Introducing RAIN

Introducing RAIN
 
Recently, I was asked to introduce Resurrection Apostolic International Network to a group of interested ministers in Anderson, Indiana.  While preparing for this meeting I was looking for a way to clearly define RAIN and Apostolic Networks in general.  In casual conversations over the years I have noticed that there is considerable misunderstanding about what an apostolic network is and the difference between that and a denominational affiliation. 
As a result I put together the following definitions.  This is not original information, but is taken from the RAIN Membership Manual and from The Gift of Apostles, by David Canistraci.  I share it with you for your use as may seem appropriate.  It is also available in a power point format.
 
Resurrection Apostolic International Network
An Apostolic Movement of Pastors, Churches, Trans-local Ministries and Missionaries.  With a common vision, a mandate from God for revival, spiritual awakening, and to fulfill the “Great Commission” through strengthening the local church to become a church of prayer and power as in the first century, and to plant and establish churches throughout the world!
 
 
“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.  And great grace was upon them all.”  Acts 4:33
 
 
Clarifying the terms:
 
Apostle
1) a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
1a) specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ
1b) in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
1b1) of Barnabas
1b2) of Timothy and Silvanus
 
2) one who is called and sent by Christ to have the spiritual authority, character, gifts and abilities to successfully reach and establish people in Kingdom truth and order, especially through founding and overseeing local churches.
 
Apostolic people are Christians who support and participate in apostolic ministry, but are not actual apostles.
 
The Apostolic movement is the Holy Spirit’s worldwide activation of apostles and apostolic people to come together as a part of a great revival on earth.
  
What is an Apostolic Network?
An apostolic network can take many forms.  Essentially, it is a band of autonomous churches and individual ministries that are voluntarily united in an organized structure.  This framework of human relationships is sufficient to facilitate interdependency between network members and their apostolic oversight.  Network members possess a common vision and demonstrate a tangible expression of New Testament apostolic ministry.  “The network becomes a melting pot of strategy, vision, methods, teaching, training and impartation.”
 
Apostolic networks are different from most denominations because in networks, relationships (not policies and rules) are the main source of organizational strength.

Basic Elements of an Apostolic Network

• A Recognized Apostle or Team of Apostles in Leadership

If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 1 Cor. 9:2

• An Atmosphere of Dynamic Relationships

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35

• A Distinct Mission and Purpose

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, Prov. 29:18

• A Gathering of Apostolic Churches

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  Rev. 1:4-5
 
Three Essential Priorities For Apostolic Networking

1. Relationship

The kingdom cannot act as a true net unless believers take their places and becom what God has created them to be in one another’s lives.                                   

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.  Col. 2:19
 

       2.  Equipping and Reproduction

11And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  Eph. 4:11-12
 

       3.  Mission

To catch people. 

And He said*to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matt 4:19