What Is an Apostolic Leader?

 Apostolic Leaders in the Church

When the church was born on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the only Five-fold Equipping Gift specifically present was the Gift of Apostle. The other four gifts referenced in Ephesians 4:11 (Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher) emerged from the apostolic grace that was at work over time.

The apostolic environment established in the early church produced what could best be described as Apostolic Prophets, Apostolic Evangelists, Apostolic Pastors, and Apostolic Teachers. Each of these ministries developed within an apostolic context and functioned as Apostolic Leaders. This is pattern we follow. 

In our day, many Apostolic Leaders prefer titles such as Bishop, Pastor, Prophet, Doctor, Evangelist or Apostle. Yet throughout Scripture, the defining evidence of authentic apostolic grace was never a title, but fruit. The primary mark of a genuine apostolic grace includes the ability to build and strengthen people, movements, and effectual Kingdom structures that can stand the test of time.

 This includes:

  •  Leaders of networks of churches and/or ministries. 

  • Leaders of a significant parachurch ministries and movements.

  • Thought leaders and influencers with a significant following.

  • Leaders of churches with regional influence. 

  • Leaders of networks of house churches. 

  • Leaders of churches that plant other churches. 

  • Leaders of a multi-campus church.

  • Marketplace leaders with significant Kingdom impact.

  • Marketplace leaders involved in significant community transformation.

The reason we prefer using the term, “Apostolic” is because: 

  • The word Apostle is a noun (naming a person, place or thing). 

  • The word Apostolic is an adjective (modifying, qualifying or describing a noun). 

  • Apostolic describes the nature of the gift rather than a title. 

 Therefore, ICAL defines an Apostolic Leader as,   “Any five-fold leader who displays apostolic grace in the execution of their mission according to Ephesians 4:11-16.”

 Apostolic Leaders in the Marketplace

 Using the original meaning of the word apostle as one who is "sent," ICAL recognizes that many men and women are called by God and sent to advance His Kingdom beyond the walls of the local church. While their primary assignment may not be church governance, they nevertheless carry apostolic responsibility within the major institutions of society. Their calling is no less significant in advancing the purposes of God throughout the nations.

 These leaders exercise Kingdom influence by applying Biblical wisdom, moral leadership, innovation, creativity, and servant leadership within their respective fields. They build organizations, create opportunities, solve problems, steward resources, and shape culture in ways that honor Christ and serve people. Their influence commonly extends throughout the major spheres of society, which may include the following.

  • Family

  • Education

  • Government

  • Arts and Entertainment

  • Media and Technology

  • Business and Commerce

  • Community and Civic Leadership

ICAL recognizes these men and women as indispensable partners in advancing the Kingdom of God.

This commitment is expressed through our strategic partnership with Lead Global 360, an international initiative dedicated to identifying, developing, mentoring, and connecting Christian marketplace leaders for Kingdom influence throughout the nations.

 With this, ICAL defines a Marketplace Leader as:  "Any man or woman who has been called and equipped by God to exercise Kingdom influence by leading, serving, and transforming society through Biblical principles within the major spheres of culture."