The concept of apostleship has been foundational to Christian identity, mission, and authority structures since the New Testament era. However, its relevance in modern democratic and congregational church governance is often questioned. This requires evaluation of:
Biblical definitions of apostleship.
Historical development of church structures.
Contemporary theological and cultural perspectives.
2. Definition of Apostle
Term
Meaning
Greek: apostolos (ἀπόστολος)
Literally “one sent forth”; used for Jesus’ original twelve disciples, Paul, and others commissioned for authoritative mission.
2.1 Biblical Categories
Category
Description
Examples
The Twelve Apostles
Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection; foundational to the church (Ephesians 2:20).
Peter, James, John, etc.
Pauline Apostleship
Directly commissioned by the risen Christ as apostle to the Gentiles.
Paul.
Other “apostles” (small ‘a’ usage)
Church-sent messengers or pioneering missionaries.
Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Andronicus and Junia (Romans 16:7).
3. Historical Development
3.1 Early Church
First century: Apostles held unique authority for doctrine, Scripture writing, and church planting.
Second century onwards: Bishops emerged as successors to apostolic teaching (e.g. Ignatius of Antioch), but the title “apostle” was reserved for the original foundation figures.
3.2 Reformation to Modern Era
Period
Development
Reformation (16th century)
Rejected apostolic succession as conferring unique authority; focused on Scriptural apostolic teaching.
Contemporary Pentecostal/Charismatic movements
Restorationist teachings revived the concept of “modern apostles” as church planters and movement leaders (Ephesians 4:11).
4. Theological Evaluation
4.1 Arguments for Cultural Irrelevance
Argument
Explanation
Democratic ecclesiology
Many modern churches operate on congregational voting, shared leadership, and equality, making hierarchical apostolic roles culturally discordant.
Cessationist theology
Apostles were unique, unrepeatable witnesses who laid the once-for-all foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20); no further apostles needed.
Potential abuse
Modern “apostolic” titles can create authoritarian structures prone to abuse or personality cults.
4.2 Arguments for Ongoing Relevance
Argument
Explanation
Missional leadership
Apostolic gifting as pioneering, church-planting, and movement leadership remains essential for gospel expansion (Acts 13:1–3; Romans 15:20).
Ephesians 4:11–13
Suggests apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given for ongoing equipping of the Church until unity and maturity are attained.
Biblical pattern of team leadership
Apostles functioned within collaborative, Spirit-led teams rather than hierarchical domination.
5. Contemporary Church Practice
5.1 Traditional Churches
Reserve “apostle” for the Twelve and Paul.
View apostolicity as continuity in faith, doctrine, and mission, not office.
5.2 Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches
Recognise modern “apostles” as:
Movement pioneers.
Cross-cultural missionaries.
Network overseers.
However, misuse arises when apostolic claims override Scriptural accountability and congregational participation.
6. Cultural Relevance Analysis
Aspect
Explanation
Democratic sensitivity
Modern egalitarian cultures resist hierarchical titles perceived as self-exalting or controlling.
Functional relevance
Apostolic gifting remains vital for visionary leadership, new initiatives, and church planting, even if not formally titled “apostle”.
Terminological caution
Using “apostolic” descriptively (for function) rather than as an authoritative title avoids confusion and division.
7. Scholarly Perspectives
Scholar
Viewpoint
John Stott (1996)
Apostles were foundational witnesses, but apostolic functions of evangelising and planting continue through missionaries and evangelists.
Wayne Grudem (1994)
No modern apostles with the same authority as the Twelve, but apostolic-like ministries exist functionally.
Alan Hirsch (2006)
Apostolic leadership is essential for missional movements, though redefined in servant-leadership and team contexts.
8. Summary Table
Issue
Argument for Outdated
Argument for Relevant
Biblical precedent
Apostles were unrepeatable foundation witnesses.
Apostolic gifting continues for mission.
Church culture
Democratic structures reject hierarchical titles.
Function remains essential; terminology can adapt.
Theological risk
Claims to apostolic office lead to abuse or false teaching.
Properly understood as servant-leadership within Scriptural authority and accountability.
9. Conclusion
The concept of apostles is not inherently outdated, but:
Title usage: Needs contextual sensitivity to avoid authoritarianism and confusion.
Functional gifting: Remains biblically and culturally relevant as missionary, pioneering, and movement leadership within team-based, Spirit-led frameworks.
Healthy church practice honours:
The unique foundational role of the original apostles.
Ongoing apostolic functions through servant leaders who equip, send, and pioneer, rooted in Scripture, humility, and accountability.
10. References
Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Leicester: IVP.
Hirsch, A. (2006). The Forgotten Ways. Grand Rapids: Brazos.
Stott, J. (1996). The Message of Ephesians. Leicester: IVP.
Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Acts of the Apostles. Leicester: IVP.
