But there is a more catholic understanding of the term apostolic: it means missional. The apostles were those called together to learn {as disciples} so they could be sent out on a mission {which is what both the Greek root for apostle and the Latin root for mission mean}. From this vantage point, disciples are apostles-in-training; Christian discipleship {or spiritual formation } is training for apostleship, training for mission. From this understanding we place less emphasis on whose lineage, rites, doctrines, structures, and terminology are right and more emphasis on whose actions, service, outreach, kindness, and effectiveness are good.
( Brian D. McLaren )
[ A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am ]
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