Apostolic Manhood

By Pastor Steve Perez

Pastor Of The Fountain Apostolic Church – Ventura, California 

In a world where the definition of masculinity is unclear, we must turn to the Word of God for guidance. The Bible is our standard for structuring and defining who we are as Apostolic men. The Apostle Paul instructs us to “act like men” (I Corinthians 16:13 ESV). But what does that indeed mean? We can infer that biblical spiritual maturity, servant leadership, and commitment to truth are the foundations of genuine masculinity.

Biblical Spiritual Maturity

Biblical spiritual maturity is the process of growing into the fullness of Christ, displaying faith, integrity, and boldness in all aspects of life. It is a lifelong journey that requires diligence, commitment, and a deep relationship with God. Three key elements of spiritual maturity include growing in faith and responsibility, moral integrity and purity, and boldness and courage.

First, an apostolic man must continually strengthen his faith and assume greater responsibility within the body of Christ. Hebrews 5:12-14 highlights the transition from spiritual infancy to maturity, emphasizing the need to move beyond basic teachings and embrace the deeper truths of Scripture. Faith is cultivated through prayer, studying God's Word, and obedience to His commands (Romans 10:17). Responsibility in the Kingdom includes serving others, mentoring younger men, and using spiritual gifts for edification (Ephesians 4:11-16). A spiritually mature apostolic man does not waver in his faith when trials arise but trusts in God's sovereignty, understanding that perseverance produces character and hope (James 1:2-4).

Secondly, moral integrity is a hallmark of a spiritually mature apostolic man. This man strives to live a life of holiness, reflecting Christ’s righteousness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are called to be holy as God is holy, meaning they must resist worldly temptations and align their actions with biblical principles. Moral integrity requires honesty, humility, and consistency in private and public life. A pure heart and mind are essential, as Jesus stated in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” To maintain purity, mature apostolic men must guard their thoughts, speech, and relationships, relying on the Holy Spirit to convict and guide them in righteousness (Galatians 5:16-17).

Spiritual maturity is also marked by boldness in faith and courage in adversity. The early apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke the Word of God with boldness despite persecution (Acts 4:29-31). An apostolic man is not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) and confidently proclaims the truth with love and wisdom. Courage is necessary to stand firm against cultural pressures, opposition, and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). Apostolic men must follow God's commands to be strong and courageous, for He is always with them (Joshua 1:9). True maturity embraces bold faith, unwavering in the truth, and ready to fulfill God’s purpose.

Servant Leadership: A Christ-Centered Approach

Servant leadership is a philosophy that prioritizes the needs of others over personal ambition. Rooted in biblical principles, it calls for humility, service, and a Christ-like example in every aspect of leadership. Authentic servant leadership embodies strong leadership in Christ, sacrificial love, hard work and provision, and fatherhood and mentorship.

A servant leader’s strength comes from a deep relationship with Christ. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate form of leadership, guiding His disciples with wisdom, humility, and authority. A true servant leader must first submit to God’s authority, seeking His will in all decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs leaders to trust in the Lord rather than their understanding, ensuring that their leadership is guided by divine wisdom rather than human ambition. A servant leader can effectively lead others with integrity and righteousness by staying rooted in prayer, scripture, and faith.

Servant leadership is defined by love that sacrifices for others. Jesus modeled this by washing His disciples' feet and laying down His life for humanity. In leadership, sacrificial love means prioritizing the well-being of those being led, even at personal cost. It is a love that puts others first, seeking their growth, success, and spiritual well-being. John 15:13 states, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." A servant leader practices this by being patient, forgiving, and willing to endure hardships for the sake of others.

A true servant leader does not shy away from hard work but sets an example through diligence and provision. Leadership is not about personal gain but ensuring that others have what they need to thrive. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, the Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of work by stating, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." A servant leader works hard to provide for those under his care, whether in a family, church, or workplace. They lead by example, showing that discipline, persistence, and faithfulness are essential qualities of godly leadership.

A servant leader is also a mentor and father figure, guiding others with wisdom and care. Just as a father nurtures his children, a servant leader invests in the spiritual, emotional, and personal growth of those they lead. Paul exemplified this in his letters to Timothy, providing counsel, encouragement, and correction. Proverbs 22:6 teaches, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Leadership extends beyond authority, shaping lives, imparting wisdom, and preparing the next generation to lead with integrity and faith.

Commitment to Truth

Commitment to truth is essential for personal integrity, spiritual growth, and the development of a strong, united community. Truth is not just a concept but a guiding principle that influences how we live, teach, and lead. This commitment can be understood through three key aspects: sound doctrine and teaching, dedication to brotherhood, and servant leadership.

A steadfast commitment to truth begins with sound doctrine and teaching. Building our understanding on a firm foundation of accurate and unchanging principles is crucial. This means dedicating ourselves to Scripture, seeking wisdom, and ensuring our beliefs align with truth rather than personal opinions or cultural trends. Sound doctrine provides clarity and direction, preventing deception and confusion. It also strengthens faith, allowing individuals and communities to grow in understanding God’s will. Truth is preserved and passed on to future generations through accurate teaching, ensuring faith remains firm and unshaken.

Truth thrives in a community committed to love, accountability, and mutual encouragement. A commitment to brotherhood means fostering relationships built on honesty, trust, and shared faith. It involves being open to correction, speaking truth in love, and supporting one another in spiritual growth. Brotherhood is not merely about social connection but about standing together in truth, encouraging each other to remain steadfast in faith. When believers are united in truth, they form a resilient community that can withstand challenges and opposition. By living out truth in our relationships, we reflect God’s love and demonstrate what it means to walk in righteousness.

Conclusion

Apostolic manhood is defined by spiritual maturity, servant leadership, and a commitment to truth. True masculinity is not about dominance or worldly power but about embodying the character of Christ in all aspects of life. An apostolic man fulfills God's calling with strength and humility by growing in faith, demonstrating moral integrity, and embracing boldness. Servant leadership ensures that his influence is marked by love, sacrifice, and mentorship, while a commitment to truth keeps him grounded in righteousness. As apostolic men, we are called to lead by example, uphold biblical values, and stand firm in faith, shaping future generations to walk in godliness and integrity.