Although those in the so-called NAR teach that the church should transition from a “pastoral paradigm” to an “apostolic paradigm”, it does not mean that the pastoral role has to be eradicated or overthrown. By nature, pastors are called to maintain, protect, and care for the flock, which may have initially been founded by the apostolic ministry. Hence, while the apostolic leader usually doesn’t stay focused on one local congregation but exerts extra local influence in some capacity (after the local church is established), pastors are appointed to focus on the well-being of the local church. Joseph Mattera

Some historians have estimated that by A.D. 100, the gospel had spread to nearly every Roman Province and region. Up until A.D. 50, the focal point of the church was Jerusalem and Samaria, however, within the next 50 years, the major concentration of the church was in Rome and Ephesus. Joseph Mattera

The fact is that when the goal is to merely plant a church, the main objective would be to gather a big crowd and build big buildings to house the masses. However, if the goal is to make disciples, then the focus would be to create a Jesus community whose goal would be to establish Christ’s Kingdom and not man’s. Joseph Mattera

Discipleship is tough. Disciples have to have the attitude and diligence of a soldier, athlete, and hard-working farmer. They also have to be faithful, capable, and able to communicate the gospel clearly to others. Joseph Mattera

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.