One of the most important spiritual gifts listed is the gift of an apostle.
The gift of apostle is the special ability to introduce the message of Christ to a particular group, perhaps a different culture, and then to disciple those who have believed. An apostle is a church planter or missionary, though his ministry does not have to be in a foreign country.
The office of apostle was foundational to the church:
Cannot Be Earned
Like other spiritual gifts, the gift of an apostle cannot be earned by merit. It is a God-given gift to perform the duties of a church planter, introducing the message of Christ to the unevangelized.
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28).Introduces The Message
The gift of apostle is the special ability to introduce the message of Christ to a particular group, perhaps a different culture, and then to disciple those who have believed. An apostle is a church planter or missionary, though his ministry does not have to be in a foreign country.
The office of apostle was foundational to the church:
Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).The gift was given for the instruction and nurturing of believers. It is not the same gift as a pastor. A pastor performs his duties to only one congregation, while the apostle establishes and equips local assemblies of believers. However, an apostle can exercise the gift of pastor. He may start a church and remain there as pastor.
Cannot Be Earned
Like other spiritual gifts, the gift of an apostle cannot be earned by merit. It is a God-given gift to perform the duties of a church planter, introducing the message of Christ to the unevangelized.
