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On calling oneself an "apostle" today

The word "apostle" comes from Greek and means "envoy" or "messenger." In the New Testament, it is primarily used in three ways:

1. The Twelve Apostles: These were Jesus' closest disciples, personally chosen by him. Their unique role was to be eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, and resurrection. They were sent out with special authority to preach the gospel and establish the early church. A central criterion was having witnessed Jesus' ministry from his baptism to his ascension. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas to maintain the number of twelve.
2. The Apostle Paul: Paul was called directly by the resurrected Jesus and also claimed apostleship. His apostleship was confirmed by the founding of congregations and miracles, and he identified himself as "the apostle to the Gentiles."
3. Broader meaning (missionaries): In some cases, "apostle" is used in a broader sense about other Christian missionaries or "envoys," such as Barnabas. Historically, pioneering missionaries have also been given the title "apostle."

Modern theological perspectives on the office of apostle

There are different views on whether the office of apostle, in the sense of the original twelve and Paul, still exists today:

Traditional Christian denominations: Many traditional church communities believe that the office of apostle, which had a unique and foundational role in the church's establishment, ceased with the first apostles. Ephesians 2:20 describes the church as built on "the foundation of the apostles and prophets" with Christ as the cornerstone, suggesting that this foundation has been laid once and for all and does not need to be laid again. There is widespread skepticism towards self-proclaimed "apostles" today, as it can be perceived as self-glorifying or an attempt to build a personal "kingdom" rather than God's kingdom.
Charismatic and Pentecostal movements (e.g., PMCC (4th Watch)): Within some of these movements, including the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), there is a belief that spiritual gifts, including the apostolic calling, continue to exist. PMCC (4th Watch) considers its founder, Arsenio T. Ferriol (1936-2024), to be an "apostle in the end times" and the one who received a special "end-time secret" (the "4th Watch"). They see him as "God's sent one" and a "living apostle" and believe that the church is the "one true church" precisely because of the presence of a contemporary apostle. They also teach that salvation can only be achieved through "God's sent one" or those appointed by their leader. Arsenio T. Ferriol received his calling as an apostle during a period of prayer and fasting in 1973 and founded PMCC (4th Watch) in the same year. His son, Jonathan Santos Ferriol, has taken over the leadership after his death in May 2024.

Can one appoint oneself an apostle?

The biblical apostles were called by Jesus Christ himself, either directly or through divine revelation (as with Paul). Matthias was chosen by the other apostles to fill Judas's place. This indicates a divine calling or recognition from the church, rather than a self-appointment.

Is it acceptable to create large posters in homage to leaders or people in the congregation?

Your concern about self-glorification and celebrating personal anniversaries (birthdays, wedding anniversaries, etc.) with large posters through the church aligns with a broad Christian understanding of humility. Christianity emphasizes that the church's primary purpose is the worship of God and Jesus, not self-glorification or the worship of individuals.

While it is common to celebrate church anniversaries, the homage paid to individual leaders' personal milestones through large, public church displays is often seen as a deviation from the church's main purpose. A reliable Christian leader's foremost calling is to point to Christ, not to themselves. Humility in Christian leadership involves submitting to God's will and giving God the credit for what has been achieved, rather than seeking personal recognition.

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