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AFI Values
- We believe that the practical function of the ascension gifts (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher) is vital for the equipping and strengthening of the saints.
- We believe that the local church should be vibrant and healthy as it is the primary instrument of God's purpose in this age.
- We believe in the relational nature of our covering to local churches and church leaders.
- We believe in team ministry expressed through servant leadership in both the local church and Apostolic Team.
- We believe in the present day working of the Holy Spirit as He manifests both the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit through the Body of Christ.
- We believe in living with a perspective and passion for the entire Kingdom of God as it is expressed in Christ’s dynamic Lordship.
The Vision of AFI
Our vision is to see strong local churches walking in the whole counsel of God, having proper government and effective ministries. We desire to see churches have a vision for the Kingdom of God, His eternal purposes and a vision for their own community. We encourage churches to function as a body where each individual member is equipped and released into the ministry of service that God has given. We believe that God has called us to serve churches in small towns and rural areas primarily but not exclusively. We exist for one purpose only: TO SERVE THE LOCAL CHURCH!
We believe that by the Holy Spirit’s leading and the proper functioning of the five-fold ascension gifts, this vision can be realized. The vision is dependent upon the willingness of each local church to live for Jesus Christ.
AFI is not unique in the United States. God is raising up many other apostolic networks that understand and function as ascension ministries. It is our desire not to be exclusive, but to form relationships with other apostolic and prophetic ministries to see the work of the Lord spread across our land.
How AFI Functions
Every church that relates to the AFI network does so voluntarily. AFI has no legal control over any local church. It is the responsibility of the local eldership to govern the local church. We do not seek to dominate but to serve the Body of Christ. The ministry and health of AFI rests upon the local churches.
The Executive Council of apostles and prophets exists to serve the local church. In the early church the function of the ascension ministries was to train, equip, instruct, correct and encourage the church. This is our desire today. Where there is a need, we want to be of assistance. We are prepared to help train leaders; to see the local eldership emerge and mature, and to see the local church function as a healthy expression of the Body. The Executive Council meets at least twice a year to seek God for specific needs of the AFI churches.
Once a year the Executive Council and the elders of the AFI churches come together as the General Council. This gathering is multi-faceted and incorporates the needs of the local churches for the advancement of the Gospel and the AFI vision. Each leader who attends is highly valued and each voice is important.
On a periodic basis, AFI elders and pastors within a given geographic region come together. The purpose for these meetings is for fellowship, training, and praying for one another. The building of relationships among the churches is a priority.
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