In his book Creating a Missional Culture, JR Woodward calls Apostles “Dream Awakeners.” I love this 2-word descriptor and plan to revisit it in this short article. However, as a person with an Apostolic gift, it’s better to begin with, the shadow side of the Apostle. Any Apostolic leaders reading this article will appreciate my bluntness. So here’s a helpful gut-check quote from Dan & JR’s book Church as Movement.
“Adolescent apostles can lack gentleness and patience and tend to be insensitive, because too often mission comes before people instead of mission being for people. Prophets in the adolescence stage tend to be cynical, angry, judgmental, pretentious, self-righteous and arrogant.”
Apostles are a catalyst for movement. They are frustrated with the status quo and, when healthy, cast vision and bring energy to new works. As visionary leaders, their most significant strength is not in details; they assume the facts will get sorted as the car moves forward. One challenge with Apostolic leaders is the tendency to speak in absolutes when they are still trying to convince themselves of a plan.
Apostles need the other fivefold leadership gifts to balance their contribution. First, prophets inspire Apostles with their ability to see the world’s injustice and speak to the future of God’s kingdom. Evangelist rally people to plans and programs Apostles catalyze. Shepherds center kindness and peacemaking and balance the Apostolic bluntness. Finally, teachers add detail, structure, and specificity to Apostolic initiatives.
Apostles work best when introduced to a problem or an opportunity. They love to take new ground and initiate new work. They are also good at an overhaul if given the freedom to make significant changes.
How are you activating the Apostles on your team?