Epistles or Apostles?
Once upon a time it was not uncommon to hear, "now we have epistles, we don't need apostles" the assumption being that once the first century apostles had written down a body of doctrine for the church, their job was done. However, a new generation of leaders and church planters who are passionate about building the church, preaching the gospel and reaching the nations, are now seriously questioning this stance. What is the biblical role of an apostle? Is there a scriptural mandate for that role to continue today? If so, what does that look like, bearing in mind the misuse and even abuse of this role by some who have claimed apostleship in the past?
These are some of the important questions that David Devenish addresses in his book, "Fathering Leaders, Motivating Mission", with the subtitle: "Restoring the role of the apostle in today's church".
Ephesians 4 ministry
In his introduction he writes, "A passion for the truth leads me to the conviction that if the bible indeed teaches us that apostles are a continuing gift to the church, along with the other ministry gifts of Ephesians 4, then it is important for the church and for world mission that this ministry is restored."
His book has been highly recommended, not only by Terry Virgo and others within the Newfrontiers family of churches that David is a part of, but also Church leaders such as Bob Roberts Jr, Senior Pastor of Northwood Church, Dallas and founder of Glocalnet.
Bob writes, "I couldn't put down Fathering Leaders, Motivating Mission. It is an incredible and solid book - it isn't lightweight theologically, biblically, or practically. There is nothing I have read that comes close to it in explanation and application. So much of what is written on this today is anecdotal, fluff or not biblically based. David's book will become a standard read for those exploring or curious about apostolic ministry. This book is a real gift to the church today"
Over the next few weeks I shall be quoting a number of extracts from David's book in a series of blogs called 'Apostles Today?'
