Apostolic Structures

Back in the late 1980’s, I received two prophecies, one in my home church, and one while ministering on Long Island. They both, basically, said the same thing: I needed to research the Native Americans of our region of New York State. If I did, I would receive a revelation that would bring blessing and prosperity to God’s people. I already knew that the Seneca Nation was the local tribe. As I began to research, I learned that the Senecas were part of a larger confederacy called the Iroquois Nation. The history of the confederacy goes like this: the New York Indians were being oppressed by Indians out of Canada, primarily the Herons. Not knowing what to do, they sought the advice of Hiawatha, a spiritually wise man. After a time of prayer and fasting, Hiawatha gathered the tribes to share his revelation. To illustrate, he took an arrow, told the people that each arrow represented an individual tribe. He then proceeded to easily break the arrow by bending it with his hands. He then took 6 arrows and demonstrated their collective strength: he was unable to break the bundled arrows. He told them to defeat their enemies they must band together. Thus the Iroquois Nation was birthed.

Under Hiawatha’s tutelage, they designed a representative government with these rules:

·         Each tribe in the confederacy would elect a representative to send to a meeting. (The Seneca Nation sent two because they were larger.)

·         Each tribe would remain autonomous. (Definition: Not controlled by others or by outside forces; independent, self-governing.) (To illustrate: each tribe continued their self-rule. This confederacy was not to interfere with the government of the individual tribes; it was to enable the collective tribes to accomplish specific projects as well as to maintain unity.)

·         These representatives met together to discuss the problems they were faced with.

·         After discussion and/or debate, an agreement was reached by consensus. (Definition: An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole.)

·         Leaders were selected to plan and organize the project.

·         The project was to be carried out without compulsion. (Again to illustrate: each brave made his own decision on how to respond to the project. He might join the war party; he might donate supplies to the cause, (for example: 20 arrows, etc.); he could do nothing. Note: not using compulsion caused the project to rest on its own merits, although leaders certainly used their powers of verbal persuasion.

·         The project would be undertaken until completion. For example, war parties were sent out until the enemies were defeated.

Results

The Iroquois Nation met in a central place in a setting called the Long house. The gathering was a little like a retreat for the tribes. While the elected representatives discussed the current problem, a feast was being prepared. The first project was undertaken. The Herons were defeated and discontinued their invasions of the Iroquois Nation territory. In addition, the tribes quit fighting among themselves. By not killing each other, they quit contributing to their weakness. More importantly, the confederacy collectively strengthened the Indians to the point that they were able to rule over much of what is now Northeastern United States for centuries. 

I want to share a little bit from Song of Hiawatha, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
(The Great Spirit is speaking)

Why then are you not contented?

Why then will you hunt each other?

    "I am weary of your quarrels,

Weary of your wars and bloodshed,

Weary of your prayers for vengeance,

Of your wranglings and dissensions;

All your strength is in your union,

All your danger is in discord;

Therefore be at peace henceforward,

And as brothers live together.

Hmmmm. Jesus said, “Love one another.”

The Antioch Church

A similar thing is observed in the Bible. In the Book of Acts, The Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2 The Antioch church leaders prayed, fasted, laid hands upon them, and sent them out to spread the Gospel. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) then proceeded to form an apostolic company to establish new churches in other areas.  This apostolic company became highly successful, planting churches all over the known world.

Understanding Modality and Sodality

The local church exists as a pastoral structure. The primary concern of each church is the care of its members. It focuses on care “from the cradle to the grave." This type of structure is called a “Modality.” (This is not to say that a local church doesn't/shouldn't win souls, of course they do/should.)

In contrast, the apostolic company is not designed for safety, as is the local church, but for effectiveness in spreading the Kingdom of God regardless of the cost. Similar to the war parties invading enemy territory, the apostolic companies go into hostile environments to establish new churches (modalities), sometimes at great risk. This structure is called a “sodality.” (For more research into modalities and sodalities see: “The Two Structures of God’s Redemptive Mission” by Ralph D. Winter from Perspectives of the World Christian Movement- William Cary Library.

In the late 1700’s William Carey received a burden to take the Gospel to India. He presented the idea to a group of church leaders in England. He was rebuffed. It was reported that one minister even said, “If God wanted to save the heathen, He would do it Himself.” This caused Carey to write a booklet entitled, “An Enquiry into the Obligation of Christians to use Means for the Conversions of the Heathen.” The basic premise of this booklet was to put forth the need of a support/sending agency (the means.) From this perspective a mission agency was born. Concerned, caring people joined together to pray, finance, organize, and send missionaries. William Carey was sent to India and became known as the “Father of Modern Missions.”

I have written this article for the purpose of putting into perspective the relationship between modalities and sodalities, local churches and apostolic companies. In God’s economy, local churches and mission agencies go together “like a horse and carriage; like peanut butter and jelly.” There exists, in some cases, tensions between missionaries and local churches. It isn’t us or them. Both have their place in God’s plan. Local churches provide care; apostolic companies provide expansion. Godly shepherds keep, feed, and guard the flock. Godly apostles add churches which multiplies souls for the Kingdom. We need both!

Birth of Commonwealth for Christ International

In 1996, while returning from Guyana, South America, I was burdened concerning the care of a missionary family. While in prayer the Lord formed the idea in my mind for a support/sending group. He even gave me a name: “Commonwealth for Christ International.” The idea was to have wealth in common for the cause of Jesus Christ. Since that time local churches, pastors, business people and other Christians have joined in to work together to further the Kingdom of God. We have worked in Guyana, Cuba, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Turkey, El Salvador, Romania, as well as numerous outreaches in the United States.

Back to the Prophecy

Do I believe that the prophecy, “Study the Indians of your area and you will receive a revelation for the blessing, etc., of God’s people” is fulfilled in Commonwealth for Christ? Of course not! But I do believe that it is an expression of that revelation: “Build alliances, build partnerships, and build organizations, with the purpose of extending the Kingdom of God.” For some Commonwealth for Christ International will work just fine. To you we extend an invitation to join with us. For others, you know God has called you to make a difference concerning the Harvest. Begin to pray, educate yourself, and dialog with others. See if God will birth a new sodality to reach into new areas with the Gospel.

Any way we can help, we’re here.

For the cause of Christ,

Brother Jim.

---