Congratulations! You’ve received this questionnaire to join our network of Apostolic Hubs because you finished the initial training and desire to be a part of like-minded believers! What does it mean to be a part of our network?
If you want to skip all of this and complete the form scroll on down!
Let me start with what it does NOT mean.
Control. All of us have been part of a church or several churches where you couldn’t do anything without permission—Bible study, prayer group, evangelistic efforts—nothing. That’s not the Biblical model. For example, Epaphras started a house church two weeks of being born-again and Spirit-filled under Paul’s ministry. Why? Because Paul preached and demonstrated the kingdom of God so well that he got a clear picture of what it was supposed to look like. Jesus, Himself, sent out His 12 disciples and in spite of creating problems like wanting to call fire down from heaven, shutting down the loan ranger, and arguing over who was greatest, He sent out 70 more. He doesn’t mind immaturity. It’s rebellion that angers Him. As a part of our network, you will receive the teaching, prayer, and support you need to maintain your autonomy. Even so, any false doctrines, strife, and sinful behavior will be addressed.
Micromanagement. This one might seem similar to control, but it’s slightly different. Micromanaging is where you’re given “freedom” in your area of ministry…at least at first. And then you’re told what to do down to the slightest detail or things are changed without even consulting you creating problems for you and communicating disrespect. Or maybe you’ve seen it in small group where you’re told what you are to “study,” usually the pastor’s sermon from Sunday versus being led of the Holy Spirit.
Politics. The current pastoral/church system is a pyramid modeled after Moses’ model of he as the leader and elders over different numbers of citizens underneath him. We are all about leadership, but have you noticed that as you go to the top of a pyramid that it narrows into that point? And then you start hitting your head up against walls that restrict you from fulfilling the call of God on your life. You find yourself serving a man and his vision vying for attention or even just an appointment to meet with the pastor. Instead, we believe that ministry should be an upside down pyramid with the people doing the work of ministry and the five-fold ministers giving all the support you need (Eph. 4:11-12).
Elitism. Have you noticed that church members are often like clones meaning you know what church they attend by how they act and the overall “feel” you get from them? I don’t like that because we are supposed to be as Jesus was in the earth—displaying the Father to an orphaned world. Elitism often accompanies that clone feel on church people. Elitism is defined as “consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.” It’s pride that’s often displayed in comparison or attacking other churches. We don’t like it. Favor is centered on you doing the things that attracts His attention. You favor Him, and He favors you. Never let that go to your head either individually or as a group. Everyone is loved the same, but not everyone has the same favor. Favor surrounds the assignment. Any “us against them” attitude is a sign that things are getting weird.
Lawlessness. Lawlessness is sin and sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Sin isn’t to be winked at. Unrepentant sin isn’t to be ignored. There are very clear guidelines for how to deal with sin in a congregation and what sins warrant expulsion. For too long, pastors have ignored sin or even worse, targeted the one sinned against! I’ve seen this repeatedly in church environments. It’s baffling for sure!
Pride. A true Ekklesia is a family that prefers one another, helps one another, and works through problems together. It’s no place for pride displayed as competition, comparison, selfish-ambition, envy, lording over others, and other prideful behaviors. In the Ekklesia setting, I’ve seen it display itself more along the lines of someone who has what I call “dazzling” gifts—prophecy, miracles, healing—and people begin to “revere” that person or that person tries to control every single meeting. Anytime someone is dominating a meeting or others, we shut it down. We are to submit to one another mutually and provide each a place to be used by the Holy Spirit.
What it does mean?
Freedom. You have full freedom to be led of Holy Spirit. The only time we intervene is, again, if there’s false teaching, deception, strife, or other sinful behavior.
Even more freedom. No micromanagement here. You’ll receive mentoring, prayer, support, and access to generals in the faith that collectively have “seen it all” to help you with anything you need.
No limits. You are free to run with the vision God has given to you for your life because each of us have a piece of the puzzle that will create the collective picture of the kingdom of God. You don’t need to serve someone else’s dream until you’re deemed worthy to pursue your own (which never happens). We trust Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life. If you try to do something that’s out of time or out of His will, He’ll let you know and you can adjust accordingly. And if you push past His will causing problems, we have big shovels to clean up any mess.
Christlikeness. Our focus is “Christ formed in you” not a certain church or denomination being formed in you. As you worship, as you study the Word and ponder “redemption realities,” and as you serve Him, you look more and more like Him!
Justice. A family cannot BE family when there’s one member going around causing problems, hurting people, and mistreating people. The ekklesia is a ruling body and with that comes legal authority to handle such matters soundly and with the full backing of heaven. This then brings even more freedom and safety for the people of God.
Humility. The more humility, the more grace. The more grace, the more the kingdom of heaven impacts the seven mountains. Humility opens the door of trust in a world that’s suspicious of anything Christian (and rightly so).
Equipping and training. You will have access to monthly equipping and training to help you expand the kingdom, transform cities, and successfully lead others.
Support. We have a team ready to provide the support you need. If you decide to join our network (no fees or cost required), you will meet the team and learn how utilize the support you need.
If these things still sound good to you, then let’s move forward with some questions to make sure this is right for you. And let me be very straightforward. Many of you have probably been “wounded” by the church. Others have been wounded and/or churchified (our term lol) meaning you see some things through the system’s eyes that might blind you to how Jesus originally intended things to be (much of what we discussed in the course).
It took us one year to detox and then several to begin to see the kingdom and the ekklesia as He intended. These questions are intended to alert us to any potential healing that needs to be done or “church-y” doctrine that needs to be addressed. Don’t worry. You are safe and can share freely because anything we see will be an opportunity for Holy Spirit to work!
Once you submit your answers, we’ll review them and arrange a time to go over them with you!