The charismatic/Pentecostal community is facing a challenge--and it's not about theology, worship styles or spiritual gifts. It all comes down to the (until recently) dry topic of church government. As our movement enters the 21st century, the winds of change are blowing, and there is no shortage of "weather forecasters" with predictions of either gloom or glory.

Leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) suggest that traditional denominations be jettisoned in favor of a more biblically based ecclesiastical structure governed by modern-day apostles and prophets.

Denominational leaders, on the other hand, argue that God is continuing to work through their organizations--and that they provide more effective means of accountability, education and support to those who choose to seek ministerial covering through them.

Moral and ethical scandals both inside and outside the church have mad accountability the holy grail of the 21st century. Citizens are calling for greater accountability from their elected officials. Stockholders are demanding more ethical responsibility from fund managers and CEOs. Congregations are seeking to rein in morally and doctrinally errant clergy.

This quest for accountability has always existed in the charismatic/Pentecostal community--whose leaders have often fought valiantly to seek a balance between maverick-like independence and heavy-handed authoritarianism.

The most recent trend to combine accountability and biblical leadership has taken shape in what many are calling the "New Apostolic Reformation." A church-growth expert and the "presiding apostle" of the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), C. Peter Wagner believes one of the major moves of God in our times is the restoration of present-day apostles and prophets.

Wagner's thoughts have emerged from his observation of a new phenomenon: pastors and leaders are joining together in networks around apostolic leaders, often associated with flagship churches. These "neo-denominations" are a fact of life in today's church and they have enormous influence. According to Wagner, one of their key features is the accountability produced from the relationships that are formed, and he and other leaders see these developing networks as a way to address the current ethical crisis

There's a reason we saved apostles for last in our exploration of the fivefold ministries. Even though they hold pride of place in Paul's Ephesians 4 list, apostles are the most controversial of the five, and everyone in the charismatic/Pentecostal community seems to have an opinion about who's an apostle, who's not and why you should read their latest book on apostleship.

The apostle debate shows no sign of losing steam, but we think you'll agree that the leaders highlighted in the following pages demonstrate the key characteristics embodied in the New Testament's description of apostolic ministry.

Each demonstrate humility and servanthood, intent not on building a personal empire, but on equipping and releasing others for effective ministry. Each received a dramatic call and possess unique gifts as a pioneer in his or her arena of ministry. Each has experienced signs and wonders in the wake of their ministries. Each is passionately committed to sound theology both in its practical and doctrinal expressions.