The Apostolic Canopy – Introduction

A canopy is simply a cover such as an awning or a tent; a safe place where one resides below for the purpose of protecting oneself from the outside elements of heat, gusty winds, or rain. A canopy protects you as long as you stay under it. An apostle is a designated messenger sent by a higher authority with delegative royal powers to establish a kingdom mentality and extend his dominance influence in the kingdom of earth. Therefore, the apostle extends his influence and authority (what I call Canosphere) over a region. It is in this sphere where he or she pioneers, establishes and supervises the work of God. The Apostolic Pavilion 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 in doubt, Google the word apostle and you will find 106,711 more book titles or references to it. The apostles played a critical role in defining the church in the early stages of its birth, and will do so again in these last days. Like bookends on a shelf, they appeared in the first two centuries of church history, and are making a comeback around the world in these last days.

The Apostolic Canopy is a book that reveals God’s intention and design to establish and expand His kingdom in the kingdom of earth through the governing positions 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 “attain unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and come to maturity, to the extent 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.

• The prophets prophesy to encourage the saints.

• Evangelists proclaim the gospel to get an answer.

• Shepherds protect sheep and display Scripture.

• Teachers produce disciples by explaining the scriptures.

Jesus encompassed and manifested the five government offices. First, as an apostle he was sent from heaven with several purposes in mind, to name a few: to reveal the Father; to preach the good news of the kingdom; authenticate His message through signs, miracles and wonders; to raise a nucleus of leadership to whom He would delegate and continue with this work; die for an undeserved humanity; rise from the dead as the first prototype of many more to come; finally ascending to heaven to continue His ministry as the chief 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, the people considered Jesus a prophet (Matthew 21:11 and Luke 7:16). Even his own people, in his own city, rejected Jesus, who operated 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 sick, and expounded the truths of God. Each and every one of those who embraced him and his teachings were different after their encounter with him.

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

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 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 Lords, who are served as they please. They should live an altruistic life that honors God and draws others to serve his purposes.

I use portions of Scripture to emphasize a point, since Scripture clearly speaks for itself. Therefore, do not skip the scriptures that I have selected just because you are familiar with them, but take the time to read them carefully, pause and reflect, to capture their true essence and meaning. As you read this book, I hope you come to understand, embrace, and appreciate God’s form of government that is designed to serve and equip God’s elect.