A Pentecostal Theology of Apostolic Leadership

New Testament Foundations and Criteria for Contemporary Discernment

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62868/pjtm.v6i2.233

Keywords:

Apostolic leadership, Authority, New Testament , Spiritual gifts, Pentecostal theology

Abstract

This study examines how New Testament uses of the term apostle may inform Pentecostal discernment of contemporary apostolic leadership. Using biblical exegesis and critical engagement with relevant theological literature, it distinguishes four categories: Jesus Christ as the divine Apostle, the Twelve as foundational apostles, Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles, and other functionally apostolic ministers. It argues that the authority and qualifications associated with these categories should not be treated as identical. Contemporary claims to apostolic ministry should therefore be assessed by divine calling, spiritual gifting, Christ-centred character, missionary effectiveness, sacrificial commitment, accountability, and faithfulness to the gospel, without equating contemporary ministers with the foundational witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.

Author Biographies

Johnny Lartey Peprah, Pentecost University

Johnny Lartey Peprah is an author, lecturer, mentor, and Assistant Registrar at the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PSTM), Pentecost University, Ghana. An ordained apostle in The Church of Pentecost, he has more than 25 years of international missionary experience in full-time Gospel ministry. He holds a Master of Theology (MTh) from Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, Ghana, and a first-class Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Pentecost University. He is currently a PhD candidate at Pentecost University’s Institute of Leadership and Governance, where his research focuses on Pentecostal leadership. His areas of specialisation include leadership, governance, and development.

Patrick Tetteh Kudadjie, Pentecost University

Patrick Tetteh Kudadjie is a pastor in the Church of Pentecost and serves as the resident minister at the Kusi Donkor Worship Centre. He is also the Head of the Department of Theology at the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PSTM) at Pentecost University. Previously, he was a lecturer at both the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Methodist University. Kudadjie earned his PhD from the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, and he holds both a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ghana, Legon.

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Published

2026-10-03

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): African Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity: History, Hermeneutics, Ethics, and Mission

Section

Articles