Apostles: A Movement of Fathers part 2
 
by Daryl O'Neil
 
Today, there is a need for apostolic fathers who will raise up a new breed of leader. One who is secure in their identity before they begin their service of ministry unto the Lord. This can be accomplished by what we see in the word of God through the life of the apostle Paul, as
revealed in 1Thessalonians chapter two.
In verse 8, Paul states he did not just want to give his spiritual things to them, but that he wanted to give his life because they were dear to him. One reason apostles are needed today is because many leaders are not being developed purposely to maturely, accurately and competently build peoples lives in faith in Christ.
Paul, as a father to his sons in the ministry exhibited strong Christ-like character in training those in his care. He gave himself to them. He exhorted, comforted, and charged them that they walk worthy of God.

There is teaching in the body of Christ, I believe has done serious damage to father son/daughter relationships. I believe it is going to have to be corrected apostolically throughout the Body. It is the teaching on the sin of familiarity. This teaching has created in the minds of some leaders that they cannot be with and among their flock too much or the people will lose respect, they will become too familiar. This is taking away from sons/daughters much needed time to be built correctly to serve others. This type of 'cold love' is now producing 'cold love' towards the sheep.
I beg to differ with the opinion familiarity breeds lack of respect for two reasons. Their names are Jesus Christ and Paul. The method Jesus as the Chief Apostle used was to be with His disciples. Not only did He teach them, He lived among them and ate with them. He gave them His life. Paul gives his life to those he discipled. What pattern should we as leaders use today? I believe it is clear. God is a God of relationship. Anything that tries to hinder relationship between spiritual sons/daughters and their leaders seems to violate Jesus' pattern.
In the book "Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement" by David Cannistraci, he sets forth several things apostolic fathers do to produce healthy ministry sons/daughters.
 
Fathers demonstrate Love
Fathers train & discipline
Fathers provide
Fathers reproduce
Fathers bless & impart
 Apostolic fathers demonstrate love: In the natural you can father a baby and it may grow but it will not flourish without nurturing, affirmation, a sense of security & a commitment to its well being.
Matt 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Father was pleased with Jesus before He ever did one work. Fathers will give this blessing to their sons/daughters so they won't have to perform to please them. They will be free to please God.
Apostolic fathers train and discipline: Essential in the endeavor of raising leaders that will be mature and well adjusted is the art of training them. Apostolic fathers will have to direct their children into productive paths. Even great men need the direction of a father/mentor. Moses Ex.18:3-26…..Pharaoh needed Joseph Genesis 45:8
God is a father who trains and disciplines His children. (Hebrews 12:5-11) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
We as Fathers must be willing to lovingly spend time training and correcting those who will serve. God trains and disciplines, so should we.
Apostolic Fathers provide: To provide means to sustain & enrich. A true father gives all that is necessary to maintain & improve their lots in life. There is an idea that sons must tithe to their fathers but this being mandated by the fathers does not correspond with scripture: (Prov 13:22)  A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 2 Cor 12:14-15  Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Fathers reproduce:  Apostles are considered fathers because they create & establish things. Apostles have the ability to reproduce their own ministries in the lives of others. They give spiritual life to new children in the faith becoming vessels those children enter into the new dimensions of the spirit.
Fathers bless and impart: Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
2 Tim 1:6  Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. There is power in blessing and imparting to our sons and daughters in the gospel. Genesis 27 shows two grown men fighting over the fathers blessing…Genesis 49 Jacob blessing his sons.
May the Movement of Apostolic Fathers grow and bless many in the family of God. May there be a
release of love, blessing and impartation that the curse of insecure leadership can be broken.
Sunday, June 17, 2007