Letter from Benjamin Primas

This succinct list of apostolic traits from Paul Anderson helps us focus on the service and qualifications of an apostle. The early church tested those who call themselves apostles . . . (Revelation 2:2).

Paul has not gone around calling himself an apostle. But I recognise him as such.

In a recent email, Paul suggested the following as apostolic traits. With His permission, I publish the list of apostolic traits from Paul Anderson. He noted that other traits, such as suffering, could be added.

1. FRUIT TRANS-LOCALLY: pastors have fruit locally.
2. FATHER: children in the faith. Paul said–many guardians, only one father. Mentoring.
3. INFLUENCE: lives changed. Paul made strong point of this. You are my proof.
4. AUTHORITY: Things happen when speaking. People recognize position and place.
5. FLYING WITH TWO WINGS: character and charisma
6. PASSING THE BATON: raising up and releasing. Not holding onto ministry.
7. HUMILITY: Must be evident.

Paul Anderson is one of the most honest and humble men I know. And I have known him since about 1970 when we were students at Luther Theological Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota.

As students at Luther, I noted him as a cut above the average. He proved to be a genuine leader among men.

Although he does not parade his accomplishments or proclaim to everyone his apostolic calling, I can say it. Paul Anderson has demonstrated the attributes of an apostle for decades.

He served faithfully as Director of Lutheran Renewal Services, following in the steps of Larry Christiansen. Paul initiated the Masters Institute and he is the founding visionary behind the ARC, the Association of Renew Churches.

In addition, Paul has ministered world-wide, including Europe and Latin America.

Number five on the above list is “Flying with Two Wings: character and charisma.” That’s Paul Anderson. Together with his wife Karen and their family, they have modeled both godly character and genuine charisma for all to see.

Take another look at the list of apostolic traits. If anyone is still wondering “What is an apostle?” here’s your answer. If anyone is still wondering “Are there modern day apostles?”, Paul is your answer.

Before my book about apostles was published, Paul wrote a splendid endorsement. You can check out the book at www.ChurchesandApostles.com

Scandal–How Do You Respond?

Because of the number of exposures of Christian ministers, media figures, and political leaders, we are faced with the question “Scandal–How do you respond?”

For starters, I suggest five ways.

One, Recognise exposure as a sign of revival. Yes, it’s shameful and painful; but in the end, exposure shows God’s sovereignty. It shows that God is ruling from His throne. He is Judge-in-action and not giving sin a pass. So when sin is exposed, thank God!

Two, Personally examine yourself. Do I have secret sins? Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12.)

Three, Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. (1 Tim 5:19-20).

Four, “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Mat 18:16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.

Mat 18:17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Mat 18:18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

Five, Forgive, but not forget. Some perpetrators, should never be allowed similar ministry even after restoration. For example, a child abuser should not be allowed to serve in the nursery again.

Scandal–how do your respond?

In light of the Todd Bentley alleged scandal, Chuck Porta is calling for the Spirit-filled church to take action. Specifically, he is calling the church to “repent of teachings and practices that are contrary to the ways of God.” He rightly proposes that the Bentley debacle must be a catalyst for church-wide self-examination.

Read Chuck’s article (with slight modifications) below:

Recent media disclosure concerning sexual allegations about Todd Bentley has created a firestorm of controversy. I believe in the sovereignty of God, so it is imperative we all see and hear deeper regarding the mess.

The modern Charismatic Movement has much to account for.  Decades of shallow, compromising ways have produced a current crop of unhealthy fruit. The signs have been pointing for years, but the major issues were not properly addressed and handled. Todd Bentley is but the tip of the proverbial iceberg.


However, many claiming to be Spirit filled Christians, both leaders and followers, have much to account for and repent of teachings and practices that are contrary to the ways of God. Todd Bentley did not happen in a vacuum; there have been enablers along the way that have assisted in bringing us to this current, embarrassing situation.


All those claiming to be a Spirit filled follower of Christ need to embrace a spirit of brokenness,  repentance, and intercession for the current state of affairs. Who will stand in the gap and cry out for full disclosure, for the Light of Heaven to penetrate all areas of gray and darkness in each of our hearts?


There is a major form of idolatry in the Spirit filled church. We must repent. Daniel 9 shows a Godly leader identifying with the sins of his people.


THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT HAS PROMOTED– 


Gifting above Godly character.
Embracing shadow accountability teams for troubled ministries that have not accomplished their goal of true restoration.
Idolizing public ministry and releasing ministers prematurely.
Chasing signs, wonders, miracles, gifting, at the expense of embracing and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit.
Pursuing human, ambitious, agendas and using the gifts to fulfill them.
Elevating personal subjective spiritual experiences to a place of dangerous authority.
Tolerating the leaven of Jezebel that has ruined leaders, churches, and movements.
Allowing false teachings regarding the true grace of God which end with either license to sin or a dangerous legalism that also destroys its victims.
Embracing dangerous end time doctrines that promote pride, vain ambition, and end up with many in a state of unbelief, and in some cases a falling away from the Lord.


I believe the above brief list shows a portion of the problem. What should be our response?


TRUE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY AND DISCIPLINE —-THE GREAT NEED AT THIS TIME


Let us ask for true apostolic ministry released in our midst. Acts 5 is a powerful demonstration of true apostolic discipline. The result is clear. 


The discipline is released by a broken apostle, who likely wept the whole time.
The discipline offered first mercy and chance to come clean and confess.
The discipline exposed hidden sin.
The discipline resulted in death for the unrepentant guilty.
The discipline released the Fear of the Lord to another level in the church.
The discipline released deeper levels of Kingdom power as Peter’s shadow released healing.
The move of God went to another level resulting in persecution, that keeps all close to the heart of God.


King David, after his debacle with Bathsheba, came under the discipline of Heaven.
The prophet exposed him and declared the word of the Lord. David repented, was forgiven, and remained King. But, the baby DIED, and trouble was in his family to the day he died.


We must know that God is merciful, kind, patient, and forgiving. He is also holy, just, and is King over His domain. He is looking for true ambassadors who will accurately reflect His heart and ways.


Let us all ask for a sweeping grace of repentance to impact our leaders, the followers, and every local church that wants to have an impact.


GOD HAVE MERCY ON ALL OF US.
LORD, RELEASE YOUR HOLY FEAR IN OUR MIDST. 


PAUL AND HIS AMAZING HEART


Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God (2 Cor 4:1-2).

Michael Brown has also weighed in on the topic Scandal–how do you respond?”

Note that both Porta and Brown call for apostolic action to deal with scandal. Brown does not say “apostle,” but uses the phrase “find a solid, mature leader willing to take up the cause.” His phrase might include prophet, apostle, or any of the five-fold ministry offices..

Again, let’s Take Heart. I join with one of the strong intercessors of our time, Ken Eichelberger, to pray regularly for God to expose evil and promote good. Together we thank our Sovereign God for mercifully bringing judgment to light now rather than waiting for the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:7ff).

The world is broken by sin; we hear God and follow Him so we can help fix things. Let’s join together and believe Him to send revival.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Are you ready for a prophetic word? God is calling for some to step out in new ministry. Has God spoken to you earlier about serving Him? Has there been a long-time desire in your heart and mind to serve Him in greater ways?

As a teenager, did you sense God calling you to server Him? Make your calling sure.

Are you sensing “There’s gotta be more?” Are you wondering why your life is not more fulfilled?

Not all frustration is bad. Sometimes God uses it to move us forward.

Some of you have gifts and a calling that excited you in earlier times. Perhaps these desires have lain dormant for decades.

If that’s you, the Holy Spirit is saying, “Now is the time. There shall no longer be delay. It is not for your sake that I’m activating you; rather, it’s for others I’m stirring you and sending you.

“I’ve prepared you, I’ve matured you. You won’t mess up. Take confidence and move ahead. Revive the ancient calling.

“Take courage, yet follow Bible principles.”

Some of you will have grace to quit your jobs or retire.

Here are a couple of Bible principles for guidance.

1 Get confirmation if your switch involves major changes like quitting your job or making major investments. Your spouse needs to be in agreement.

Your peers and church leadership will be encouraging if your plans are really from the Lord.

All of this will flow naturally if you are genuinely part of a community of believers.

2 Start Small. Your first steps don’t have to be giant steps. Let them be baby steps if need be. (Remember the kid’s game “Mother, may I?”) But we all have to get started. If we fail to take the first step, we’ll never get there. Just get started.

Are you ready for this prophetic word? I hope so. There’s an urgency to obey God.

Oliver’s story is instructive. A Christian man, he always had a heart for young people. In fact, in his youth God called him to some sort of youth work. Though Oliver dabbled in youth service, he could never really accomplish anything. Decades passed.

Then he died.

What is God urging you to do? Help start a church? Serve in missionary work? Invest in a Christian organization? Serve full-time as a church volunteer?

Take yourself seriously–you may be God’s instrument or the answer to someone’s prayer.

Are you ready for this prophetic word? 

God is calling for some to step out in new service at this time. What may have lain dormant for decades is ripe for the Master’s use.

(Photo by Baliji-malliswan on Unsplash)

What is the Apostle’s Primary Contribution to a Local Church?

Fred Herzog’s concise and precise response is noteworthy. This veteran apostle really has a grasp on what an apostle can contribute to a local church. Fred has ministered at our church–the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine, Iowa–numerous times in past years.

He has been around a long time and has “seen it all.” His response is well worth far beyond the 43 seconds of this video interview.

Want to go deeper into the ministry of an apostle?

In fact, this interview would profit most elder’s meetings for most churches around the world.

Thanks Fred, for your insightful words.

My book Apostoles Globales Iglesias Locales is now available in Spanish on Amazon.com.mx. Thanks to Edgar Mendez of Queretaro and Adelmo Agostini of Saltillo for translation and formatting of this book.

One Mexican pastor said, “This book is really needed in Mexico,” so we went ahead and published it in Spanish. I’m trying to learn Spanish; however, I could not have done this project without the help of pastors Edgar and Adelmo. Thank you, men.

If any of you buy this book in either Spanish or English, please write a review. Thanks. We need Biblical views of apostles. The more reviews, the more the message will help pastors and churches and therefore the entire body of Christ.

Fred Herzog summarizes the apostle’s primary contribution to a local church succinctly in the video above. Show it to your church or church leaders.

Question? Apostle? What do you mean? There’s a lot of confusion about the question “What is an apostle?” Sonny Mizar’s response is a good start to understand what an apostle does and how he fits into God’s plan for churches. Find out more about this Godly man on Facebook.

You may also want to check out his book Journey to Authenticity. This book has helped me understand and have patience with some of the young ministers I train.

Sonny could say much more about apostles. He’s worth listening to. In the meantime, let me add a few lines (and my own definition of an apostle) that will remove some misunderstandings about the use of the term “apostle” in the Bible.

Question? Apostle? Let’s Look More Closely

In a generic sense, an apostle is a “sent one” or “one sent on a mission.” The Greek word is apostolos. In a generic sense all Christians are “sent out on a mission.” In that sense we are all apostles!

In a technical sense the term refers to the person who functions in the five fold ministry or office of apostle. That’s the most common use of the term in the Bible by far. That’s the use of the term we are talking about here.

I’ve studied the Scriptures and worked with apostles for over fifty years. Here’s my definition:

“An apostle is a Christian leader called and supernaturally gifted by God to open new spiritual or geographical territory for the gospel, lay foundations, equip believers, and serve as catalyst and coordinator for churches and ministries.”

I invite you to find C Peter Wagner’s thoughts on the subject or go directly to my book Local Churches Global Apostles: How Churches Related to Apostles in the New Testament Era and Why It Matters Now.

Maybe you have a good definition of your own. If so, post it in the comment section below.