Dear Brother,
When I first became submitted to my pastor/apostle, I wrestled in my thoughts about how to walk out this new relationship. During the next five yeas, I prayed, studied the Word, and rejoiced as my pastor gave me more clarity in specific areas. I think I learned most, however from other men of God who had entered into this life-giving covenant bond with their oversight.
A few years later, I found myself serving others, giving apostolic oversight. This is when I discovered that many of the practical truths that I had ascertained were things that my pastor could not share with me, lest he would seem self-serving. It is a simple truth, for example, that when I honor my pastor, I release his authority to function in my life. Yet, it would be very difficult for him to teach me this fact.
My first inclination was to write a tract or pamphlet about how men could better relate to their apostolic oversight. Continuing to pray and think about this, I realized that, had I received such a booklet, I would have read it and thought it great for a week or two and then forget it. What I really needed, was to have been disciplined in this relationship building process. Thus, I have determined to try to help some men by writing a series of letters. It is my prayer that these letters will edify and enable you to better relate to your apostolic oversight.
You might look toward examining these epistles, one each week, during a six-month time frame. It is my sincere prayer that each letter will provide some counsel to encourage you and enrich your life. I write with the assumption that you and your apostle/pastor are on the road to developing a wonderful life-giving joint.
You may already be established in some of the things that I write about. Other things may challenge you to seek the Lord in prayer. Many of the things that I share, I pray, will lead you to a good discussion of these matters with your apostle/pastor. My hope and intention is to encourage and strengthen you. “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachngs we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” II Thessalonians 2:15-17
Bruce
Chapter 2 - Bringing Definition to Your Ministry
Chapter 3 – Finding and Flexing Our Joints
Chapter 4 – Forming a Covenant Relationship
Chapter 5 – One Way to Ratify Your Covenant
Chapter 6 – Pressing In to Receive Counsel
Chapter 7 – Keeping Your Vision Clear
Chapter 8 – Your Responsibility to Hear God’s Voice
Chapter 9 – Knowing the Heart of Your Pastor
Chapter 10 – Giving Honor to Whom Honor Is Due
Chapter 11 – What to Expect from Your Apostle
Chapter 12 – What Your Apostle Should Expect
Chapter 13 – Helping Others to Recognize Apostolic Ministry
Chapter 14 – Your Relationships with Five-Fold Ministries
Chapter 15 – Maintaining a Teachable Spirit
Chapter 16 – Unity in the Body of Christ
Chapter 17 – Discipling Others into Christ
Chapter 18 – Your Apostle’s Authority
Chapter 19 – Never Manipulate People
Chapter 20 – Meet with Your Apostle
Chapter 21 – Encouragement for Your Apostle
Chapter 22 – Introduce Others to Your Apostle
Chapter 23 – You are Commended to God
