Thanks for this. Know how Eric feels =:-)

I especially likjed you comments about “That’s why a good biblical ecclesiology should punch the delete button on the term “para-church.” There is no such thing, biblically, historically, socioloically or missiologically.” I have been thinking for a while that para-church is a misnomer. You are either church or you aren’t. It fits in with something I am writing for my church at the moment, calling them to step into the apostolic arena which has been left to para church orgs for too long.

“We realised that this divide was a false one. The Church is a group of called out people not meetings, buildings or visions. When a group of CAI people get together, Jesus is in the centre of them (Jesus promised this and didn’t make it conditional on what we were doing at the time) , they are a church. If the Church was really doing its job, then there would be no need for so called “para-church” organisations. They would be recognised as another expression of church.

Thanks for the comment and for visiting.

I don’t doubt that apostolic types can and should stick it out in local church structures but I think there are several dynanics that invariably take place:

1. Those that have the best chance of thriving may have strong pastoral gifting in combination with the apostolic.

2. The common pattern is for the person to stay connected to the church in its local form, but invariably create an apostolic structure or structure alongside or outside which they can access in order for their giftedness to have its full expression. They either attach themselves to something that already exists or they create something new while remaining in a pastoral role.

I think the historical pattern has always proven to be that apostolic giftedness requires apostolic structures if it is going to be fulfilled.

Apostolic structures abound and the first hurdle most of us have in finding them – or engaging them – is reconizing their legtimacy as valid expressions of “church.” That’s why a good biblical ecclesiology should punch the delete button on the term “para-church.” There is no such thing, biblically, historically, socioloically or missiologically.

If you’re looking to plug into such an apostolic expression of the body of Christ, I would encourage you to ask three questions in the search:

1. What does this apostolic entity focus on? I.e., what do they do?
2. Who are they? What’s the internal culture like? Values? Your chemistry with them?
3. Is there any type of geographical or particular people group focus?

I’d run toward the apostolic expression where I find compatibility with those three issues.

I like the idea of apostolic structures. Perhaps someone could begin a network of such apostolic structures that could compliment one another in the process of helping apostolic people find their niche.

Just wondering.