A new model for the ministry
In the apostolic model, we want people to become responsible and active disciples who can be sent out into the world to advance the kingdom. We believe that each person has a purpose, a role and a calling, and even a potential ministry, whether that be in the workplace, church, or wider society, which needs to be developed.
“Everyone has a purpose in God, there are no spare parts, and no spare people. “
So, instead of ministering only to the saints (believers), we train the believers to minister to the world where they live and work – Ephesians 4:12. We treat people as disciples, not just converts, and empower them to live out and express their faith in daily life, as living witnesses and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. Apostolic resource centres are the home bases and the springboards, bases of sending, which encourage the culture of risk, creativity and entrepreneurship within believers.
This is how we break down walls of confinement and containment, get out of the religious structures and frameworks that limit us, and allow us to have the freedom and motivation to move forward in our discipleship and calling. Disciples making disciples, and them sending them out to do the same.
Our apostolic mandate
To reach other levels, we must understand that we have an apostolic mandate to continue the work that Jesus began. We were sent from the victory of the cross and the open tomb to advance the kingdom of God on earth. It is the message of a new and abundant life which challenges all that is passive in our Christian circles. Too often we have been content with living a settled and stifled Christian life. It is time for the church to live the promised abundant life, and apostolic centres are beacons and headquarters for training the saints as agents of transformation on earth.
You will find the expression of this vision of the advancement of the kingdom of God in the various ministries that are developing among us. Whether in the diversity of our small groups, specific ministries, or community focussed projects, Inspire Community seeks to reach out to others and to the world.
Meeting in homes
The church around the world has been, and probably still is, in a season of shaking, shaping and reform. In this season there are three things God is asking of us:
• A return to intimacy: to hear his voice, and to stay in his presence
• A return to family life: the fast pace of life has affected us and impacted on family life
• A return to homes: the basic units of the Kingdom of God
While apostolic centres (churches) are places of collective gathering that draw the presence of heaven, our homes and small groups are meant to be the heart of the Kingdom. We look forward to going to the bigger gatherings we typically call church, but the real question is, are we ready to be church, the Ekklesia, the salt and light in our communities that Jesus spoke of? (Matt 16)
Where two or three gather in my name, I am in the midst of them – if we can’t be church in its smallest expression then how can we be church in our bigger gatherings. If we get our foundations right then as we know that what grows out of this will have firm roots.
To experience the movement that God is sending, we are turning our homes and small groups into places of encounter, prayer, healing and fellowship – gospel communities, places of invitation, celebration, and belonging!
We are establishing Small Groups / Home Churches throughout the area, connected to the apostolic centre: houses of light (Lighthouses), places for salvation, healing, discipleship, worship and rejoicing for heaven! It is a movement to permeate the Gospel throughout the land, one house at a time.