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What Being a Modern-Day Apostle Means to Me

What Being a Modern-Day Apostle Means to Me

Last updated on: October 15, 2026 at 9:25 pm by Lee Ann B. Marino

What Being a Modern-Day Apostle Means to Me 2026-10-15T21:25:56-04:00 Lee Ann B. Marino

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In my last column, I discussed the ins and outs of modern-day apostles. While the topic of a modern-day apostle might seem controversial to some, it is more understandable if we see the apostolic ministry as a work rather than idolizing people who fulfilled it centuries ago. The original twelve apostles – plus others mentioned in Scripture and history – were human beings, much like you and me. Peter, John, Philip, Matthew, and the rest were not better than anyone else. As apostles of the Lamb, they had the unique privilege of walking with Jesus personally.

Even in the New Testament, we see apostles who didn’t have that same experience. They encountered Christ resurrected and then worked to build His church. In this same work, apostles experience the resurrected Christ and then spend their lives working in church establishment and leadership development.

As one of them, I share here today what being a modern-day apostle means to me.

Black and white photo of Jesus sending out the 70 disciples

Jesus sends out the 70 disciples. Public domain, 1873. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jesus_sends_out_70_disciples.jpg#Summary

Called by God

Being a modern-day apostle means the Lord has called me. I was appointed before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to stand in this day, age, and time for God. I have been I have been sent to this generation for His specific purpose. Not moving by myself and certainly not rare or extraordinary, I am one of many throughout history specifically sent in a time to His people.

Walking in Christ’s footsteps

Being a modern-day apostle means I walk in the footsteps of Christ (Hebrews 3:1) and of other apostles throughout history. It is not an easy walk. We are ahead of our time, and the struggle that comes with that reality is real. It means confronting the idolatry, comforts, and laziness of people and stagnation in their faith. Apostles are movers and shakers: we get things done and we shake things up for the Lord, awakening those asleep and bringing spiritual power everywhere we go.

Disciplined to know the Lord

Being a modern-day apostle means being devoted to prayer and study. We cannot walk in this work if we do not know the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16). It requires depth of faith, spirituality, and character. We must be exactly who we claim to be, having been transformed by faith. Apostles can’t walk around confused or uncertain of the truths of the faith. As those who are sent, we must be acquainted with our message and empowered by it. We are the first to receive the word from God. Therefore, we must first believe, accept, and embrace it.

Walking in love

Being a modern- day apostle means loving people (John 13:34-35). We must have a heart of compassion, recognizing judgment is not ours. As structural disciplinarians of the church, we must keep a level-headed perspective and never fall into the trap of judgment. We will not agree with the decisions everyone makes, but it is not our place to make others’ decisions. It is our place to proclaim God’s empowerment so people are able to make Kingdom decisions and live Kingdom lives. While we do not have do condone what everyone does, we will love them no matter what they do.

Building God’s Kingdom

Being a modern-day apostle is being a Kingdom builder. We are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel and build the Kingdom of God (Colossians 4:11). The church of God is not a building, it’s the people who believe and love God. Our job is to build, empower, and edify people. If we aren’t blessing people, we can put up as many buildings as we like; it does not count as an apostolic work.

Standing up to be courageous

Being a modern-day apostle is about living without fear. We must overcome our own fears, concerns, and concepts to be of benefit to the Kingdom of God (1 John 4:18). We cannot fear what people will think about the calling we have or the ministry to which God has called us. Not everyone understands our calling. Some will come around, and some will never come around. No matter what the response from people, we continue to answer the apostolic call. We don’t answer to people, we answer to God. God is for us and we have nothing to fear for that reason.

Overcoming stereotypes

Being a modern-day apostle means overcoming the perception of religious stereotypes. Sometimes it is nearly impossible to distinguish between those truly called and those who just act like they have a calling. Anyone can get up in a pulpit and scream into a microphone. It’s not a challenge to get up in front of people and start crying, making oneself look intense and dramatic. Not everyone can convey God’s message to people effectively, clearly, and with understanding. Apostles embrace the ability to be effective communicators of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 6:11).

Proclaiming life

Being a modern-day apostle means proclaiming life. We do not re-impose the law or make new laws for people to follow. There is no attempt to oppress, control, manipulate, or condemn. We want to see people set free, not bound, even to us. We know firsthand that the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Being different

Being a modern-day apostle means being different (Romans 12:2). We shouldn’t look like, talk like, preach like, teach like, or minister quite like anyone else. Just as the apostles of the first centuries were all a little different, so are we today. In embracing the anointing we have, we recognize God has appointed us to be exactly who we are in Him. We aren’t copycats, but rather, originals.

Dying to self, daily

Being a modern-day apostle means dying to self, daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). It is not our will, but God’s will, that matters. Discernment tells the difference between the two. We choose God’s will, even when it is difficult, rather than choosing the immediacies of the flesh. Our discipline says no to ourselves, take our sufferings in stride and perspective, and do not make ourselves victims to circumstances. We are over-comers, not failures.

Maturity

Being a modern-day apostle means being mature (Ephesians 4:14-15). We are not going to play games, live in competition, or foster the nonsense that plagues the church today. Other ministers are not a threat to us. Forgiveness is a powerful virtue, one we live by as we let go of the past and hold fast for the future. We do not waste time, for we recognize there is enough wasted time in this world.

There’s only one chance to live this life for Him and to stand as leaders in our modern age. We do not live childishly or foolishly, but stand strong for God in all things. By outgrowing the tantrums of the flesh, we are no longer controlled by materialism and want. We have what we need and God provides our needs. If we don’t have it, we don’t need it. We will not manipulate others to get what we want.

Strength in faith and purpose

Being a modern-day apostle means being strong: strong in Christ, strong in faith, strong in purpose. We do the right thing, even if we won’t get caught, and even if no one is looking. When we have a difficult circumstance, we look to God. We seek His counsel and His face. Our posture is to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Everything we do in this life is a reflection of the spiritual life, flowing, and power we have in Him. We are not afraid to walk in the gifts He has given to us, because we know they bring glory back to Him. We are strong enough to say this ministry is not about what we can do for ourselves, but what God is doing in all things.

Carrying faith, hope, truth, and love

Being a modern-day apostle means being a bearer of faith, hope, truth and love (1 Corinthians 13:13)…even if we don’t feel hopeful….even if we don’t understand everything…and even when we feel no love from others, except for God’s love in our lives. It is setting an example, being a beacon, and being a resource in His Name until the day He returns.

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About Lee Ann B. Marino

Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.Min., D.D. (”The Spitfire”) is “everyone’s favorite theologian” leading Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z as apostle of SAFE Ministries. Her work encompasses study and instruction on leadership training and development, typology, Pneumatology, conceptual theology, Ephesians 4:11 ministry, and apostolic theology. She is author of over thirty-five books, host of the top twenty percentile podcast Kingdom Now, and serves as founder and overseer of Sanctuary International Fellowship Tabernacle - SIFT and Chancellor of Apostolic Covenant Theological Seminary. Dr. Marino has over twenty-five years of experience in ministry, leadership, counseling, mentoring, education, and business. You can read more about the author here.

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