Apostle

While reading up on Madonna's controversial performance, I chance to see the word "Apostle" being attached to a local pastor's name. I was curious and thus tries to look up on the topic of Apostle.

The word "Apostle" (ἀπόστολος) is found in a number of times in the Bible. They are generally referring to the twelve disciples of Jesus. There are exceptions. Paul, Barnabas , Andronicus, Junia, Silas, Timothy, and Apollos are also called Apostles in the Bible. Later Christians like Saint Patrick and Saint Boniface are also called Apostles (from WikiPedia). The Pope is traditionally from the "Apostolic succession".

Apostle in greek actually means "One who is sent away". The disciples were "sent away" to preach the gospel. In modern terms, they are missionaries.

I do not have problem with people conferred with the title "Apostle" as long as they follow the teachings of the scriptures. What I am curious is who conferred the title? It turned out that it is Peter C Wagner who founded the "New Apostolic Reformation" and re-introduced the title in 2001.

Again I do not have any problem with Wagner conferring the title. It is but a title given by an individual/group to an individual. It is only significant to the individual/group.