God places great importance on apostolic ministry. He always has and He always will. In fact, He made His son Jesus Christ the very first apostle to the church. He's called "the apostle of our faith" in Hebrews 3:1.
In addition, there are numerous apostles listed throughout the New Testament books. Indeed, the bible gives us a rich history, a well documented record that sheds light on their present-day mission. However, it's time to ask some hard probing biblical questions regarding the proliferation of so-called "apostles" in the church today.

"Nineteen different New Testament books reference the ministry of the apostle."

Genuine apostles were and are an incredibly significant equipping ministry in the New Testament church. The church cannot place too high a value on their contribution in the perfecting process of the Bride. Oh, how we need them!
In the simplest of terms they are understood as God's architects, His master-builders. There is no doubt we desperately need their valuable gifting today just as much as the "early" church did two thousand years ago. Why? They are God's "beginning craftsmen" supernaturally gifted to oversee the construction of the glorious New Testament church - "the pillar and ground of the truth!"

"Apostles are God's supernatural architects."

However, the release of these apostles has been both a wonderful and frightening thing. Why? Some are genuine apostles, some are not. So, exactly what is an apostle? What is his current New Testament "job description"?
Many years ago I heard a little saying about apostles. It went like this - " Some were sent, others just went." Let's look at this revealing statement as it pertains to the current release of apostles today. Have they all been legitimately sent? Or, did some of them prematurely "just went?"

"Some (apostles) were sent, others just went."

·One is not an apostle because he thinks he is...

·One is not an apostle because he feels he is...

·One is not an apostle even if he sincerely believes he is...

·One is an apostle because he has or is building something for God!

" If you're an apostle, then what have you built?"

What Are They? The New Testament Says -

·They are a unique New Testament ministry. Jesus hand picked twelve of them to
build His brand new church upon. One must be called by God to be an apostle, hand
picked by the same head of the church Who choose the first twelve. Apostles are
sovereignly chosen and equipped as supernatural, governmental, foundational
five-fold, ascension gift ministers.

·They lay (expose, reveal, position, and establish) spiritual foundations. Apostles lay
strong doctrinal and procedural foundations! They are a modern day gift to the
modern day church. They don't merely contain gifts, they are the gift!

·They possess supernatural Christ-like authority - possessing the most powerful
ministry in the Church today.

·They are supernatural equippers. They display in varying degrees the following ministry characteristics: healer, overseer, trainer, reproducer (father), depositor, visionary, and constructive disciplinarian.

·They operate strongly and consistently in the spiritual gifts (I.Cor.12).

·They can freely impart these same spiritual gifts.

·They lovingly govern the church - humbly directing God's policies on earth.

·They plant successful churches - which is their true legacy.

·They are (along with the prophet) one of only two foundational ministries of the New
Testament church. See Eph. 2:20

·They are strong visionaries. They see what we need!

·They are practical strategists. They know how to implement the vision!

·They are anointed imparters. They can impart what they possess!

·They are God's architects, His supernatural "wise master builders."

·Their ministry perspective is inclusive. They see the "big picture."

·Their favorite subject is the global church.

·They "nurse" or bring healing and wholeness to the church.

·They bring God's order to the church.

·They ordain local church elders.

·They are intelligent, articulate, and often have writing skills.

·They "ooze" a proven, seasoned spiritual authority without having to boast.

They are not self-recognized. Instead, they are God-recognized ministers. Other church leaders publicly validate them as genuine apostles because they produce genuine apostolic results.

"Oh, how we need the apostles!"

So, to avoid being one who "just went" instead of one who was legitimately "sent" by God, examine yourself first to see if the above characteristics are consistently manifesting through your life BEFORE you prematurely adopt a ministry title for which you do not (yet) qualify.

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to release true New Testament apostles to the nations of the earth. The health of the church, His Bride, depends on it!