In an article titled, ‘Bill Johnson blatantly lies to ChristianityToday‘, we looked at how NAR Apostles deny or even lie about their apostolic titles or offices.
We quoted NAR Apostle David Cartledge in that article (from the above book) stating,
“Almost all Australian apostolic ministries are quite emphatic that they will not use the title ‘apostle’.
While they are usually recognised as others as apostles and are frequently referred to as such by the churches they visit, I do not know of one who personally uses ‘apostle’ as his or her personal title. In fact most are more comfortable with no titles at all, and prefer to be known by their first name. Brian Houston is the National President, and his attitude would be echoed by all of the current Assemblies of God leaders:
“Credibility and authority never come with a title. I am quite comfortable with being called Brian.”
Source: David Cartledge, The Apostolic Revolution, Australia: McPherson’s Printing Group, Published 2000. pg. 393.
Here is an article where an NAR Apostle talks about his ‘apostolic’ commissioning and how he uses the title. The most important piece of information to glean from this article is this:
In the white middle-class American churches, we are afraid of the title of “Apostle”. I say this specifically because I have traveled far and wide; and when I leave America, people are not as afraid of this term, and I have been to over a dozen African American churches here in the states which are completely uninhibited by the use of “Apostle.” Our white middle-class suburban churches have made a mistake by disregarding the term “apostle.”
The point is that NAR Apostles like ‘Jonathan Jim Welton’ know that Christian churches who hold to the authority of God’s Word, will not tolerate people who usurp the authority of God’s Word.
This is because many Christians today still hold to the teachings of the Reformation, specifically Sola Scriptura (God’s Word alone) which does not tolerate the Roman Catholic doctrine of ‘Ex Cathedra’ (from the chair). ‘Ex Cathedra’ is a Roman Catholic doctrine that Protestants opposed because this elevated the offices of men and gave them divine prerogative above God and His Word.
In other words, these men who want the titles but appear uncomfortable acknowledging the title. They want to be recognized by their own as ‘apostles’, while making inroads into Christianity without these controversial titles attached to their names.
However, they are not to be tolerated in Christ’s church and as Paul says, “purge the wicked from among you.” [1Cor 5:13]. What is guiding them to operate this way, misleading multitudes of Christians around the world, certainly not the Spirit of Truth
God is not the author of confusion. Yet these frauds are claiming to be ‘apostles’ to some while hiding their ‘apostolic ministries’ from others.
The Apostles of scripture did not hide their apostolic titles. Consider these words of Apostle Paul before King Festus.
“I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” Acts 26:25-26
Not one of these ‘apostles’ in the NAR speak with integrity before public authority the way the actual Apostles did.
MY APOSTOLIC COMMISSIONING
I have gone by a lot of titles in ministry in the last few years: Author, Itinerate, Prophet, Seer, Teacher, Theologian, Professor, and Doctor.
In the last 18 months, I have received multiple prophetic words from trustworthy individuals stating that I am called as an apostle, but that I was in a waiting pattern until leadership in the Body of Christ determined to commission me. This was confirmation of what the Lord had been speaking to me.
On March 14th (sorry this update is late!), two recognized apostles: Robert Muncy and Dr. Harold Eberle both laid hands on me and commissioned me as a “sent one” into my calling. Over the next week, I experienced three types of interactions: people gave me confused looks and asked a bunch of questions, I’ve also had people congratulate me, and I’ve had others say, “man, that was long overdue!”
I wanted to write to bring clarity on a few things.
In the white middle-class American churches, we are afraid of the title of “Apostle.” I say this specifically because I have traveled far and wide; and when I leave America, people are not as afraid of this term, and I have been to over a dozen African American churches here in the states which are completely uninhibited by the use of “Apostle.” Our white middle-class suburban churches have made a mistake by disregarding the term “apostle.”
In the New Testament, the term “pastor” appears ONE TIME! It’s only use is in Ephesians 4:11. Whereas the word “apostle” appears over 120 times and there are 22 named apostles in the NT. Biblically we see a lot more apostles and a lot less pastors, but that’s none of my business 😉
I am not going to get into an in-depth study on apostles here, yet I do want to clarify that I am not awkward about the term because I am clear on the function.
I understand from the NT that the higher the gift of leadership, the more feet that leader is called to wash. As a Prophet I washed a lot of feet in the Body of Christ, yet as an Apostle, I am handed more rags, a few more buckets and thousands more feet are lined up for me. I recognize that I stepped into the function of serving the Body of Christ apostolically when I started Welton Academy in September 2013. Yet after a waiting period from the Holy Spirit, an official time of recognition arrived.
This is incredibly biblical. We see a similar pattern in Paul’s life. The traveling team of Barnabas and Saul were traveling around the early church. When they spent time in Antioch, the Prophets and Teachers there determined to lay hands on Saul and commission him as an apostle.
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
After this commissioning, Saul was then called Paul, and Paul’s name began to always appear before Barnabas’ name, rather than Barnabas being listed first. This signals a significant shift in the leadership gifting on Paul’s life. Impartation occurs by the laying on of hands and a release of grace empowerment occurs as well.
Although I am not bashful about the apostolic, and about operating in its function, I am actually a very reserved person. I don’t like titles in general, and I would encourage you not to use titles when it isn’t needed. When it is needful is when it helps bring clarity.
All that to say, please don’t call me Apostle Welton. It’s weird, people aren’t used to it and it’s not typically helpful. My name is Jonathan, call me Jonathan; I know that people are trying to be respectful when they put a title before my name when introducing me. But if you respect me, I’ll feel it, even without the awkward title.
Please excuse me, I have some feet to wash.
Be blessed.
Author, Itinerate, Prophet, Seer, Teacher, Theologian, Professor, Doctor, Apostle Jonathan Jim Welton the First 😉
Source: By Apostle Jonathan Jim Welton, MY APOSTOLIC COMMISSIONING, Welton Academy, https://weltonacademy.com/blogs/jonathanwelton/50141057-my-apostolic-commissioning, Published April 08, 2015. (Accessed Oct 23, 2017.) [Archive] [Cache]
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