Just came across this thought at From Eden to Zion:
I believe the main reason why thousands of apostolic teams are not criss-crossing the globe is because our current unbiblical model of church has replaced itinerant Apostle with Senior Pastor. And if your church is lucky enough to land and domesticate an Apostle as your Senior Pastor then he will out think and out grow the churches around him making your church the happening place in town.
Can’t say I’ve ever thought about the question in quite these terms, but I suspect there’s some truth to it. This particular post begs the question, How do we assure that pastors & elders do the pastoring and eldering (new verb form) while serial-planter apostles do not settle down?
I would think the Didache has some thoughts on this (calls for giving the boot to any loafing prophets and apostles), while the Scriptures give a different emphasis: The Spirit bused Paul from place to place, charting his course–and often changing the direction midstream (“and I saw a man [in my dream] from Macedonia crying out for me to preach the gospel…” In another time frame, Paul wanted to enter Macedonia, “but the Spirit kept me from entering.”)
It begs the question: If these domesticated apostles are genuine apostles, what led them to settle from their nomadic mandate to grow the Church?
Your emphasis on the Spirit is good, Benjamin. The next question becomes: What means of assessment/instruction can we use to help people clarify and obey the Spirit? Given that the Macedonian vision is the exception that proves the “still, small” rule.
I was wondering something similar to your last question there. Could a true nomadic apostle ever feel really satisfied and happy in a settled position? Or would there be a sense of restlessness?
Assessment? The Lord is consistent with His word and usually (unless for specific reasons) will confirm His will to us, in a multitude of ways, often for others benefit. Joseph’s several dreams of ruling, Abraham’s several covenants with God, Jacob’s visions and encounters with God, and the largest refrain of all, from Genesis to Malachi: “A Messiah is coming!”–each show how God confirms His will repeatedly to motivate His people in the right direction.
Another, more detailed look at stream-lined revelation would be Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-25, 21:3-4,8-15). The Spirit’s warning becomes clearer the closer Paul came to his destination, leaving no doubt that he would be imprisoned by the Jews. Once the prophecy is fulfilled, Christ Himself encourages a distraught Paul that he would make it to Rome (23:11).
The obedience part is up to the believer(s) involved, though God will often use means to redirect them. (Jonah’s ordeal being most poignant) We can help them through encouragement and, if needed, rebuke, but I would pray in each case…ultimately, the Lord knows best what to do for His people.
And in answer to your question, I would say they would have to be restless, unless they blasted their contact with the Spirit (e.g. their conscience). Personally, I was resisting until near eight months ago from God’s mandate; in a turn of God-ordained events, He took a despairing writer and turned Him into an excited disciple, looking toward apostolic ministry.
The biggest kick of all was that for the first 7 months or so I would be walking along talking with the Lord, asking “What am I to do [vocationally]?” He would always say, “I have already told you.” What nerve! I couldn’t remember…and it hurt to realize I had suppressed God’s truth until I couldn’t recall His promises to me. Thankfully, God will help the renegade if he will repent.
I hope this rather lengthy response merits its size.
Blessings,
Ben