Hence, the early church, unlike our contemporary “attractional church model”, did not merely attract crowds, but converts were submitted to a process whereby they could become committed disciples of the Lord. Joseph Mattera

The apostolic influence is not merely concerned with serving the primary flock and immediate community, which is the primary role of a pastor. Rather, the apostolic influence is supposed to expand into the surrounding region. Joseph Mattera

The plumbline for all ministry and discipleship must be Christlikeness, not merely political engagement, economic empowerment, or community development, etc. Joseph Mattera

However, after the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the church fragmented largely because it’s leaders -Martin Luther and John Calvin, jettisoned the episcopate -which was the main church office that held the body of Christ together regionally and beyond. Joseph Mattera

The present apostolic paradigm will bring a course correction to the so-called New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The Apostolic will no longer be viewed as an office, or a title, but will be used as an adjective, as a ministry function.

The apostolic paradigm will shift the focus from gathering crowds on Sunday to developing disciples who will manifest the reign of Christ from Monday to Saturday! Joseph Mattera

Consequently, the glue that held the church together, the apostolic governmental function of bishops and patriarchs, was now discarded in Protestantism. This resulted in mass fragmentation, which eventuated in millions of independent churches and over thirty thousand denominations. Joseph Mattera

The truth is that if the Church is going to replicate the amazing Jesus Movement of the first few centuries of church history, it has to go from a “pastoral” model of church to an “apostolic” model of leadership. Joseph Mattera

Such apostolic movements, being witnessed in those nations, represent the fastest growing segment of global Christianity. Furthermore, as a result of this, we are seeing that even Evangelical leaders and movements are embracing five-fold ministry language to describe the current church leadership. Joseph Mattera

As a foundational ministry, the apostle serves together with the prophet to lay the foundation for the entire temple of God, while receiving alignment and positioning from the cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Joseph Mattera