The Bishops and the Apostles Need Accountability? By Bishop Martin Wilson

One verse that speaks of leaders being accountable to other leaders is Proverbs 11:14 which states: "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and advice from others, including other leaders, in order to avoid failure and achieve success. This verse emphasizes the value of having multiple advisors who can provide different perspectives and insights to help leaders make informed decisions. It also suggests that leaders should not rely solely on their own understanding but should seek input from others.

This is particularly relevant for spiritual leaders, as they bear a great responsibility to shepherd and guide their congregation. Seeking guidance from other leaders, including those with more experience and wisdom, can help them make sound decisions and avoid pitfalls that could harm their congregation. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder that no leader is an island, and seeking the counsel of others is a crucial aspect of effective leadership.

In the body of Christ, every Bishop and Apostle holds a significant responsibility to shepherd and guide their congregation. However, it is crucial for these leaders to have an apostolic covering, as it ensures accountability and minimizes the potential damage caused by uncovered and unaccountable leaders. This article will delve into the reasons why every Bishop and Apostle should have an apostolic covering and discuss the detrimental effects of leaders who lack accountability within the body of Christ.

What is Apostolic Covering?

Apostolic covering refers to the mentoring, oversight, and accountability of a spiritual leader provided by a more experienced and mature apostolic figure. This covering fosters spiritual growth, ensures sound doctrine, and promotes unity among leaders within the body of Christ.

Having an apostolic covering encourages leaders to adhere to sound biblical doctrine. It serves as a safeguard against false teachings or heresy, protecting the congregations they serve. Apostolic covering ensures that leaders remain rooted in the truth and provide accurate interpretations of the scripture.

Accountability is a crucial aspect of apostolic covering. It provides a platform for leaders to be held accountable for their actions, decisions, and teachings. It helps prevent leaders from straying away from biblical principles and safeguards them from falling into spiritual pitfalls. This accountability allows leaders to continuously grow and develop in their spiritual journey.

You Need More than One Mentor.

As leaders in life, we should always strive to improve our skills and abilities. However, we should never fall into the trap of thinking that one leader can provide all the mentoring we need in every area.

For example, if you lead a church of 40-50 people, it would be helpful to connect with another leader who pastors a similar-sized group for accountability. However, if you are seeking mentoring on how to grow your church, you should seek out a mentor who currently pastors a congregation of 100-200 members. It's important to seek out mentoring and Apostolic Covering from leaders who can challenge you to grow.

Proverbs 11:14 reads: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Proverbs 15:22 "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”

Promotion of Unity.

Apostolic covering is essential for promoting unity among spiritual leaders within the body of Christ. Through this covering, leaders are able to experience a sense of connection and accountability with one another, which helps prevent the development of factions and divisions. A unified leadership body is essential for effective ministry and the advancement of God's kingdom, and apostolic covering provides the platform and support needed for leaders to work together towards this goal.

Apostolic covering also serves as a reminder that no leader is an island, and that seeking the counsel of others is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. Leaders should not rely solely on their own understanding, but should seek input from others, including experienced and mature apostolic figures. Ultimately, apostolic covering is crucial for the well-being and growth of the Body of Christ, as it ensures that its leaders remain accountable and committed to their divine calling.

Unaccountable Uncovered Leaders.

The absence of apostolic covering can have a detrimental impact on the spiritual health and growth of a congregation. Unaccountable leaders may become susceptible to personal agendas, false teachings, or unethical behavior. This lack of oversight can result in confusion, division, and a compromised witness of the church.

Without accountability, leaders may become susceptible to pride, manipulation, or abuse of power, hindering the spiritual growth of their congregation. Furthermore, unaccountable leaders may not realize the potential consequences of their actions, which can lead to further damage to the church and its members.

By having an apostolic covering, leaders can receive guidance and accountability from experienced and mature apostolic figures, ensuring that they remain rooted in sound biblical doctrine and aligned with God's purposes. This accountability helps promote spiritual growth and development, and it serves as a safeguard against false teachings or heresy, protecting the congregations they serve. Ultimately, apostolic covering is crucial for the well-being and growth of the Body of Christ, as it ensures that its leaders remain accountable and committed to their divine calling.

I would argue that we should be somewhat wary of bishops and apostles who wish to cover others but do not have proper covering themselves. When you find leaders like this, they may be great people and possess great character, but at the same time may not be fully equipped to provide the guidance and accountability that you needed. It suggests that leaders who lack apostolic covering may be vulnerable to personal agendas, false teachings, or unethical behavior, which could then be passed on to those they are attempting to cover.

Promotion Only After Proper Vetting.

One example of personal agendas that we see frequently is when leaders promote and elevate individuals to the offices of Bishop or Apostle without properly vetting the candidates.

Creating a vetting process for selecting individuals to be elevated to the position of bishop or apostle would require careful consideration, prayer, and consultation with other experienced and mature leaders. Here are some general guidelines that could be considered in the process:

1. Character: The individual should demonstrate a high level of personal integrity, honesty, humility, and a servant's heart. They should have a good reputation in their personal and professional life, and be known for their love for God and people. This takes time!!
2. Doctrine: The individual should have a solid understanding of biblical doctrine and be able to communicate it accurately. They should demonstrate an ability to discern false teaching and have a commitment to sound doctrine.
3. Leadership: The individual should have demonstrated effective leadership skills, including the ability to cast vision, manage resources, and lead teams. They should also have a track record of building healthy relationships with others.
4. Spiritual Maturity: The individual should demonstrate a deep personal relationship with God, a commitment to prayer, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their life. They should have a clear understanding of their spiritual gifts and calling.
5. Experience: The individual should have demonstrated experience in ministry, whether in a pastoral, evangelistic, or missionary role. They should also have a proven track record of making disciples and leading others to Christ.
6. Accountability: The individual should be willing to submit to the authority and guidance of other mature leaders in the church. They should be open to correction and willing to be held accountable for their actions.
7. Confirmation: The individual should be confirmed by other mature leaders in the church, who can testify to their character, doctrine, leadership, spiritual maturity, experience, and accountability.

It is important to note that these guidelines are not exhaustive and that each individual should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The vetting process should be intentional, comprehensive, and Spirit-led. Ultimately, the decision to elevate someone to the position of bishop or apostle should be made with great care and discernment, seeking the guidance and oversight of experienced and mature apostolic figures.

When elevating leaders, it is important to not have the motive of making your organization appear to be something it is not. Some people simply have a needy spirit and enjoy the attention that comes with it. While this may look good on the surface, eventually it will be revealed that the people who were elevated are not suitable for the position in terms of character, skill, and experience.

Therefore, it is important for leaders to not only seek out and submit to apostolic covering themselves, but to also ensure that those they seek to cover have proper covering as well. By doing so, leaders can ensure that they are equipped to provide the necessary guidance and accountability to those under their care, while also maintaining their own spiritual health and growth. It is also a reminder that no leader is exempt from accountability, and that seeking guidance and oversight is a crucial aspect of effective leadership in the body of Christ.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, having an apostolic covering is of paramount importance for every Bishop and Apostle in the body of Christ. This covering provides accountability, fosters spiritual growth, ensures sound doctrine, promotes unity, and prevents the potential damage caused by uncovered and unaccountable leaders. It is crucial for leaders to recognize the significance of being accountable to an apostolic covering to ensure the integrity, protection, and alignment with God's purposes. By doing so, leaders can fulfill their divine calling with spiritual authority and power, while safeguarding the well-being and growth of the Body of Christ.

+Martin Wilson
The College of  Sacred Servants, President & Co-Founder
Ecclesia Ecumenical Leadership, Presiding Prelate

Apostolic Covering Evaluation Questionnaire

Answer the following questions to evaluate your need for apostolic covering:

1. Do you have a spiritual mentor or covering who provides oversight and accountability for your ministry?
2. Have you experienced any challenges or pitfalls in your ministry that could have been prevented with the guidance and accountability of a more experienced and mature apostolic figure?
3. Do you feel connected and accountable to other leaders within the body of Christ?
4. Have you sought out and submitted to apostolic covering for yourself and those you seek to cover?
5. Are you open to receiving guidance and accountability from experienced and mature apostolic figures to ensure spiritual growth and development?

If you answered "no" or "unsure" to any of these questions, it may be time to consider seeking out apostolic covering for your ministry. Remember, seeking guidance and oversight is a crucial aspect of effective leadership in the body of Christ, and having an apostolic covering can provide accountability, foster spiritual growth, ensure sound doctrine, promote unity, and prevent potential damage caused by uncovered and unaccountable leaders.