This category tackles all things related to Apostolic Mission. You’ll find numerous articles to stimulate thought around this topic.
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission change, transition 0
Following Jesus involves movement. This should not surprise us, yet it so often does. Jesus called us to follow Him, implying a definite and deliberate journey; in fact He said, “Follow Me and I will make you…” (Matthew 4:19). But so often we get this muddled. We focus on trying to make something out of […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission Gospel of the Kingdom, Kingdom of God, Kingdom-shaped church 0
Our Gospel mandate is nothing less than the present (and increasing) Kingdom of God manifest on earth. Too often we’ve settled for false finish-lines captured most notably in phrases like, “The gospel of salvation” or “The gospel of the church”. As incredible as the miracle of salvation and God’s design for the ecclesia is, when […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission 0
Paul declared: “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without a witness” (Acts 14:17). Historical research and the study of the origins of ancient civilizations confirm what we would expect. If God created mankind and was, therefore, at the roots of their existence, then surely—no matter how their basic belief systems may have “de-evolved” by today—there […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission 1
More than a few words get lost in translation, and sadly, ecclesia is one such word. The answer to the question, “What does ecclesia mean?” is perhaps captured in this comparison: we’re contending for a Kingdom-shaped church not a church-shrunk kingdom. So, let’s take a look at this contrast and try to make heads and […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission church history, Constantine, Empire, institutional church 1
In an idealistic sense, when this question is phrased, “What’s wrong with the institutional church?” the answer is: nothing. God responds to the pure faith in His people’s hearts and He continues to bless and use many expressions of church. In an honest sense though, it doesn’t take rocket science to see the systemic inconsistencies […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission abusive authority, hierarchical leadership 1
What’s the problem with hierarchical leadership? Can I shoot from the hip? We’re not built for it. We’re not designed to handle positional power or the celebrity-like adulation that often stems from it. It is simply not how God created us. Have you ever tried to play football with a brick or run your car […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission apostolic alignment, authority, eldership rule, exousia 0
Authority … the dreaded A-word. For many, this word is the direct cause of sleepless nights and angry knee-jerk reactions. Of course, the abuse of authority is responsible for such feelings, but for those who have suffered abusive (or even misused) authority, it’s often difficult to separate the abuse from the truth. However, it is […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission Body of Christ, non-sectarian, unity 0
What is essential to Kingdom-advancing church unity and impact? This is, of course, a loaded question. The answer to what is essential to salvation (in the full sense of the word) is simpler. Jesus Christ is the clear and emphatic answer. But what is essential to church unity in light of the Kingdom of God; that is, […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission every believer ministry, priesthood of all believers 0
A penny for your thoughts: Why did God take Israel out of Egypt? God heard the cry of His people and sent Moses to bring them out of Egyptian bondage. Besides their obvious freedom from oppression, the question is why? (Hint: yes, this is all about the priesthood of all believers). Most people would answer […]
Craig R. Kirkby Apostolic Mission apostle, apostolic alignment, missional 0
If you’re going to build a house, who do you call on first? An architect, of course. This doesn’t mean the architect is more important than the builder, plumber, plasterer or painter – not at all; only that the architect also has a distinct role to play. In like manner, apostles are God-given “architects” in the […]