The Apostolic Canopy – Introduction

A canopy is simply a cover like an awning or tent; a safe place where one resides below in order to protect oneself from the external elements of heat, gusts of wind or rain. A canopy protects you while you remain under it. An apostle is an appointed messenger sent by a higher authority with delegated royal powers to establish a kingdom mentality and extend his dominion influence in the kingdom on earth. Thus, the apostle extends his influence and his canopy authority (what I call canosphere) over a region. It is in this sphere that he or she initiates, establishes, and oversees the work of God. The Apostolic Canopy is a paradigm that reveals the apostle as the preeminent leader (1 Corinthians 12:28) among the five ministries. In this sense, the apostle becomes the strategic thinker and planner of church planting efforts. Although the fivefold ministry plays a vital role in this process, together they prepare God’s people for works of service in its various forms.

The office of apostle is gaining wider acceptance among Christendom today. If you have any questions, simply Google the word apostle and you will find over 106,711 book titles or references. The apostles played a pivotal role in defining the church in the early stages of its birth, and they will do so again in these last days. Like bookends on a shelf, they appeared in the first two centuries of church history, and they are making a revival all over the world in these last days.

The Apostolic Canopy is a book that reveals God’s intent and design to establish and expand His kingdom on earth through the ruling offices of the fivefold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. This fivefold ministry operates in different capacities while at the same time working together for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry until the saints “come to unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and are mature, reaching to the full measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). We, as disciples, cannot grow into the fullness of Christ without the five offices of the fivefold ministry involved in the life of the church as each office brings a unique facet of God’s grace into our lives. In simple terminology:

• The apostles are pioneers who establish the kingdom of God on earth.
• Prophets prophesy to encourage the Saints.
• Evangelists proclaim the gospel to get a response.
• Shepherds protect the sheep and display the Scriptures.
• Teachers produce disciples by explaining the Scriptures.

Jesus encompassed and manifested the five governmental offices. First, as an apostle, he was sent from heaven with various purposes in mind, to name a few: to reveal the Father; preach the good news of the kingdom; to authenticate his message through signs, wonders, and wonders; raise up a core of leadership to whom He would delegate and through whom he would carry on this work; die for an unworthy humanity; rise from the dead as the first prototype of many more to come; finally, ascend to heaven to continue his ministry as High Priest and King. He was faithful in all aspects of his ministry and fulfilled all the purposes of the One who sent him. He was the Faithful Servant.

Second, people considered Jesus a prophet (Matthew 21:11 and Luke 7:16). Even his own people, his own people rejected Jesus who was operating in a prophetic capacity. He was the fulfillment of prophecy and spoke of many things to come in the future. Third, Jesus was an evangelist as he went from city to city proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. He preached and demonstrated a gospel of signs, miracles, and wonders. Many people believed in him and followed him. Fourth, Jesus was the Great Shepherd, the consummate shepherd, who ministered to the brokenhearted, healed the wounded, healed the crippled, and expounded the truths of God. Each and every one of those who embraced Him and His teachings were different after his encounter with Him.

Eventually, Jesus was recognized as the great teacher by the Pharisees, who called him “Rabbi.” As a teacher, when Jesus spoke, he “opened the eyes” and captured the attention of those attending the synagogue worship services. He amazed everyone with his wisdom. They said of Him: “No one ever spoke like this man” (John 7:46), not even the wise among them received this award. Jesus set the pattern for how God’s government should operate. He is the prototype we are to emulate and embrace as we together build the kingdom of God on earth.

This book is written to help the curious student or uninformed Christian understand the simplicity, wisdom, and purpose of God’s delegated government; a government of the Lord, by the Lord, and for his people. These five ministers are simply the humble servants of God who serve God’s purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. They are servants of the people, not their masters, to be served as they please. They must live a selfless life that honors God and attracts others to serve their purposes.

I use portions of Scripture to make a point as the Scriptures clearly speak for themselves. So don’t pass over the Scriptures I’ve selected just because you know them, but take the time to read them carefully, pause and reflect, to grasp their true essence and meaning. As you read this book, I hope you will come to understand, embrace, and appreciate God’s form of government that is designed to serve and equip God’s elect.