The apostolic life

My good friend Scott Bane wrestles with the question, "Where are all the apostles?"
He writes:

I find myself missing them more and more lately.  Which is interesting because I’m not even sure what I’m missing.  What is it I want an apostle to do for me?  It seems like there must be something.  Is there anyone in the Church today that has the authority to say the kinds of things that Paul did?  We’re drowning in opinions and strategies and "movements" and "we just need to get back tos."  But we don’t seem to have anyone that can stand up and say, "I’m an apostle by the will of God.  All this nonsense has to stop because it’s divisive and it’s fruitless.  And whoever disagrees with me, let’s just see which of us God’s power stands behind!"

His question got me thinking and I thought I might start a list of apostolic qualities or characteristics. Feel free to add to them. An apostle is:

• A person who is interested in the expansion of God’s kingdom by any and all means, but especially through the development of leaders.
• Speaks with authority.
• Is outward focused, not self-centered.
• Is prophetic and futuristic, especially when it comes to seeing the call on another person’s life.
• Is pastoral toward leaders.
• Is strategic for people-groups, regions and nations.
• Is able to mobilize the passion of others.
• Is transparent and authentic concerning their flaws.

I think that is a good enough start, for now.