By Tom Shanklin

There are some books that slip through the cracks. They are excellent, powerful, useful, and yet they do not receive the readership they deserve.

Apostolic Evangelism, Can You Hear the Call? may be one of those books. Published in 2001, it brought a much-needed message to the apostolic movement. Like most moves of God, the apostolic movement brought with it some excesses and unbalanced teaching. Buchan’s message is that the purpose of apostles and the apostolic is to reach a lost and dying world, rather than majoring on titles and “apostolic authority.” The word “apostle” means “sent one” and the primary ministry of the apostle is to be sent by God to go and win souls and make disciples.

But Buchan’s book is not just a word of correction for apostles. It contains some much-needed light for all the church of Jesus Christ. It does what God has intended to do through the apostolic movement and the restoration of the five-fold ministry gifts. It puts our focus where it belongs—on souls.

Here’s some of the Chapter titles which may give you insight into the many gems that are in this book:

• Who Needs Apostles, Anyway?
• The Priority of the Gospel
• Birthing Churches through Prayer
• Apostolic Character
• Signs and Wonders
• Wanted: Apostolic Parents

I particularly enjoyed Buchan’s teaching on different types of apostles. We tend to think of only one type of apostle, like the Apostle Paul. But there are many variations in God’s apostolic quiver. Buchan mentions several: Evangelistic Apostle (Peter), Pastoral Apostle (Paul), and Prophetic Apostle (John). These all have their place in the chronological plans and purposes of God. We see the emphasis of Peter’s ministry in the beginning of Gospel, preaching the Gospel that men might be saved. Then, we see Paul’s ministry of pastoring and discipling people and establishing churches. Then we see John’s prophetic ministry come to the forefront later when Christians became lukewarm and lethargic. The prophetic is the ministry of restoration, which is particularly needed at this time.

There’s more…much more. I would encourage you to get a copy and give it a read for yourself. See how God speaks to you personally about your fit in the apostolic plans and purposes of God.

You can purchase of copy on Amazon or contact the author through his blog at JimBuchan.com.