My problem with the latest generation of so called self-appointed apostles fits well with the concerns raised in the article by J. Lee Grady. The idea that every region should have apostles appointed to them seems to be a bit over the top unless they are trying to establish the medieval practice of having bishops and archbishops over regions. In some ways the idea of having a senior apostle over either a congregation or a region may be merely an excuse for some overbearing individuals to exert their authority.

When we look at many of the developments within the NAR, such as with the disaster of the commissioning of Todd Bentley, it does seem that the idea of establishing regional councils of apostles has had its day.

We can certainly have an apostle over a new church plant, be this in a new Greenfield area or within a well-established suburban setting but once the new church plant has matured then this senior church planter should probably stand aside and allow the newly appointed elders to take responsibility for the church. Once this has transpired the church planter (apostle) should probably move on to some other new area – such is the nature of the apostolic personality.
Even though the apostle can be an important piece within the 8 Fold congregational setting of 1Co 12:28 this function is certainly no more critical than the other 7 and within the setting of a well-established congregation his usefulness may be limited unless he is being supported by a home congregation to plant churches elsewhere.

Barry