Increasing our Kingdom Connectivity

September 7th, 2019

By: David Hoskins

Understanding the Differences Between Apostolic Churches, Centers, Hubs and Networks

Many spheres of ministry make up a region or a nation.  The key to our future functionality and productivity seems to be largely tied to an understanding of how the many spheres of ministry  work autonomously and yet in alignment, one with another, for Kingdom purpose and exploits. 

Something to ponder:

When will we the Ekklesia learn to embody the prayer of Jesus when He said, Father may they be one even as We are one so that the world will know You sent me.    

How are we to become a city on a hill when most ministries do not even know how to play nicely with their siblings.

The Key to all of these questions and many more is tied to having an understanding of Kingdom government.  Kingdom government is five fold by nature and is designed by the Father and given to us by Jesus.  The purpose of Kingdom government is always to equip and empower the saints to reach their potential.  If expressed accurately, it also helps to maintain an accurate plumb-line of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost within its sphere of reach. 

One of the earmarks of true apostolic ministry is that it has a strong emphasis upon unity and conquest, or should I say, unity for conquest.

If we His people ever have a chance for unity in the Spirit or being fitly joined together then we will have to press into the five fold nature of Jesus Christ.  

Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV)

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Defining Emerging Spheres:

I believe it could be helpful to bring a level of definition to some of the ministerial spheres which are emerging in and throughout the world today.  If we understand the nuances of what God is raising up in the earth then we have a chance to also see how those pieces are to be fitly joined together.  

Apostolic Churches

Are often congregational expressions which are led by leaders who understand the importance of aligning with an apostolic team of prophets and apostles.   The trend for future unity and conquest is tied to every sphere understanding how it should align with foundational apostolic/prophetic leaders.  It is apostles and prophets who help congregations maintain a strong Kingdom plumb line by keeping perspective upon the big picture of Transformation.  The emphasis of an apostolic church is about developing and empowering believers to reach their full kingdom impact in the earth.

Apostolic Centers 

Center – Noun

The point, axis or pivot from which a body rotates

Apostolic Centers are led by a foundational apostolic/prophetic team which network together with pastors teachers and evangelists to develop the gospel of the Kingdom in and through the lives of every believer.  Apostolic Centers are many times multi congregational and tend to have many spheres of ministry operating within them.  For this reason they tend to engage larger geographical areas.  

Apostolic Hubs

Hub – Noun

A place or thing that forms the effective center of an activity, region, or network.

Apostolic hubs tend to be very similar to apostolic centers in so much as they operate from a five fold ministry apostolic paradigm where apostles and prophets lay a foundation that pastors, teachers and evangelists build out from.  These hubs often help the body of Christ grow in an ability to cross pollinate and reproduce a diversity of ministerial spheres.  Apostolic hubs normally bring several ministry streams and spheres together for a larger regional and national impact.  These hubs have potential to be a rallying and equipping base for regional and national synergy and assignment.

Apostolic Networks

Network- noun

A group or system of interconnected people or things.

Apostolic Networks are designed like Centers and Hubs.  They are led by an apostolic/prophetic foundation team which works together with pastors, teachers and evangelists to roll out the gospel of the Kingdom.  Networks tend to have a helpful emphasis and plan for reaching virgin ground with the gospel of the Kingdom.  They often serve as the tip of the spear breaking open new territories.  Networks should be increasingly developed to be more systematic and strategic in the linking of many apostolic spheres across national lines.   Apostolic Networks often consist of many hubs, centers, churches and ministries linked together and aligned for Kingdom conquest and purpose.   Networks have a tendency to engage things on a larger national and international level.   An international, front lines emphasis means  the warfare  is often greater as their goal is to uproot thrones of iniquity that have been seated to hold nations and peoples captive.   Networks are tasked with rallying the resources and strength which is needed to break open new territories with the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Networks help the body of Christ to keep the front lines of Kingdom conquest always within our sights.  

Most missionary movements historically have been very exclusive in their approach and they often have not worked well with other like ministries.  This must shift in the days ahead.  The body of Christ should be the most streamlined and functionally sound entity within the earth.  Sadly many non-christian religious systems historically have put us to shame in with their ability to work in a unified way.  

Every true apostolic Kingdom sphere that is emerging within the earth should be driven by the same heart beat and prayer which is found in the scripture below.

Matthew 6:10 (NASB)

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.