The Antioch Model for Ministry

In Acts chapters 11-14 we find the establishment and operation of the church in Antioch. This was the first apostolic church in scripture that ministered cross-culturally. The gospel was preached, new churches were planted, disciples were made, strengthened, and encouraged, elders were ordained and sent out. This church became the launching pad and support station for various missionary endeavors.
   
ARMI implements strategies taken from the pattern of the church at Antioch. We see that the Antioch church:

• Honored apostolic leadership and authority
• Was self governing and autonomous, responsible for its own growth, mission and development
• Took the time to build people rather than programs
• Developed apostolic teams
• Were in covenant relationship with at least one apostle
• Supported apostolic ministry in every way to help fulfill apostolic vision
• Multiplied their own resources in finance and manpower to fulfill Gods purpose for their lives
• Raised up elders in the local church establishing proper leadership structure so as to aid them in becoming responsible for their own growth and spiritual well being
• Was made up of a diverse cross-cultural group of believers
  
  

The churches planted by the Antioch church were under apostolic oversight and responsibility but were not interrelated administratively or denominationally to the Antioch church itself.  The tremendous growth and multiplication that we see in their model is a result of divine order rather that traditional bureaucracy. 
   

Apostolic Authority
 
The Church in the book of Acts was first and foremost an apostolic church. Believers ministered in apostolic power and authority and turned the world upside-down. Gods restoration of the apostolic ministry and office is part of His strategy for restoring divine order and the reaping of the end time harvest.  Apostles are anointed for the purpose of edifying the Body, expansion and progression of the Kingdom, and are sent to regions and nations. They realize that all of the spiritual gifts are necessary in order to build up the Body of Christ and have been anointed to activate and release these gifts in the believer. A church under apostolic authority will come behind in no gift and will be especially strong in the five fold ascension gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.