Releasing the Apostolic in YWAM

Releasing the Apostolic in YWAM
''28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts.''

A few years ago, God spoke to YWAM through Loren that He wanted to empower us to a new season of apostolic ministry.

What do We Mean by Apostolic?
(Some Church traditions have definitions that limit it to the twelve, some to only the first generation---very different concepts of what it means and that is why we don't use the title.)
 * 1) People who can pioneer.
 * 2) People who can multiply.
 * 3) People who can make room for others.
 * 4) People who can make vision happen.

Although the 90s were a tough time for YWAM, we were still apostolic in many, many nations. Nepal. Brazil. India. Various nations in Africa. But not everywhere. Particularly in the places were we were first established, there has been relatively little growth and new initiatives. Our quest is to regain that apostolic momentum everywhere.

There seems to be many different kinds of apostles: We need a broad mix of apostolic ministries in YWAM Specialists and at least one, broad apostle for every Omega Zone. Lots of specialists and every nation needs at least one mature, broad apostle. (Level 5 leadership from "Good to Great" by Jim Collins)
 * 1) Think of Paul:
 * 2) *Very strong, opinionated personality. (arguing with Barnabas -- ) (publicly rebuking Peter -- )
 * 3) *Almost entirely self-sufficient. ( I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.)
 * 4) *Always happiest when working on the frontiers, going first. ( It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.)
 * 5) **(For many years I made the mistake of thinking that this was the only kind of apostle. They should be self-sufficient---just God and them and the people they lead.)
 * 6) Now think of Barnabas:
 * 7) *( Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)
 * 8) * -- the first one to really trust Paul.
 * 9) * -- the one sent by the Jerusalem Apostles to Antioch. (was happy being in the church in Jerusalem. Didn't need his own territory. Willing to be sent.)
 * 10) * -- ready to give a second chance to John Mark who had earlier quit.
 * 11) *Wise, diplomatic, trusting, fatherly, a developer of others.
 * 12) Now think of Timothy:
 * 13) * The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. A young man of good reputation
 * 14) *Gifted, but not bold. ( For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.)
 * 15) *Almost certainly compliant. (otherwise how could he have co-existed with Paul?)
 * 16) There are also broad apostles and specialist apostles --
 * 17) *The specialist has one, clearly defined vision and no time to spend on anything else.
 * 18) *The broad apostle naturally leads a diversity of teams and vision.
 * 19) *Don't ask a specialist to be broad, or vice versa!
 * 20) Just as there are different kinds of apostles, there are different ways to release them.
 * 21) *What would a Paul-type need? - room to work and occasional support/submission
 * 22) *Barnabas? Good team. A visionary leader to report to.
 * 23) *A Timothy? - Encouragement, close relationship with a leader over him.

One Thing They All Have in Common is Christ-Like Character!!!
You take care of the depth and God will take care of the breadth.

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