Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

346 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

III. Issues Surrounding the Missionary Apostleship

A. What level of Preparation and Training are necessary for someone to be missionary church plant team leader?

1. Ideally, the missionary apostle has made disciples within their own cultural setting before s/he has shifted to do the same cross-culturally in pioneer mission. 2 Cor. 8.18-22 (ESV) – With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 2. More than anything else, the missionary apostle (the church plant team leader) must understand his or her identity as God’s called person to lead a pioneer mission effort. Acts 20.24 (ESV) – But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 3. Mastery of and being able to equip others with the Word of God is the single most important asset needed to be possessed by a church plant team leader. 2 Tim. 3.16-17 (ESV) – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

B. What is the relationship of a called missionary apostle and Legitimate Partnerships with others?

1. RMO is a missionary apostolic class devoted to pioneer mission.