![Page 1: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Apostolic Centers
C. Peter Wagner
![Page 2: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Background
Q: What church do you belong to? A: Global Spheres Center We are now in one of God’s new seasons. Q: Do we want to move with him? The new season started in 1900 in Africa.
![Page 3: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
I call it The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
• The largest segment of non-Catholic Christianity
• The only segment of the Church growing faster than the world population and Islam!
The Second Apostolic Age began in 2001. Many changes One change: Apostolic centers replacing some local churches.
![Page 4: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Dutch Sheets in 2007: “I don’t want to pastor a local church. God is calling me to lead an apostolic center for kingdom ministry.”
![Page 5: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Chuck Pierce Liberty Park, May 2008
• Extended revelation from God • Saw every state but only 21 aligned with Him. • The America of the future not the same as the
America of the past. • God is raising up a “triumphant reserve” • They will be forming “freedom outposts” “freedom outposts” = “apostolic centers”
![Page 6: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Chuck Pierce in a form letter, June 29, 2012: This is a time to break out of the shell of our last identity, whether good or bad. God is doing a new thing with His people and creating a new model of kingdom authority on earth. You are a part of this!
![Page 7: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
We’re moving into the new.
Let’s keep a biblical perspective on the old. Let’s make sure we have the right attitude. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved. Matthew 9:17
![Page 8: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
God loves the old wineskins. They were once His new wineskins. Not all local churches should become apostolic centers. The apostolic center is most frequently the hub of an apostolic network of churches.
![Page 9: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
This is a functional substitute for denominations. Denominations are legal or territorial. Apostolic networks are relational. We need local churches! But how do they differ from apostolic centers?
![Page 10: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
How do you tell a local church from an apostolic center? My credentials: • I planted and pastored a church back in 1957 • I was professor of Church Growth in Fuller for
30 years. • I have written a number of books on the local
church. • I have researched and ministered in several
modern apostolic centers and written books on apostolic ministry.
![Page 11: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
A disclaimer: • The differences between a church and an apostolic
center are not all black and white. • There are many shades of gray in between. • I’m constructing what sociologists call “ideal types” of
the local church and apostolic center. • “Ideal” does not refer to perfection, but to the word
“idea.” My idea of what they are. • Every ideal type is fiction – not empirical research • No local church or apostolic center will fit perfectly in
my description.
![Page 12: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
4 Categories of Analysis: • Name • Government • Focus • Operation
![Page 13: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
1. Name • “Church”
• A destination for Sunday worship.
• Go to church = centripetal
• “Apostolic Center”
• A launching pad Kennedy Space Center
• Moving out = centrifugal
![Page 14: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
2. Government Pastor
• Cares for the sheep • Ministers • Elders supervise the
pastor • Final authority with
group
Apostle
• Mobilizes the army • Equips others to
minister • Elders support the
apostle • Final authority
with individual
![Page 15: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
NAR: The most radical change in the way of doing church since the Protestant Reformation. The most radical change: The amount of spiritual authority delegated by the Holy Spirit to individuals. Operative words: “authority”
and “individuals”
![Page 16: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Staff Pastors with specialties Teachers
Prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
![Page 17: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Leadership Team • Atmosphere of
conformity • Leader is rule-follower • Tries not to make
mistakes • Keeps things clean • Monotasks – in church
every week.
• Culture of creativity
• Leader is risk-taker • Prepared to make
mistakes • Cleans up the mess • Multitasks – in church
often.
![Page 18: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
3. Focus • Focus on the
congregation • Focus on the
kingdom
![Page 19: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Three steps up the kingdom ladder Courtesy of Bruce Cook
![Page 20: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
• Kingdom ladder 1 & 2
• Self centered (people & church) = small vision
• Kingdom ladder all 3
• Kingdom centered = vision for the future
![Page 21: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
If focus is on the church: • The pastor is an
employee • Pastor can be hired
and fired • Pastor supports the
church • Pastoral tenure 2 to
10 years.
If focus is on the kingdom: • The apostle is the
leader • Apostle cannot be
hired and fired • Apostolic center
supports the apostle • Apostolic tenure =
lifetime
![Page 22: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
(Note: The apostle is aligned with another apostle and is accountable to him or her.)
![Page 23: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Niche in Society Religion Mountain All Seven Mountains
![Page 24: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Reproduction • Spiritual birth
control • Phobia concerning
“splits” • Retain members • Encourage
denominational church planting
• Aggressive propagation
• Promote “hiving” off
• Release members • Spawn new
apostolic networks
![Page 25: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
4. Operations
• Worship services • Preaching • Offerings • Marriage counseling • Funerals • Child care • Youth ministry • Care of sick and needy • Weddings • Baptisms
Both the church and the apostolic center need to fulfill the social expectation of a “church.”
![Page 26: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Fact: Many apostolic centers have difficulty in
covering all of these bases.
Apostles admit this!
![Page 27: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Corporate Nature • Fellowship group
• “Believers Fellowship”
• Ekklesia = Legislative body
• Agent for social transformation
![Page 28: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Profiles of Members • More passive • More peaceful • Weaker – more
needs
• More active • More aggressive • Stronger – self-
starters
![Page 29: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Prayer Emphasis • Petition prayer
• Avoid the devil • Few pastors attract
spiritual warfare on higher levels
• Proclamation prayer
• Attack the devil • Apostles stir up
principalities over a region – have targets painted on their backs
![Page 30: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Worship • Bedroom worship
• Intimacy
• Loveaholics • Feminine
• Throne room worship
• Industry (production)
• Workaholics • Masculine
![Page 31: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Let me explain “feminine”
• Our worship world has changed in my lifetime • I remember “Onward Christian Soldiers” – not
found in new hymnals • John Wimber: “We sing love songs to Jesus.” • Chuck Pierce & John Dickson
![Page 32: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
• Why do our churches have 60% - 70% women?
![Page 33: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Some worship lines:
• I’m desperate for you, I’m lost without you • You’re altogether lovely, altogether wonderful
for me • Oh Lord, you’re beautiful, your face is all I
seek • And now: “A sloppy wet kiss!”
![Page 34: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
“Think of the mental gymnastics that must take place inside a man’s subconscious mind as he sings lyrics like these. He’s trying to express his love to Jesus, a man who lives today, using words no man would dare say to another.”
![Page 35: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Revelation or Hearing from God • Interpretation of the
written Word • Written Word plus
prophecy
![Page 36: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Finances • For maintenance • A committee
spends it
• For outreach • The apostle spends
it
![Page 37: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Training
• To fit the church program
• Do what we always do with more excellence
• To move into God’s destiny for their lives
• Equipping becomes empowering
Both believe in equipping the saints; but for what?
![Page 38: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Conclusion
Alain Caron:
To activate the transformation of local churches into apostolic centers and link them into apostolic networks in order to establish alignment for territorial transformation.
![Page 39: Apostolic Centers - Glory of Zion International Centers_sm.pdf · • The differences between a church and an apostolic center are not all black and white. ... Alain Caron: To activate](https://reader031.vdocuments.mx/reader031/viewer/2022030407/5a86396a7f8b9aa5408d1377/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
WAGNER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE