Let’s talk about something that quietly but deeply affects the way many in the Church think—especially in the West. There’s this lingering, often unspoken assumption that apostolic ministry is measured by the size of one’s structure. If it’s big, if it’s visible, if it’s functioning like a well-oiled machine, then surely—surely—that must mean there’s an apostle at the helm, right?
Not necessarily.
We’ve entered a time where titles are handed out like business cards, and large churches are seen as automatic qualifications for apostleship. But what I’ve found, again and again, is that many of these so-called apostles are actually brilliant administrators. Gifted managers. Skilled builders of systems and programs. But apostles? That’s another matter.
A true apostle doesn’t have to build something big—but they will always carry something weighty. Apostolic grace isn’t about the magnitude of your structure; it’s about the magnitude of your influence. That’s the mark. That’s the fruit. That’s the separating line. Myself I have been dismissed multiple times because I don’t have a “visibly” large ministry. The conclusion comes by measuring by worldly success, not having many bodies in seats, then there must not be much offered. Yet my greatest impact is not in a room but in multiplied “Rooms” all over the globe. How immature we are to measure by a worldly standard.
When I sit with leaders, I often ask a simple question: “Tell me about your apostleship.” What have you put in place that keeps moving without you being present? What has been established under your leadership that doesn’t collapse when you leave? What order have you brought from chaos? What foundations have been laid in equipping verses teaching?
Apostles don’t just plant—they align, they correct, they instruct, and they guard the truth. They are fiercely loyal to sound doctrine, deeply studied, and grieved when the Church begins drifting into error. Their heart isn’t to be the face of a movement—but to make sure that what is being built actually reflects the King and His Kingdom. They don’t want to be seen, but an apostolic people to be made known.
Consider Paul. He planted thirteen churches—but honestly, you might expect more from someone of his caliber. But here’s the thing: Paul’s influence didn’t stop with those thirteen. His epistles are still forming the foundation of the global Church today. His words are shaping faith in nations he never stepped foot in. That’s apostolic impact.
Or look at John the Revelator. He didn’t start a single church. He didn’t have a large following. But his heavenly vision brought the Church out of complacency and back into the reality of eternity. He stirred the Bride toward martyrdom and mission. He carried eternal influence, not institutional reach.
Real apostles don’t operate in time—they function from eternity. They see what’s not yet visible. They labor for a future expression of the Church, a people formed in the image of Christ. They send the right people into the right places at the right time. They see the whole work and move toward its completion.
They aren’t interested in building vast networks for name recognition. They’re building people into the fullness of Christ. Often hidden, they labor in the secret places. They test, they discern, they train. They look beyond charisma to character. They know that what’s sown in sound doctrine will reproduce for generations.
And let’s not forget the Apostle of all apostles—Jesus. He didn’t plant a single church in the traditional sense. But He birthed a movement that spans the globe and ages. His work wasn’t about building structures—it was about transforming lives and building a Kingdom. His influence is still the most potent on the earth today.
So, do all apostles have large works? Not always. But they will always have lasting fruit, eternal influence, and a legacy that outlives them.
Greg Crawford 