Spiritual Gift of Apostleship in the Marketplace
The spiritual gift of apostleship is the special ability to spread the awareness of God’s glory by starting new ministries and demonstrating spiritual authority in a particular sphere of influence.
Those with the spiritual gift of apostleship in the marketplace are usually the first to recognize the need to organize, train, and equip Christians for ministry in the marketplace. Upon the prompting of the Holy Spirit, they are the ones who initiate marketplace ministry movements within their own spheres of influence. They are the ones to whom other ministry leaders look to for leadership in new and unfamiliar ministry environments.
The marketplace ministry of those with the spiritual gift of apostleship usually is characterized by the theme of “spiritual authority.” They often aim to be like Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and other biblical heroes God promoted to high levels of influence in the world’s institutions.
Spiritual Gift Recognition Statements
- “I have started multiple new ministries.”
- “Ministry leaders look to me for guidance.”
- “God tends to place me before influential people to represent him and his Kingdom.”
Marketplace Impact
Lance Wallnau, founder of LanceLearning.org, has the spiritual gift of apostleship. He mobilizes Christians to exercise their God-given authority to transform the culture around them. He teaches Christians to walk in the dominion of Jesus and ascend the “Mountain of Business” for the glory of God, one of the “Seven Mountains” of cultural influence. Lance believes that “unprecedented economic, political, and social shaking will create extraordinary opportunities for leaders willing to climb to the top of their mountain, leverage the platform God has given them, and advance kingdom interests.”[i] He helps people to “find clarity in their assignment, develop mastery in their field, step into convergence, and function within their passion.”[ii] This is the language and behavior of those with the spiritual gift of apostleship.
Biblical Insights
- Acts 15:22-35
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
- 2 Corinthians 12:12
- Galatians 2:7-10
- Ephesians 4:11-14
[i] http://lancewallnau.com/about/
Discussion: Do you have the spiritual gift of apostleship? If so, please share how you have used this spiritual gift in a business setting. Can you think of any other marketplace Christians who have used this spiritual gift in a business setting? If so, please share his/her story to encourage other marketplace Christians who have this spiritual gift.
