You may or may not realize this, but the citywide Body of Christ is becoming more mature, and a more mature citywide Church is better able to advance God’s Kingdom by working together well. To God be all the glory for this amazing development! It’s been happening over the course of many years.

We (at The Sending Project) regularly hear out-of-town ministry guests talk about how God is doing something special in the KC metro area. Those of us locals who are in the day-to-day ministry trenches with the beautiful and messy citywide Church of Kansas City may not notice it so distinctly as one of these out-of-town guests, but I believe when we slow down and prayerfully think about it, we do agree: God is doing something amazing in our midst. He truly is bringing us together in unity, in the midst of our diversity, to join with Him on His mission to accomplish His purposes.

There are several key factors (reasons) why this is happening in the KC metro area, but here I want to emphasize one of those factors: apostolic gifting is being accommodated, supported, and unleashed. I’m leaning on Alan Hirsch’s description* of an apostolic person and the essential apostolic function within the Body of Christ:

“The pioneer, designer, innovator, entrepreneur. The defining aspect of the apostolic function is to maintain and develop the sentness of the church. And given that mission is clearly a central aspect of the church’s purpose, the function is absolutely indispensable if the church is to remain true to her calling. “Apostolicity,” therefore is the culturally embedded drive to ensure that the church is faithful to its missionary calling.”

In Ephesians 4, the Word of God presents to us the gifts Jesus graciously provided to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” These equipping gifts are apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching. Unfortunately, the apostolic function and gifting hasn’t always easily found a place to thrive within the citywide Church. But that has been changing and the speed at which it is being recognized and emphasized is increasing at a rapid pace as it works in harmony with the other equipping gifts listed in Ephesians 4.

Local churches vary in their degree of attention to those who are apostolically gifted and called. Many churches are very apostolic in their DNA. Others need to increase their attention on this effort. Together, however, as a citywide Church, we are growing in this area and it is making a difference, allowing God’s Kingdom to advance profoundly. Many churches are also partnering in ministry with Kingdom-advancing (apostolic) ministries. Many KC-area businesses and non-profit organizations are also very apostolic. 

I celebrate this development and increase of apostolic ministry in Kansas City, and we at The Sending Project seek to play our part well in these efforts as we connect the citywide Body of Christ to maximize Kingdom impact. If you believe you may be apostolically gifted, feel free to reach out to us. Through the KC Sending Agency (one of The Sending Project’s 8 enterprises), we can help you take the next steps to pursue your missional (apostolic) calling. 

Whether or not you are apostolically gifted and called, I have a question for you: what is your role with the KC metro area citywide Body of Christ? I encourage you to pray over that question and let the Lord lead you to the answer. We envision a day when all followers of Jesus have identified their citywide Church role and are living out their calling as they serve in the citywide Church.

I’ve referenced “apostolic” (an “A” word) a lot during this blog post. I’ll wrap it up by sharing a very apostolic prayer with you that one of our Sending Project staff members prayed during our staff meeting the other day. I encourage you to pray this prayer regularly! As a citywide Church of KC, let’s unite as we pray this prayer collectively, humbly, boldly, and persistently!

The “A’s of God” Prayer:

You’re Amazing God.

We are in Awe of you. 

Thank you for your Abundant provision.

We are blessed with your Abounding Love.

You have All Authority in heaven and earth.

We are saved by your Atoning sacrifice on the cross.

We are in great Anticipation of your Appearing.

May the Body of Christ be Awakened and come Alive.

May we be Aggressive in carrying out our Assignments to Advance the Kingdom. 

To you Lord be All the honor, power, and glory. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen!