Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

50 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 2

Understand the definition of representation, follow the dynamics of representation, persevere through the difficulties of representation, and adopt the demeanor of representation.

I. Understand the Definition of Representation

A. Representation as a concept

“To represent another is to be selected to stand in the place of another, and thereby fulfill the assigned duties, exercise the rights and serve as deputy for, as well as to speak and act with another’s authority on behalf of their interests and reputation.” Representation is essentially the process of investing, empowering, and assessing for results. (See Investment, Empowerment, and Assessment .)

1. Apostleship as representation

a. Apostolos (apostle): “one who is sent out by another,” cf. Acts 1.2, 26; 6.2; 8.1; 14.4, 14; cf. 1 Cor. 12.28-29

b. Apostles are not volunteers – they are called by selection to represent the sender, Rom. 1.1; Acts 1.25; 1 Cor. 9.2.

c. Apostles are called to suffer, 1 Cor. 4.9ff.; 2 Cor. 11.

d. Apostles authenticate their calling through their deeds and words.

(1) The original apostles saw the risen Lord, 1 Cor. 9.1; 15.7-9; Acts 1.21-22.

(2) Believers are converted and churches planted through their work, 1 Cor. 9.1-2.

(3) They perform signs, wonders, and miracles in the power of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 12.12.

(4) They laid the foundation for the church through their ministries, writings, and prayers, Eph. 2.20; 2 Pet. 3.2.