directly called after he had seen the risen Christ. So cessationists will add the caveat that you must have witnessed the risen Christ. But weren't there up to 500 who also witnessed the risen Christ (1 Cor. 15:6)? It is for this apostolic reasoning alone that cessationists will flat out deny those, especially in the Middle East, who claim to have had Jesus appear to them. They will say, "Jesus doesn't do that anymore" or "that must have been demonic." They simply cannot allow that in their worldview because it may open the door to more apostles.
The truth here I believe is actually quite simple. Yes, "Apostle" is sometimes used as a term of special significance pertaining specifically to those called directly by Jesus, sent by Him to build his church. This title is especially significant in relation to specific scriptural revelation. But I think more than anything, apostle is used in the new testament as less of a title and more of a job description. These were the people given authority by Jesus to build His Church. They are the leaders, the founders, the sent ones. Are we not all sent? Are we not all called? Does the Holy Spirit not give us authority? Certainly we are all apostles to a certain degree, even if it is not our calling. These early apostles had the keys, the revelation, and the vision. It makes sense that people were constantly referring back to the apostles in Jerusalem for guidance and permission. They started it all. It makes sense that Paul, as a missionary, laid claim to the title Apostle and that other "super apostles" would contend for the power and control that comes with that position. Anyone here who has had a vision and a dream in ministry understands what Paul went through when every step along the way you experience people doubting you and challenging your authority.
We Are Scared
The truth is that apostle, prophet, and evangelist scare us because they contain within them 1) claims to supernatural power and 2) calls to get up and do something.
Claims to supernatural power scare us because it carries with it an expectation for God to actually show up and do something. But that's not the scariest part. The scariest part is when we ask God to show up, we're afraid He won't and our faith will be invalidated. We actually just have very weak faith. The person with weak faith never asks God to do anything because God probably won't answer and it may prove God isn't there after all. If you never ask God for anything, you're never disappointed. The person of strong faith, however, asks, asks, and asks again. They put themselves in situation where God *has* to show up or they're going to die or starve to death. It's in those moments where God shows up. And even if he doesn't, the person of faith will keep asking anyway.
The second reason we are scared of these spiritual gifts is because they contain within them a call to action, to get out of our comfort zones, and do something. We don't like getting out of our comfort zones because, well, it's uncomfortable. You mean we're supposed to go start a lunch program in the inner city, apostle? You mean I'm supposed to go talk to my Muslin neighbor, evangelist? You mean I'm supposed to defend what I believe at work, prophet? I don't think so. I'll stick with the teacher, who will give great wisdom I can ignore; and the shepherd who will make me feel good about myself but never challenge me.
Our rejection of the apostle, prophet, and evangelist historically has created a crisis in church leadership, resulting in countless injustices. If you know you are called by God to go start and build something, go do it apostle. If you know you need to stand up for justice when no one else will, stand up prophet. If you know that you need to tell people about Jesus or you will explode, go do it evangelist. Don't let our unbiblical model for church keep you from finding your part in the body of Christ or become frustrated and tap out.
The most important thing, however, is not to do it on your own. Your gift, when out on it's own, is insufficient and will only create it's own blend of injustice. Go to your pastors or leadership with your gifts, point out how you can help them be all the church is meant to be, and find your place in the body. If your church won't recognize you and is determined to stay shepherding only, then maybe it's time to find another church because the results of a church divorced from other parts of the Body is too serious.
Seth
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