Apostolic Alignment - FaithSite.com
Apostolic Alignment - FaithSite.com
Apostolic Alignment - FaithSite.com
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Chapter 4:<br />
Founders & Grounders<br />
I will never forget in 1989 when I was minding my own business while driving the car, and the Spirit<br />
suddenly asked me a question: "Are you a Founder or are you a Grounder?" I have to admit that I<br />
was a bit surprised at the question, and a bit clueless about how to answer too. But because it was<br />
the Lord asking me the question I felt obligated to answer it. My reply was a bit wishy-washy, but the<br />
whole concept was brand new to me. I said, "Well, Lord, I guess I am a founder more than a<br />
grounder." He seemed to reply, "OK, good, now you know."<br />
That one little nugget from the Lord has been somewhat of a lifelong progressive revelation for me.<br />
Over the years I have <strong>com</strong>e to realize that there are two divisions to the five-fold ministry. There are<br />
the Founders and there are the Grounders.<br />
The founding ministries are Apostle and Prophet. The grounding ministries are Evangelist, Pastor<br />
and Teacher.<br />
FOUNDING is a SUDDENLY THING. Grounding is a LONG TERM THING. Founders thrive on<br />
pioneering and establishing things and grounders thrive on maintaining and improving things.<br />
Founders are like sprinters. Grounders are like long distance runners.<br />
Evangelists GROUND sinners into Christ. Pastors and Teachers GROUND saints in God's Word and<br />
Christian maturity.<br />
The worst thing that can happen is for a FOUNDER not to know he is a FOUNDER, and to try fit<br />
himself into the mold of a GROUNDER. The second worst thing is for THE PEOPLE not to<br />
understand that their leader is a FOUNDER, and by default, try to fit their leader into the more familiar<br />
expectations of a GROUNDER.<br />
FOUNDERS tend to be more unpredictable than GROUNDERS. But we need both divisions of<br />
leaders in the body of Christ. Both divisions are of equal value to the Lord, but not necessarily of<br />
equal authority in the Lord. John The Baptist taught that "a man can do nothing of himself, but only<br />
what is given to Him by God."<br />
Understanding Levels Of Anointing & Authority<br />
In the past we have not understood the functions of each of the five-fold offices. We assumed that<br />
APOSTLES apostle (whatever that means?). We assumed that PROPHETS prophesy. We also said<br />
that EVANGELISTS evangelize, PASTORS shepherd, and TEACHERS teach. And that was about<br />
all we understood. We had each office neatly defined and tightly wrapped.<br />
But I believe that the Lord has shown me how the five-fold ministry really works both by observation<br />
of men of God over the years, and also by revelation.<br />
16