Session 3 of the Apostolic Summit was an interview in which David asked John some questions about the ministry of apostles.

Q: What would John Piper say about his book?

A: We don’t know what he would say, but he would hope that there are so many people calling themselves apostles that he would want to find out more.

The teaching that there are no apostles has no basis in Scripture. The more you look at the Bible there is more to learn about apostles.

Ephesians tells us that the 5-fold ministries are there until the church grows to the fullness of the stature of Christ.

God has never stopped appointing apostles and prophets even if they weren’t recognised as such.

Q: What is the New Apostolic Reformation? Are we a part of it?

A: The NAR was a term coined by Peter Wagner and has become seen to be an organisation or a cult. We have never claimed a name, title, or doctrinal position. Just see what is in Scripture and teach that.

The NAR is a mythical organisation that doesn’t exist.

The apostolic movement is grass roots.

Q: In early days there was a lot of talk about the end of denominations.

A: I am still thinking these things out. The Lord has a way of working his plans very differently to what we think. The apostolic message will influence the denominations.

Q: What is the relationship of the apostle to the whole church?

A: Not every apostle relates to the whole church. There will always be apostles who work in ways that the world does not see. Messages or prayers might shift demonic powers and have a great effect in the long term. Many apostles will be unseen.

Q: What should it mean for the average Christian to know there is an apostle in their town?

A: While ordinary Christians might not be directly aware of apostles, the apostles actually have great influence on their town and the churches of the city.

Q: Where does the human limitations of apostles come in?

A: Chuck had foubles, but Holy Spirit came on John with such power that he overflowed in love, and the foibles were endearing not annoying.

Q: How can someone get close to a leader in the church?

A: Without spirit of sonship you see a leader as being limited, but when the Spirit of Sonship comes on you, you see the immense potential that God has put in them. It’s about love for them and honour. If you can see something in a leader’s heart, it means that the quality is available to you as inheritance.

The spirit of Sonship has to be found in the local leaders. That is, they look for it in their pastor.

The blessing does not come from the quality of the spiritual father, but from the heart of the son. No matter what happens you have to honour and love the father.

Q: What does the statement that apostles and prophets are the foundation of the church. What does that mean now?

A: It isn’t easy to see whether that verse relates to the original apostles or not. The use of the present tense suggests that it continues. It is fundamental to the faith that leaders sow their lives into the church and the ever growing foundations of it.