1. The Importance of the Local Church being Connected to an Apostolic Team
Hello everyone! My name is Bobby Leek and welcome to this session “The Importance of the Local Church being Connected to an Apostolic Team”.
First of all, I would like to say that I’m grateful to be able to teach this topic. It is a topic that I happen to love and believe in deeply. The name of this year’s conference is “Challenging Times, Powerful Solutions” I believe that one of the greatest truths that God is restoring to the church during these challenging times in which we live, is the power that can be found only in this great connection. During this session, I hope to reveal to you in a simplistic manner God’s original and only plan in which His church was to be governed and empowered to grow. I also plan to show you how, you, your church and the Kingdom of God can benefit and be blessed through this connection.
Before we can truly understand the importance of the local church being connected to an apostolic team, we first need to establish some blocks in which to build on.

2. THE BASIC PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
Evangelism
To reach every available person at every available time by every available means with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Discipleship
To establish them in the local church, teaching and training them to become like Christ.
Mobilization
To mobilize the army of God, to help each person to find his or her place and function in the Body of Christ.
The first block that I believe needs to be established or reestablished is “the purpose of the local church”. Though this may seem elementary to some of you, I believe it’s a truth which has been lost in many churches today and needs to be redefined once again.
Though the purpose of the local church may be defined by different people in different ways, I believe that there are three basic things that should never be left out from any of these definitions. These three basic things are evangelism, discipleship and mobilization. Without these three elements a local church merely becomes a social club and fails to accomplish the mission for which they were commissioned by Christ himself.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen

3. THE BASIC PURPOSE OF AN APOSTOLIC TEAM
To help the local church raise up and release 5-fold ministry giftings into Holy Spirit directed service.
To plant (church planting) churches to work together for the purpose of reproducing leaders and churches.
To give apostolic oversight that strengthens and supports the local church.
The second block that I believe needs to be established is “the purpose of an apostolic team”. Once again, many people may define the purpose of an apostolic team differently and still not be incorrect. But for our intentions today I hope to establish three basic points as to what an apostolic team purpose should be, or again it will fail at what it was commissioned by Christ to accomplish.
Because a biblically based apostolic team is made up of men and women who function in the ascension gifts, more commonly called fivefold ministry gifts, I believe it is necessary for us to see what the word of God defines their purpose within the body of Christ to be.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
From this Scripture and all evidence found throughout the New Testament, we can see that it was Christ Himself who commissioned these teams of gifted men and women for the sole purpose of helping to establish the local church and to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry themselves. These men and women were not only great visionaries who went around establishing churches throughout the known world, they showed an even greater quality, selflessness. They work together as a tireless team, in unity, always looking for the greater good of the Kingdom and their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

4. THE BASIC VISION OF AN APOSTOLIC TEAM
To plant (church planting) organizations in as many nations in the world as is possible.
To raise up apostolic teams with a key leader in each nation.
To release developed 5-fold ministry giftings into Holy Spirit directed service to the nations.
To work together as united nations with common purpose to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus.
The third and final block that I will established is “the vision of an apostolic team”. This block is a little different than the last two. While the purpose or goals of any person or team is primarily established by scripture. (I.e. the mission) This is not necessarily true as to the vision. The mission is what has to be accomplished, and the vision is how we are going to accomplish it. This is important to understand, since every apostolic team could be given a different vision from the Lord. Therefore, the basic points I would like to make are those which are common to many apostolic teams today and were accomplished within the First Apostolic Church.
Though the vision of some apostolic teams may differ, there are fundamental and most basic requirements that all apostolic teams must meet. All apostolic ministry is to serve, not to be served. Apostolic team members are not to serve their own agenda or personal ministry, but are to firstly serve the Lord, secondly to serve those that the Lord has appointed over them within the body of Christ, and finally to serve those to whom the Lord would send them. Paul once stated in 1 Corinthians 4:1, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”.
This should be the heart of all true apostolic ministry teams working with the local church. They must be willing to be true servants in serving and assisting churches and leaders in progressing the vision the Lord has given those leaders. It is not the function of these teams to force their own ideas and dogma, but to be respectful of the ministry and calling of those to whom they are sent.

5. THE ULTIMATE PUPOSE OF THIS CONNECTION
To create an infrastructure where all of the Ephesians 4:11 gifts can operate under a governmental structure, so that the church at whole can be mobilized in power, then “the gates of hell cannot prevail against it”.
With these three blocks in mind, what was God’s ultimate purpose for this connection between apostolic teams and local churches. I believe it was to create an infrastructure made up of many smaller bodies of believers (churches or ministries), overseen by and apostolic form of government, working together, using each other’s strengths and giftings to create an army of believers that could and would trample down the gates of hell and establish Christ’s Kingdom here on earth!

6. WHY SHOULD I WANT TO BE PART OF THIS CONNECTION?
Now that we understand the basic purposes of the local church and an apostolic team, why should you want to be part of this connection?

7. Because it is on the precipice of what God is doing again in our day and time!
Because it is divine! It was not thought up by man, nor based on men’s traditions, but rather given by God for the first apostolic church. It was HIS only endorsed form of church government. You can see it at work throughout the New Testament.
Some may believe that they should be involved simply because it is on the precipice of what is happening in our day and time. Though this is true, in and of itself this is not enough. Just because things are popular doesn’t mean it’s a good reason for us to become involved.
The only real reason that we should become connected with this or any other practice is because it’s of God! And this is the truth when it comes to the connection of the local church and apostolic teams, it is God’s only biblically endorsed form of church government!

8. The New Testament church planters almost always worked in teams.
These team members were not all gifted church planters, many contributed other gifts to the apostolic mission of the team.
In an attempt to do apostolic work alone, we can become vulnerable and suspect.
The New Testament church planters almost always worked in teams.
Old Testament Examples of Teams
Moses and Aaron, two brothers, one (Moses) the great lawgiver and the other (Aaron) Israel’s first high priest. Exod. 7:12.
Caleb and Joshua, the two spies who gave the only positive report after searching out the land of Kadesh-barnea. Num. 14:6–9.
Zerubbabel and Joshua, Judah’s first political and religious leaders who headed up the return from Persia to Jerusalem. Hag. 1:14.
Ezra and Nehemiah, the two men who headed up the project to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Neh. 8:95.
New Testament Examples of Teams
Peter and John, the two key apostles in the early Jerusalem church. Acts 3:16.
Paul and Barnabas, the team that carried out the world’s first missionary journey. Acts 13:27.
Paul and Silas, the team that carried out the second missionary journey. Acts 15:40.
Barnabas and Mark, the uncle and nephew team that conducted a successful missionary trip on Cyprus. Acts 15:39
In an attempt to do apostolic work alone, we can become vulnerable and suspect.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
      But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
      but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
      And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

9. An individualistic mentality was discouraged, in that apostles were not self-appointed, but chosen by others, who recognized God’s calling on them.
Doctrinal errors and character weaknesses are to easily left uncorrected in a lone ranger ministry.
Because it works… And GOD is at the center of its government and relationships!
An individualistic mentality was discouraged, in that apostles were not self-appointed, but chosen by others, who recognized God’s calling on them.
Examples:
Acts 11:22; 13:1,2; 15:2; II Corinthians 8:19,22,23

10. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BLESSINGS OF BEING CONNECTED TO AN APOSTOLIC TEAM?
Now that we have biblical foundation for being part of an Apostolic Team, what are some of the blessings of being connected to an Apostolic Team?

11. The Blessing of Committed Relationships
To be in life-long peer level relationships with other leaders of like mind and spirit.
To be in fellowship with a family of peers who are “pressing in” for revival and harvest.
Close committed relationships with other ministers and congregations.
Since apostolic teams develop out of relationships, you gain a strong base of prayer and fellowship support.

12. The Blessing of Covering (accountability)
Admonitions or discipline to ministers and congregations when necessary or called upon.
Apostolic mentoring.
Apostolic Teams offer wisdom from many years of combined ministry, and has the ability to strengthen, advise, as well as offer wise warnings to churches and leaders.
Having apostolic covering gives the pastor someone to talk to, relate to and just sound off to.

13. The Blessing of Good Counsel
In doctrine, to help deal with doctrinal issues confronting a church or causing division in the church.
In church discipline, this is especially helpful in difficult cases to avoid personal attacks against leadership when a member needs discipline.
Apostolic teams are made up of seasoned leaders who can help restore focus or define the vision for existing churches. They can also help teach you how to articulate that vision to the church.

14. The Blessing of Protection
Apostolic teams can help provide an atmosphere of safety and security for both the pastor and the congregation.
To protect the people – if a leader falls into error or sin, the congregation knows they have someone to appeal to, helping to avoid a church split.
To protect the pastor – the pastor can ask the apostolic team to help resolve conflicts brought about by false accusations.

15. The Blessing of Confirmation
If needed or desired, an apostolic team can help in the overseeing of licensing and ordination services.
Apostolic covering can be used to confirm and ordained elders and other fivefold gifts in the church. Having someone else to interview and confirm candidates for ministry can provide and an objective view that is often missing in independent churches.

16. The Blessing of Strengthening and Encouragement
Equipping
Intercession
Impartation
Consultation
Evaluation
Transition
Equipping-
An integral part of the renewal God is bringing to the church is the restoration of the fivefold ministry gifts to the body. Through these ministry gifts, training for local church ‘body’ ministry is beginning to receive a much higher emphasis or priority within the local church. This becomes increasingly valuable when we decide to pursue the five-fold model of leadership we read of in Ephesians 4:11. Most local churches do not have all five dimensions of Christ’s leadership in fullness. Therefore it can be very beneficial to augment existing gifts within the church. A local church can draw on their relational apostolic team to supplement these gifts for a season of transition.
Intercession-
Paul usually begins his letters by reminding the churches that he is praying for them. In Galatians chapter four, he reminds the church that he labors in prayer and service until Christ is formed in them. He had a daily concern for churches and their leaders. In Ephesians he is praying that the church may come into the full expression of Christ their Head. It is at the place of prayer and intercession that all Apostolic Ministry begins.
Impartation-
“For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established” (Romans 1:11). Interestingly here, Paul states the church will be established through charismatic gifts and not just by lofty doctrine. Paul includes in the middle chapters of the epistle that it will take the Spirit and the Word to establish the local church. Paul later reminds his spiritual son, Timothy, that he must not ignore the spiritual (charisma) within him which was bestowed or imparted on him through the laying on of the hands of the presbytery and of Paul (see I Timothy 4:14 and II Timothy 1:6).
Consultation-
Apostolic teams can provide counsel, affirmation and encouragement to local leadership and local churches. This includes the sharing of insights and strategies for more effective ministry and for problem-solving. Often confirmation and direction are released into churches through this covenantal consultation.
Evaluation-
It is always beneficial to have periodic evaluations in our lives and ministries. From time to time we need to take our spiritual and ministry temperature! Since it is difficult to evaluate ourselves and be objective, this is where apostolic teams come in. Most would agree that prevention is better then cure! Some maintenance along the way is better then continual crisis management.
Transition-
The apostolic team can step in and assist the local leader and or a local church through transition. For example, Paul sent Tychicas to replace Timothy at Ephesus in order that Timothy could take on another assignment for Paul (see II Timothy 4:11-12). Transitions can be caused by encouraging or discouraging circumstances and it is good for local leadership to know there are experienced and seasoned ministers who can walk through these situations with them. Apostolic churches are working churches. The success of apostolic churches will not be measured by how many fill our auditorium, but rather by how many we have sent to gather in the end time harvest.

17. The Blessing of Opportunity
To be part of something greater than yourself.
Leadership and ministry development training opportunities.
Mission opportunities for both ministers and church members.
Special meetings to augment the spiritual formation of new leaders and to enhance present leaders.

18. Local, National and International Conferences
Local, National and International Conferences. These conferences provide an opportunity:
To increase vision
To build relationships
To encourage fellowship
To receive teaching and ministry
To connect with a global vision
To be personally strengthened and refreshed

19. Continued education through college courses (F.C.M.I.).
These courses are fully accredited
Future use of the Internet and DVD education around the world
You can use these courses to help train your present or future leaders.
The college takes full advantage of all the gifted teachers within the apostolic team to impart their wisdom and knowledge to the people within your church.
It helps to free up the pastor while still knowing that his people are getting good, Spirit filled, Bible based teaching.

20. The Blessing of Synergy
What is synergy? Simply defined it means the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
One can chase a 1,ooo and two can put 10,000 flight.
Apostolic teams offer networking with other ministers and churches.
The availability of an apostolic team consisting of all five ascension gifts (operating in the Ephesians 4:11 order) moving in spiritual authority, anointing and gifting.

21. BOTTOM LINE – What is The Importance of the Local Church being Connected to an Apostolic Team?

22. Because it is divine!
It was not thought up by man, nor based on men’s traditions, but rather given by God for the first apostolic church. It was HIS only endorsed form of church government. You can see it at work throughout the New Testament and it still works today!!!

23. Because it is the devil’s worse nightmare!
Without looking at the Church of the New Testament with rose colored spectacles, it is very apparent that in that first century great damage was done to the kingdom of darkness. Nations and cities ruled and dominated by evil spirits, false philosophies, pagan deities and heathen temples were penetrated by the Apostolic Church in a way that changed history. In spite of everything that Hell was throwing against it, the church was advancing. This is exactly what we need today!

24. upside down”, and this GOD ordained connection is the key!!!
Like the Apostles of the First Apostolic Church, it is time for us to start being accused of “turning the world
upside down”, and this GOD ordained connection is the key!!!
Do any of you know what God is going to do next, or where his next mighty outpouring will be? I doubt you do, and neither do I. Yet there is one thing I am convinced about, whatever it is, or where ever it is at, God will be working it out through His divine form of government and apostolic teams in connection with the local church will be involved!!! The second thing I know for sure is, I want to be part of it!!! How about you?