Should an AME preacher claim titles such as prophet and apostle? If so how and why and what purpose do these offices serve in the AME Church if they exist at all?

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2001

Answers

Merriam-Webster defines prophet as: "1 one who utters divinely inspired revelations; 2 : one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight;" and apostle as "1 : one sent on a mission 2b : an ardent supporter." Any preacher is God's prophet if allows he/she God to speak through him in the message he/she presents to God's people. We should all be apostles of some degree. As for any official office in the AME Church with such titles, I have never heard of any and I could find nothing in 1996 Book of Doctrine and Discipline.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

I shy away from titles because they can tempt toward pride. Having said that I believe that the offices of apostle and prophet do exist today and it is not restricted to clergy. A degree or position does not confer an office or gift that is supernatural in nature. Those in these offices in the Bible came from many walks of life. The Holy Spirit decides who will hold these offices and as they are demonstrated we the body will recognize them.

I think a humble person operating in these offices will not constantly refer to themselves by these titles. But other people seeing there ministry will not hesitate to honor them with the title.

In Christ, Nathan Paujo

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2001

Bro. Boggus, you were correct for going to the Discipline for that reply. YOu will not find any mainline denominiation affirming such things. Persons are known by their gifts and those with those giftings will definitely be known and respected because they will also practice their gifts in an ordely manner. I however fear that some in our church are attempting to add such titles to either be accepted, or to be attractive to those of the charismatic/full gospel arena.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001