Thread: 6 Signs of a Toxic 'Apostle' - J. Lee Grady

I've just spent two weeks in South America, where the Holy Spirit is moving in unprecedented ways. Churches are growing and average Christians are sharing their faith passionately. One recent Pew Research study showed that 1 in 5 Latin Americans now identifies as an evangelical Christian—and a majority of these are Pentecostals.

But this growth is not without problems. While there are certainly many healthy Christian movements in the region, other churches are suffering from a lack of trained leadership. And untrained, untested leaders often result in spiritual abuse, false doctrines and financial corruption.

I've become more concerned lately with leaders who declare themselves "apostles" when they have no business wearing that label. I believe true apostolic leadership is needed today, but a small army of imposters is threatening to damage the work of God. It is time to heed the apostle Paul, who warned of "false apostles" and "deceitful workers" who were "disguising themselves as apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13).

Discerning the difference between a true and false apostle is not complicated. Since Scripture clearly tells us that Paul is our apostolic model (see 1 Cor. 4:16), we can use his surrendered life as our standard. Here are six signs that a man or woman who claims apostolic leadership is actually a dangerous influence in the church.

1. A toxic "apostle" requires the title. One popular television preacher in the United States typically sends a letter to his hosts before any preaching engagement and specifies that his name must be preceded by the "apostle" title. Compare that arrogant attitude with the humility of Paul, who referred to himself as the chief of sinners (see 1 Tim. 1:15). If a man requires people to elevate him to an elite status, you can be sure he has a serious character flaw.

2. A toxic "apostle" carries an aura of self-importance...

http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/fir...-toxic-apostle

Here's another sign :

2 Cor 12:11 For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the super-apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

@ #6 : Paul did actually require financial assistance from some of the churches that he supervised.

Those negative traits can infect any leader not just apostles

Originally Posted by Cardinal TT

Those negative traits leader can infect any leader not just apostles

2 Cor 12:11 above and the whole discussion in 1-2 Cor suggests that Paul saw humility as a necessary quality in an apostle. He doesn't talk that much about that in his discussions on bishops.

Originally Posted by Colonel

2 Cor 12:11 above and the whole discussion in 1-2 Cor suggests that Paul saw humility as a necessary quality in an apostle. He doesn't talk that much about that in his discussions on bishops.

A couple of those points are not in scripture as apostolic requirements
I think Grady has used the term 'apostle' because it will get alot of attention

Originally Posted by Cardinal TT

A couple of those points are not in scripture as apostolic requirements
I think Grady has used the term 'apostle' because it will get alot of attention

I've noticed that the title is used a lot in Africa and South America and his impression of the "apostles" there doesn't surprise me, based on what I've read. It basically boils down to the opposite of what Paul discussed and the opposite of using their authority for edification as he talks about in 2 Cor 10 and 13.

Originally Posted by Colonel

I've noticed that the title is used a lot in Africa and South America and his impression of the "apostles" there doesn't surprise me, based on what I've read.

That's true...many call themselves that name as it has become the new power title

I met a minister last night from England who plants churches and he described himself as an apostle.
From my small time with him he seems humble and sincere and was using the title as a description of what God called him to do not a title of prestige or honour or expecting obedience from others