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12 Reasons the Apostolic Is More Than Just Missionary Church Planting
By Bishop Joseph Mattera

In recent years, a growing number of voices have sought to narrow the New Testament definition of apostleship. Some argue that true apostolic leaders are only those who plant churches in unreached regions—essentially pioneering missionaries. While their intentions may be rooted in safeguarding biblical fidelity, this view fails to honor the full counsel of God’s Word.

(Although, I have the highest regard for the apostolic work of church planting among the unreached people groups of the world.)

The following are twelve reasons why the apostolic calling is more than just missionary church planting in un-evangelized areas:

1. Apostolic leaders Are First in Church Governance, Not Just Evangelistic Frontiers

1 Corinthians 12:28 says, “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers…” Paul’s use of “first” speaks to function and order, not just missionary priority. Apostles are not just planters of new churches—they are foundational leaders who establish doctrine, build governmental order, and bring systemic alignment within the body of Christ.

2. The Gift of Apostle Is Part of the Ongoing Equipping Structure of the Church

In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul makes it clear that apostles are one of five gifts given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry… until we all reach unity in the faith.” That “until” clause has not yet been fulfilled. If pastors, teachers, and evangelists still function today, then so must apostolic leadership. Their work continues until the Church reaches maturity and fullness—not just in geography, but in stature and character.

3. Apostolic leaders in the NT Functioned in Varied Contexts—Not Just Among the Unreached

Paul may have pioneered into Gentile areas, but not all apostles did. James, the Lord’s brother, was a recognized apostle (Galatians 1:19), and he led the Jerusalem Church—hardly an unreached people group. Andronicus and Junia were “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7), yet nothing suggests they were missionary trailblazers. The New Testament presents apostleship as a multifaceted function, not a one-size-fits-all title reserved for geographic novelty.

4. Apostles Establish Doctrine, Not Just Churches

In Acts 15, apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to resolve a major theological controversy. This apostolic council wasn’t on the frontier; it was deeply theological and governmental. Apostolic leaders should be guardians of sound doctrine and stewards of divine order. To reduce apostleship to mere pioneering ministry is to ignore its doctrinal weight and biblical stewardship.

5. Apostleship Emerges Through the Spirit, Not Just Geography

Acts 13:1–3 tells us that the Spirit spoke during a corporate fast and called Paul and Barnabas to apostolic mission. Their commissioning was not rooted in personal ambition but in spiritual discernment within a prophetic community. Today, the Spirit still sets apart leaders to function apostolically—not necessarily to the ends of the earth, but to set in order the deep places of dysfunction in cities, movements, and church systems. (Titus 1:5)

6. Apostolic Function Is Evident in Urban Hubs, Not Just Tribal Villages

Paul often planted in major cities—Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica—not obscure rural tribes. Why? Because apostolic leaders think systemically. They build the gospel in hubs of culture, government, and education. In our day, the apostolic is needed just as much in New York City or São Paulo as in rural areas where the gospel has never been heard. Apostolic ministry is about capacity, authority, and long-term impact in a concentrated metropolis—not simply in remote frontiers.

7. Apostolic leaders Are Initiators of Movements, Not Just Starving Evangelists

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:15, “You have countless guides in Christ, but not many fathers.” Apostles birth and father movements. They build sons and daughters, not just pulpits and tents. Apostolic leaders are generational architects who raise up fivefold teams, establish values, and impart grace for generational movement sustainability. Hence, it is not limited to church planting in unreached lands.

8. Apostolic Leaders Govern Translocally

Paul said he had “the daily pressure of concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). His role was not limited to one locale or congregation. He governed relationally across regions. True apostolic leaders still function that way—strengthening networks, guarding orthodoxy, and aligning churches (they may not have planted) into Spirit-formed cooperation.

9. Apostolic leaders Appoint and Commission Local Leaders

In Titus 1:5, Paul tells Titus to “appoint elders in every town.” Apostolic leaders raise up and release qualified leaders, ensuring biblical character and order in local churches. Apostolic grace is recognized not only by pioneering but also by reproducing leadership. Thus, the apostolic gift delegates and releases authority, they’re not hoarders of titles. (Philippians 2:19,29; 2 Tim. 2:2)

10. Apostolic Ministry Often Involves Teaching, Not Just Evangelism

Paul exhorted Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). In 2 Timothy 2:2, he calls Timothy to train others who will teach also. The apostolic leader is a builder of theological systems. While evangelists declare, apostles design. Their teaching sets boundaries for spiritual growth and orthodoxy. Apostolic preaching often contains ecclesial architecture, not just encouraging proclamations.

11. The Pastoral Epistles Don’t Cancel the Apostolic, They Assume It


I heard one man teach that the absence of apostles in the Pastoral Epistles proves the role is over. That’s a false dichotomy. Paul was still functioning apostolically as he wrote them! He was instructing apostolic delegates—Timothy and Titus—on how to raise elders, order the Church, and pass on the faith. Apostolic leaders empower the next generation of leaders, often without having to constantly reference themselves.

12. Apostleship Is Identified by Fruit, Not by Title or Territory

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Apostolic ministry is not authenticated by the harshness of one’s travels or the exotic nature of one’s mission. It is validated by spiritual sons and daughters, enduring works, lasting movements, doctrinal clarity, and systemic transformation. Some of the most apostolic men I’ve known have never touched an unreached tribe but have shifted entire city wide and national movements through prayer, teaching, and mentoring

Conclusion

The apostolic is not a title to be flaunted, nor a box to be minimized. It is a grace, a function, a gift from Christ Himself to His Church. It includes pioneering, yes—but also governance, impartation, doctrinal formation, and intergenerational building.

To reduce apostleship to any one function is to rob the Church of one of its most necessary gifts in this hour of continual reformation. Instead of reacting against extremes, let us rediscover the full biblical landscape of apostolic grace—where the Spirit calls, the Church commissions, and Christ builds through His sent ones.

Let us not throw out an ecclesial term because of abuse or misunderstanding. Let us redeem it, restore it, and release it—in humility, with integrity, and for the glory of God.

PASTORS AND MISSIONARIES ARE NOT BEGGARS
By Pursuing Pastoral Ministry

When God Gives the Mission, Let Us Trust Him for the Provision
Brothers and sisters, let me begin with a statement that may sound strong:
Pastors and servants of God are not beggars. We are servants, stewards, and ambassadors of Christ.
When God gives a servant an assignment, that assignment should be carried with faith, dignity, wisdom, and integrity.
Let me also be clear: there is nothing wrong with receiving financial support for ministry. Scripture teaches that those who preach the Gospel may receive support. Missions require resources, and God's people are called to participate in God's work.
The issue is not whether we receive support. The issue is how we seek it and how we handle it.
1. IF GOD GIVES THE MISSION, TRUST HIM FOR THE PROVISION
When God calls us to do something, our first response should not be panic about the money.
It should be:
“Lord, how do You want me to obey?”
Philippians 4:19 says:
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Faith does not mean ignoring budgets, planning, or legitimate financial needs. Faith and stewardship belong together.
God may provide through a church, ministry partners, individual believers, or unexpected opportunities.
Our responsibility is to obey faithfully, communicate honestly, and steward wisely.
But we should never give the impression that God's work depends on our ability to pressure people into giving.
A servant of God should be able to communicate a genuine need without losing confidence in God's provision.
We can ask for support without acting as though we have no Provider.
2. INVITE PARTNERS—DON'T MANIPULATE PEOPLE
The New Testament clearly shows believers supporting ministry. Paul himself had churches and individuals who partnered with his work.
So it is appropriate to say:
“Would you pray about partnering with us in this mission?”
That is an invitation to partnership.
But we must be careful when spiritual language becomes a tool for pressure:
“If you really believe in God, you will give.”
“If you don't give, you are hindering God's work.”
“God told me someone must give this exact amount.”
Such statements can turn generosity into spiritual manipulation.
Paul said:
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Our role is to present the need truthfully and give people room to pray and decide freely before God.
A servant provides the opportunity; the Holy Spirit moves the heart.
3. NOT EVERY MINISTRY NEED BELONGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
This requires particular wisdom in our generation.
There is a difference between sharing what God is doing and publicly soliciting a large amount of money for a ministry assignment.
Once something is posted publicly, it reaches people who may know nothing about the servant, the ministry, or the circumstances behind the request.
Even when the intention is sincere, the message can be misunderstood.
Someone may ask:
“Is this really ministry support, or is God's name being used to raise money?”
We cannot control every person's reaction, but we can control how carefully we communicate.
For significant financial needs, it may be wiser to begin with people who already know the ministry:
• trusted Christian partners,
• supporting churches,
• ministry friends,
• and established supporters..
They have context. They can ask questions, pray, discern, and decide whether to participate.
Not every need needs a public audience. Sometimes it needs a trusted conversation.
4. TRUST GOD—BUT BUILD FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS
Here is another important balance:
Trusting God does not mean operating without safeguards.
In fact, good safeguards can demonstrate that we take God's resources seriously.
If we are receiving substantial financial support for a mission, consider these simple practices:
Be clear about the purpose.
State exactly what the funds are intended for—travel, accommodation, transportation, ministry materials, outreach, or other legitimate expenses.
Separate personal and ministry funds.
Do not mix ministry donations with personal money or unrelated expenses.
Use a traceable financial system.
Where practical, receive funds through an identifiable ministry or organizational account rather than relying entirely on personal cash transactions.
Keep proper records.
Maintain receipts, records of donations, expenses, and remaining balances.
Use more than one person for accountability.
For significant amounts, financial decisions and disbursements should not depend entirely on one individual.
Report back to supporters.
When the mission is completed, provide a simple report explaining how the funds were used and what God accomplished.
These safeguards do not demonstrate a lack of faith.
They demonstrate stewardship.
Paul said:
“For we take pains to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:21
Our goal should be that if someone asks,
“Where did the money go?”
we can answer clearly and honestly.
CONCLUSION
So, are pastors and servants of God allowed to receive financial support?
Absolutely.
But we should never confuse support with desperation, partnership with pressure, or faith with presumption.
A servant can simply say:
“This is the mission God has placed before us. This is the need. Please pray about it, and if the Lord leads you to partner with us, we are grateful.”
Then we do our part faithfully, maintain proper accountability, and leave the results in God's hands.
Sometimes God provides through the public.
But sometimes He has already placed the right people around the ministry.
Therefore:
“Not every need needs a public appeal. Not every mission needs public fundraising. Sometimes, God has already placed the right partners around the ministry.”
And this is the principle:
We don't chase money.
We don't manipulate people.
We don't hide legitimate needs.
We communicate with wisdom, steward with integrity, and trust God for the provision.
Because WE ARE NOT BEGGARS.
We are servants of the living God.
And when people look at our ministry, may they see not desperation for money, but faithfulness to the calling, wisdom in stewardship, and integrity worthy of the Gospel.
If God gives the mission, let us trust Him for the provision—and if He entrusts us with the provision, let us handle it with integrity.

10 Characteristics of a Missional Church by Bishop Joseph Mattera

The word missional goes to the heart of what it means for the Church to be apostolic. The Latin missio means “sending” or “mission,” and it is from this word that we derive our English words mission and missionary. The New Testament Greek word apostolos means “one who is sent” or “sent one.”

Consequently, the missional Church is also an apostolic Church because an apostolic people are fundamentally a sent people.

Jesus Himself established this pattern when He said: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” —John 20:21

God is a missionary God. The Father sent the Son, the Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit, and Jesus sent His disciples into the world. God loved the world; therefore, God sent His Son. If the Church carries the nature and mission of God, then the Church must also be a sending community. Jesus ascended to heaven, but His mission did not ascend with Him!

The book of Acts illustrates what happens when a Spirit-filled Church understands that it has been sent.

Here are ten characteristics of a missional Church.

1. The Missional Church Is a Sending Church

According to Acts 1:8,9 the primary purpose of the Spirit’s power upon believers was mission. The Greek word for power “dunamis” speaks of power, ability, might, and miraculous capacity. Yet notice that this power to plant the gospel in cities ,regions and nations. The missional Church doesn’t merely gather people on Sunday-It equips and sends people to every sphere of life on Monday

2. The Missional Church Walks in Covenant Unity

Before Pentecost, the disciples spent ten days together seeking God and becoming one in purpose. Acts later describes the believers as being “of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). Throughout Acts, spiritual power and relational oneness intersect. Revival cannot be sustained merely through powerful preaching or charismatic personalities. It requires a covenant community sharing one Lord, one faith, one mission, one heart, and one Spirit.

Where division prevails, spiritual energy is dissipated. Where covenant oneness amongst believers exists, spiritual power is multiplied. Missional power flows through covenant community.

3. The Missional Church Assimilates and Trains New Believers

Three thousand people came to Christ on Pentecost, but Acts doesn’t end the story with 3,000 decisions.

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

The missional Church doesn’t merely count converts; it makes disciples. New believers were immediately assimilated into teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, worship, and community. People must move from conversion to community, from community to discipleship, and from discipleship to mission.

4. The Missional Church Is a Praying Church

Before Acts 2 there was Acts 1. Before the public outpouring came the hidden prayer meeting. Approximately 120 believers sought God before Pentecost. Later, when persecution arose, the Church again gathered to pray. Acts 4:31 says the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed God’s Word with boldness.

They didn’t merely pray, “Lord, protect us.” They prayed for boldness to preach the word.

The missional Church doesn’t merely pray for its own needs; it prays for power to fulfill its assignment in the world.

5. The Missional Church Is Holistic

Acts 6:1-4 describes a crisis involving widows being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles didn’t dismiss the issue because it was “social” rather than “spiritual.” They established a structure to meet the need while maintaining their commitment to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

This is missional balance: Word and deed. Prayer and service. Spiritual transformation and social responsibility. The missional church embraces personal piety without neglecting the marginalized in society (James 1:27) Since Jesus ministered to the whole person, and so must the Church He sent.

6. The Missional Church Turns Disruption Into Mission

After Stephen’s martyrdom, severe persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem. Yet Acts 8:4 says, “Those who had been scattered went through places preaching the word.” The enemy scattered the Church, but God used the dispersed to scatter the seed of the gospel. Persecution became propulsion. Disruption became deployment. When the missional Church is pushed out of one place, it plants the Kingdom somewhere else.

7. The Missional Church Is Multiethnic and Multivocational

Acts 13:1,2 presents a leadership team that represented different ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds, yet worshiped and fasted together.

From this diverse covenant community, the Holy Spirit said: “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” —Acts 13:2

Furthermore, New Testament ministry wasn’t limited to professional clergy. The leadership included businesspeople, government officials, tentmakers, teachers and prophets. Consequently,the missional church advances through the believers in the workplace-not merely through ecclesial leaders in the church space

8. The Missional Church Reaches Households

In Acts 10, Cornelius gathered relatives and friends to hear Peter, and the Holy Spirit fell upon the gathering. In Acts 16, Lydia believed and her household was baptized. Later, the Philippian jailer believed, and the gospel penetrated his household.

This reveals an important strategy. The missional church reaches households that become communities of faith. Strong churches are built upon strong households, and strong households can become incubators for nurturing offspring who will impact the world . We don’t merely build congregations. We build mission focused families.

9. The Missional Church Makes Disciples and Establishes Churches

Acts 14:21–23 shows Paul and Barnabas preaching the gospel and making disciples. But they didn’t stop there. They returned to strengthen the disciples and appoint elders in every church. Mission isn’t hit-and-run evangelism. It establishes people, leadership, churches, doctrine, and spiritual order.(Titus 1:5) Jesus didn’t command us merely to make converts. He commanded us to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).

10. The Missional Church Impacts Society

Paul began with a small group of disciples and eventually taught daily in the school of Tyrannus. Acts 19:10 says that within two years, “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord.” One missional center began affecting an entire region. According to Acts 19- the gospel penetrated Ephesus so deeply that people abandoned occult practices, the worship of Artemis was threatened, and it shifted the economy Consequently, a missional church cannot measure success merely by asking, “How many people attend on Sunday?”

We must also ask: What is happening in our city because our church exists? The missional Church doesn’t merely fill a building. It fills a region with the Word of God.

Here is the official lyric video for my song 'Key to the City', which is about the woman at the well. This video was produced by my amazing wife Naomi.

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Here is the full compliment of speakers for the 2026 ICAL-Namibia Summit. Some will be speaking at the venue and some will be via video link. This will be a significant gathering.

I will be speaking into the ICAL-Namibia Summit later this month

If you are interested in our music, we have released a new song called Key to the City. It is about the woman at the well. You can listen and download on our website - www.philspence.com

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Kingdom Wealth

Deuteronomy 8:17-18

17 You say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’
18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to gain wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

[1] SELF

17 You say in your heart, ‘MY power and the might of MY hand have gained me this wealth.’

The world around us is focussed on improving their own lot and creating wealth their own way. In the Kingdom it must always be the King’s way.

[2] SOURCE

18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for IT IS HE who gives you power to gain wealth…

We must always remember that God is our source, not the ways of the world or our own strength and talents.

[3] STRATEGIES

18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you POWER TO GAIN WEALTH…

God gives us the power, which means strength, ability, might or force to gain wealth with His capability and resource.

[4] SWORN

18 …so that He may ESTABLISH HIS COVENANT which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Everything God promises and performs is always related to His covenant that He has sworn with us. Wealth, and the ability to create it, must be dedicated to our covenant-keeping God. This causes us to be wise, generous, and God-glorifying.

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