The Apostolic Church Series

The church is not a building; it’s a living, breathing community of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, the term “apostolic” has often been linked to authority, leadership, or church structure. Yet, in its purest form, the term points back to the mission, foundation, and calling of the early church—a church that was sent, empowered, and commissioned to carry the Gospel to every corner of the earth. The Apostolic Church is a church that doesn’t settle but goes, a church that moves in power, is grounded in truth, and embraces the call to transform the world with the love of Christ.

In Ephesians 2, Paul reminds us that we are no longer strangers, but members of God’s household, built on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone. The apostolic foundation is not about titles or positions; it’s about a calling to be the sent ones, to be a church that is equipped, empowered, and established on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus. As we explore what it means to be an Apostolic Church, we are diving into what it means to be a church that carries the DNA of the early church—a church that understands its identity, embraces its calling, and moves forward in power.

1. Build on the Foundation of Christ

The apostolic church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the cornerstone—the most crucial stone in the foundation that determines the stability and alignment of the entire structure. The early church understood this clearly; they built their lives, their teaching, and their mission on the truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the cross. They did not preach themselves; they preached Christ and Him crucified. Their focus was not on personalities, programs, or popularity, but on the person of Jesus.

Today, we are called to do the same. Our foundation must be Jesus and His Word. The doctrines of the apostles are not merely religious guidelines; they are the unchanging truths that Jesus taught and lived. The apostolic church is not swayed by trends, cultural pressures, or the opinions of men. It stands firm on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. When the foundation is secure, the church becomes a beacon of hope, a place of refuge, and a light in a dark world. A church that is truly apostolic will always prioritize the teachings of Christ above all else, knowing that if the foundation is strong, the church will withstand any storm.

To be an apostolic church, we must return to the foundation of Christ. We must be unwavering in our commitment to the truth of His Word, holding fast to sound doctrine, and allowing the Gospel to be the cornerstone of everything we do. We cannot build on the shifting sands of human wisdom or cultural trends; we must build on the eternal truth of Jesus. This foundation is not only what sustains the church but what propels it forward into the mission God has given.

2. Embrace the Call to Be Sent

The word “apostolic” comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one who is sent.” At the heart of the apostolic church is the understanding that we are a sent people. Jesus, the ultimate Apostle, was sent by the Father, and He, in turn, sends us. In John 20:21, Jesus said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” The apostolic church is not content to stay within its four walls; it understands that its mission is to go beyond them. It is a church that embraces the Great Commission, knowing that we are called to take the message of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

To be an apostolic church means that we cannot be passive observers or mere attendees. We are called to be active participants in God’s mission. We are called to go—to go into our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools, and our cities with the life-changing message of Jesus. The apostolic church does not wait for people to come; it goes to where the people are. It is a church on the move, driven by the urgency of the Gospel and the love of Christ. It is a church that does not shy away from difficult places or challenging circumstances because it knows that it carries the hope of the world.

Being sent also means that we are willing to step out of our comfort zones. The early church did not have all the answers, but they had the Holy Spirit, and that was enough. They trusted that if Jesus sent them, He would also empower them. The same is true for us. To be a church that is truly apostolic, we must be willing to be sent—to be stretched, to be challenged, and to be led by the Spirit. We must have a heart for the lost, a desire to see lives changed, and a passion to see the Kingdom of God advance. An apostolic church is not a stationary church; it is a church that is always on mission, always moving, and always going to where God leads.