| Can we talk? | | | | Christ Jesus. |
| There's an issue among Simple Church folks that I | | | | Period. |
| simply can NOT overlook any longer. It's the issue | | | | God never gave mankind dominion over any |
| of the apostolic ministry in the Simple Church. | | | | other human being. Yet, even in Christian circles, |
| What is an apostle? The word, literally, means "a | | | | we this exhibited everywhere. |
| sent one." That is to say, one has been sent by | | | | I realize the so-called "apostolic authority" many |
| God to minister to others in an effort to advance | | | | refer to today is simply a warmed-over version |
| The Kingdom. These people have a strong | | | | of what has been taught for decades. I contend |
| "fathering" spirit and are willing to be spent for the | | | | it's time for church leaders to lay down their titles |
| purpose of bringing the Church to maturity. | | | | - their crowns - and give Jesus all the authority, all |
| In the Simple Church world, apostles (note the | | | | the honor, and acknowledge Him as our Lord while |
| Lower Case letter "a" as this is a Job Description, | | | | becoming servants and ministers just as was the |
| NOT a title) have been limited to being called | | | | case in the early Church. This includes apostles as |
| "Church Planters." I don't think it's serving the | | | | well as all other Members of the Body. There is |
| Body at all to attempt to limit that which God has | | | | but one Head on this Body and the last day |
| established for its benefit. | | | | revival will be brought about by those who submit |
| An apostle will establish ministries, which includes | | | | completely to His authority. |
| church planting, but it may include other things. A | | | | The way we gain Godly authority is by submitting |
| traveling missionary could be an apostle. Another | | | | to one another as unto the Lord. There are |
| could have an apostolic calling on the internet or | | | | renegade apostles today who think we should |
| through writing. These days, many people do. | | | | come into one accord with them because of the |
| Apostles are given to bringing churches together | | | | pretentious authority they believe they possess |
| in unity, tearing down the walls of separation, as | | | | as "Apostles" (Note the Upper Case "A" as it |
| much as they are establishing new ones. The time | | | | reflects a title in these instances). I won't name |
| is short. It's not only about establishing new | | | | names but you HAVE heard of them, trust me. |
| church networks but perfecting the churches that | | | | True apostles cannot submit to apostles with a |
| already exist. | | | | carnal authority nor can authoritarian apostles |
| Are YOU involving the apostolic ministry in your | | | | submit to those whom God has actually called. |
| life? If you have been given that gift, are you | | | | False apostles will in one way or another exhibit |
| giving it BACK to the Simple Churches with whom | | | | false characteristics. You will find false apostles |
| you have a relationship? | | | | among the sins of the Nicolaitans with their ranks |
| WHO IS AN APOSTLE TODAY...YOU? | | | | and divisions. These will forbid women in ministry. |
| Jesus is the One gathering the apostles together | | | | They will exalt themselves and try to gather |
| in these last days, just as He always has. | | | | others around them. They will come with their |
| Apostles will serve the Body of Christ with Jesus | | | | own agenda and traditions of men. False apostles |
| as the Head and with us as Members of His Body. | | | | will see the army of God as likened unto a worldly |
| The Head does the thinking and we follow His | | | | army with many ranks instead of us marching as |
| direction. Jesus is the true Shepherd and will | | | | one man. They find it hard to have faith in God's |
| gather us to Him by His Spirit. We can expect, of | | | | provision and may feel the need to ask for |
| course, opposition from the conservative, | | | | money or divert funds. |
| traditional, doctrine of man. | | | | The apostolic types I have personally been |
| Are you an apostle? God knows if I am - and | | | | privileged to know and have as Guests in our |
| WHEN I must serve in that role. Personally, I've | | | | home never ask for money but I have seen the |
| been asked if I am a prophet and an apostle and, | | | | Lord's abundant providence with my own eyes |
| frankly, I don't really care, nor am I impressed | | | | after each of their meetings. |
| with those who refer to themselves as such. I'm | | | | Instead of coming into one accord to the truth, |
| simply listening to the still small voice who tells me | | | | false apostles will have others come to them |
| when to go and where and how to serve once I | | | | according to their own version of the truth. Some |
| arrive at my destination. I suggest we all do | | | | among them will hold to the letter and not the |
| likewise. | | | | spirit or even being subject to the prophets. They |
| I recently served in an apostolic role - with that | | | | lack true wisdom but are wise in their own eyes. |
| anointing - as a group of Baptist brethren | | | | Many will be a law unto themselves and consider |
| assembled to learn more about Simple Church. I | | | | themselves infallible, they become authoritarian, |
| was teaching with an anointing, prayed, prophesied | | | | manipulative and tyrannical, expecting absolute |
| and have heard reports of miracles having taken | | | | obedience and control and will lash out in the flesh |
| place starting that very evening. All glory to God! | | | | if criticized. |
| Despite all this, I am NOT inclined to re-print a | | | | Many false apostles are actually called by God but, |
| business card with "Apostle Michael Tummillo" | | | | when pride sets in, they become false and are led |
| upon it. By the way, I didn't take an offering but | | | | away into delusion and arrogance. These will |
| was given an unexpected wad of checks and | | | | preach apostolic leadership with themselves at the |
| cash. My excitement came from knowing those | | | | top of the Corporate Ladder. They are easy to |
| people will be blessed for we cannot out-give our | | | | spot if you know what you are looking for; they |
| God. | | | | want to be first in the Kingdom and desire for all |
| If there is truly an apostolic anointing on a | | | | others to follow them. |
| person's life, it makes no difference if they are | | | | Don't do it! Use discernment before you follow |
| called an apostle or think they are one. If it's true, | | | | every spirit. Trust Christ in you and follow His |
| then the perfect will of the Father will be done, no | | | | guidance. Beware of those with feigned humility; |
| matter what it's called. What does it matter what | | | | true sheep of the Great Shepherd hear His voice. |
| others say or do or call you? Just do His will in | | | | Don't fall for anyone just because they put the |
| building His Kingdom and don't concern yourself | | | | title "apostle" in front of their name. For many, |
| with what others say. | | | | this is a clue as to whether they are exalting |
| APOSTOLIC MINISTRY IN SIMPLE CHURCHES | | | | themselves or Jesus. |
| I have heard leaders within the Simple Church | | | | Once you detect this kind, run the opposite |
| movement acknowledge that we are lacking one | | | | direction! |
| key ingredient: apostles raised up from within the | | | | WILL THE REAL APOSTLE PLEASE STAND UP? |
| movement itself. I agree with that notion as I | | | | Paul ministered in synagogue and home to Jew |
| have heard stories of apostles from without the | | | | and Gentile. Many came to the Lord after |
| Simple Church camp being invited in and sowing | | | | HEARING, not seeing. Example: Acts 18:4, "Then |
| confusion because they did not see a particular | | | | Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on |
| group as supporting the local church or were too | | | | the Lord with all his household. And many of the |
| engrained in the Institutional Church system to | | | | Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized." |
| see anything else as being legitimate. | | | | In Acts 18, there is no record of signs, wonders |
| On a DVD entitled "Tidal Wave," I heard | | | | and miracles. The thrust of Paul's message was |
| (paraphrase), "...you won't find Presbyterian House | | | | teaching and reasoning. |
| Churches or Baptist House Churches." I have | | | | Acts 18:11: "And he continued there a year and |
| found quite the opposite to be the case as I | | | | six months, teaching the word of God among |
| have, personally, ministered to a group of 42 | | | | them." |
| "Church of Christ rejects" in a house in West | | | | Nevertheless, Paul stated that his ministry there |
| Texas, a group of Universalists, Baptists, on | | | | was accomplished by signs, wonders and mighty |
| several occasions (as recently as last night), a | | | | deeds: |
| group of Charismatics that had recently split, and | | | | Signs - a miracle of no value UNLESS it points to |
| a group from an Assembly of God church that | | | | something; direction sign or sign from God |
| had done likewise after catching the pastor | | | | Wonders - miracles that cause amazement |
| stealing. | | | | Mighty deeds - demonstration of power |
| One SC leader told me they had determined that | | | | The mark of an apostle cannot be taken from |
| if God were going to send them an apostle, He | | | | this Scripture alone. If you ask me, it's the verses |
| would raise that person up from within their own | | | | AFTER 2 Corinthians 12:12 that are more |
| group. (If that is the case, they should be | | | | authentic signs of an apostle, including the true |
| prepared to LOSE that individual for he/she will | | | | apostles I have known personally who have |
| soon be "sent" to someone else as their job | | | | resided with us for any period of time. These |
| description requires). | | | | were demonstrated in Paul's daily life in patience, |
| Another SC leader said, after conferring with | | | | signs, wonders and mighty deeds. |
| other leaders in his group, they couldn't justify the | | | | The Ten Points mentioned below are important |
| expense of "flying someone in" whom they did | | | | signs (indicators) of a true apostle. They have |
| not even know personally, unaware that the | | | | more value than the traditional measurement of |
| apostle in question had spent 8 years | | | | flamboyant miracles and deeds which are too |
| criss-crossing the nation in a motor home with his | | | | often counterfeited by the Darkside. |
| wife (Paul, whom the Corinthians knew, sent Titus | | | | THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE: |
| to minister to them - they simply trusted Paul's | | | | 1. NOT A LIABILITY TO THE CHURCHv.13: |
| choice). | | | | "myself was not burdensome to you"burdensome |
| IT'S A MIRACLE...OR IS IT? | | | | = expensive |
| I have heard it quoted that an apostle was one | | | | This is in sharp contrast to many "apostles" |
| who performed miracles. In fact, for many, signs, | | | | today, who stay away from the ghettos and |
| wonders and mighty deeds are the guidelines for | | | | poverty-stricken areas where honorariums are |
| the apostolic ministry. This conclusion is based | | | | non-existent. Paul was not expensive to the |
| upon interpretation of 2 Corinthians 12:12, "When I | | | | church - He would not have said, "deposit the |
| was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I | | | | honorarium into my account and fax the deposit |
| am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and | | | | slip to my secretary, if you want me to come. |
| wonders and miracles among you." | | | | My secretary will get back to you." |
| Personally, I disagree with that litmus test. | | | | PAUL WAS NOT AN EXPENSIVE PREACHER. |
| Why? Because miracle workers can be found | | | | He was preparing for his third visit to people that |
| among the Hindus, Muslims, Mormons, and | | | | did not appreciate him. He was going DESPITE not |
| witches, too. In John 4:48, Jesus said, (I believe | | | | not being celebrated. |
| with a sigh),"Unless you people see signs and | | | | 2. PROPELLED BY LOVE FOR THE BODYv.14: "for |
| wonders, you will never believe." He also warned, | | | | I do not seek yours, but you" |
| "For false Christs and false prophets will appear | | | | His interest and desire is the people, not their |
| and perform great signs and miracles to deceive | | | | possessions. This genuine interest and love for the |
| even the elect - if that were possible," (Matthew | | | | Body pushed him to Corinth. |
| 24:24). | | | | 3. A TRUE SPIRITUAL FATHERv. 14: "but the |
| It's possible. | | | | parents for the children." |
| Paul wrote similar words to the Thessalonians: | | | | Paul saw himself as a father to the Corinthian |
| "The coming of the lawless one will be in | | | | believers. Just as a father provides for his children, |
| accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all | | | | Paul went with the mentality of providing for the |
| kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders," | | | | Body. He did not expect his children to provide for |
| (2 Thess 2:9). | | | | him. He gave more than he received. (Note that |
| Sadly, too many Christians will use this as the sole | | | | this is accurate in the context of "children" - not |
| criteria for a TRUE apostle. Though this is often | | | | mature believers. Mature believers need to |
| the case, some apostles will have a strong healing | | | | understand the principle of reciprocation.) |
| ministry while others are very prophetic. Some | | | | 4. SACRIFICES HIS TREASURES AND HIS LIFEv. |
| are incredible teachers while others operate in a | | | | 15: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for your |
| combination or cluster of gifts. | | | | souls" |
| The one thing ALL apostles will have in common | | | | An apostle sacrifices his possessions, treasures |
| is a desire to serve the Body, exalt Jesus, and | | | | and himself for the Body. He does this gladly - not |
| build His Kingdom... NOT their own! | | | | grudgingly. |
| Jesus warned us about false apostles. These are | | | | 5. SACRIFICE IS NOT BASED ON |
| people the Lord has NOT sent but who go | | | | RECIPROCATIONv. 15: "though the more |
| anyway. Because the Lord is raising so many | | | | abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." |
| apostles today, the enemy is also raising up | | | | Paul was not motivated by reward from the |
| counterfeits that look and act like the real deal. | | | | Corinthian church. The absence of reciprocation |
| Jesus commended the Church of Ephesus in the | | | | does not quench an apostle's love for the Body. |
| Book of the Revelation: "I know your works and | | | | 6. DOES NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OR DEFRAUD |
| your labor and your patience and how you cannot | | | | THE BODYv. 16: "Did I take advantage of you by |
| bear them which are evil. And you have tried | | | | any of those whom I sent to you" |
| them which say they are apostles and are not, | | | | An apostle does not use his anointing, revelation, |
| and have found them liars." | | | | position, expertise or experience to take |
| There are many "liars" - deceivers - these days, | | | | advantage or defraud the Body. |
| people who operate as if from the Lord, even | | | | 7. OTHER APOSTLES SHOW THE SAME SIGNSv. |
| speaking in His Name, quoting Scripture and | | | | 18: "Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not |
| getting people to follow after THEM as their | | | | walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the |
| "apostle." As a general rule, follow the money and | | | | same steps?" |
| you will discover a great deal about, well...ANYONE. | | | | Paul affirms that Titus had the same mentality. |
| False apostles are often nothing less than cult | | | | Therefore these qualities were not unique to Paul. |
| leaders, controlling the minds of feeble followers. | | | | These signs present in Paul and Titus are marks |
| While true apostles will exemplify true | | | | of true apostleship. |
| servanthood, false apostles will be SELF-serving. | | | | 8. RECOGNIZES DIVINE ACCOUNTABILITYv. 19: |
| This will be evident in that they resort to | | | | "Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to |
| manipulation and control in order to maintain a | | | | you? We speak before God in Christ." |
| following or accumulate funds. A true apostle will | | | | Apostles recognize that they will have to give |
| give his ministry away by imparting his gifts to | | | | account to God who sent them. Apostles do not |
| others a la Jesus. | | | | make excuses or need human approval. The |
| False apostles will stress the governorship of | | | | accountability to God defines their motive for |
| apostles over the rest of the five-fold ministries | | | | ministry. |
| (Eph 4:11). That's nothing but pride and arrogance. | | | | 9. MOTIVATED TO EDIFY OTHERSv.19: "But we |
| True spiritual authority will be a threat to them as | | | | do all things, beloved, for your edification." |
| it was to the religious leaders in Jesus' day. This is | | | | The apostle's intent is to build the Body of Christ - |
| what He said to His disciples which were also His | | | | to bring the Body up to the measure of Christ. |
| twelve apostles: "You know that the princes of | | | | 10. MOURNS FOR SINS OF OTHERS, AS IF HE |
| the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and | | | | HAD SINNEDv. 21: "my God will humble me |
| they that are great exercise authority upon them. | | | | among you, and I shall mourn for many who |
| But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever | | | | have sinned before and have not repented of the |
| will be great among you, let him be your minister; | | | | uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they |
| And whosoever will be chief among you, let him | | | | have practiced" |
| be your servant: Even as the Son of man came | | | | Despite Paul's authority and stature, he mourned |
| not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to | | | | for those who did not repent. He ministered in |
| give his life a ransom for many," Matthew 20. | | | | brokenness. |
| Did you catch the phrase, "IT SHALL NOT BE SO | | | | I hope you will find this information helpful and |
| AMONG YOU"? The apostles were never sent to | | | | that it will aid in a more fulfilling Simple Church |
| dominate God's people; the Head of the Church is | | | | experience. |