Apostolic Mandate: Equipping the Body

The apostolic is not a position of prestige, but a mandate to equip. Ephesians 4:11–13 reminds us that the fivefold ministry is given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Every believer, (not just leaders), are called to be active in the Divine Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

In this hour, apostolic ministry is surfacing again as a vital expression of God’s design. The rise of apostolic centres, training hubs, and ministries like our own—is no coincidence—it’s strategic. But with great opportunity comes even greater responsibility. God is not only positioning leaders — He is purifying them.

Grace Over Grit: The Heart of Leadership

We must lead with a heart of grace. The temptation to grow impatient with those who seem unmotivated or messy is real — but if God has not struck them down for their shortcomings, neither should we. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Leaders must discern the difference between time-wasters and seekers — yes — but not from a spirit of bitterness. True commitment is shown in prayer, persistence, and participation. But even when people fail, our response must reflect Christ, not our frustration.

Moses Is Dead: Time to Arise

In Joshua 1:2, God declares, “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan.” That moment marks more than a leadership transition — it signals a new spiritual era. To move forward, we must acknowledge what’s behind us. Some systems, attitudes, and ways of operating are over. “Some things are dead.”  We cannot keep dragging yesterday into tomorrow. Our vision must now align with God’s next 10 years — and that begins with consecration. “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” (Joshua 3:5).

Provision and Praise: Keys to Readiness

God has already begun to provide — technology, personnel, even infrastructure. But provision without praise becomes performance.Thanksgiving is the gateway to His Presence (Psalm 100:4). If we do not cultivate a thankful spirit, we forfeit the anointing that empowers the work. The university (LICU), our community, our ministries — all these are instruments. But without the Spirit, they are empty. We must enter into His Gates with thanksgiving and His Courts with praise, if we expect to carry the ark of His Presence (selah!)

Striking vs. Speaking: A Heart Issue

In Numbers 20:7–12, Moses was instructed to speak to the rock so water would flow for the people and their livestock. Instead, he struck it in frustration. Water still came out (because of grace) — but the cost to Moses’ leadership was immense: “‘Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!’ This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means ‘arguing’) because there the people of Israel argued with the LORD, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them” (Numbers 20:12-13 NLT).

This is a sober warning. God’s grace may still bless the people, but a leader’s disobedience can disqualify them from their own inheritance. The issue wasn’t just the act — it was theattitude. Impatience. Anger. Self-effort. We must move from striking (controlling, forcing, striving) to speaking (proclaiming, trusting, aligning with God’s word). Our hearts matter more than our hands. The rock is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). We must speak in faith, not act in frustration.

Diagnosing the Blockages: What’s Stopping the Spirit’s Flow?

Several root issues are identified that block the flow:

1. Striking vs. Speaking – Leadership rooted in control rather than presence.

2. Striving to Make Things Happen – Impatience that short-circuits God’s timing.

3. Anger and Disappointment – Hidden idols that reveal misplaced trust.

4. Loss of the Fear of the Lord – A lack of holy reverence and conviction.

5. Personal Hurts – Wounds that become walls.

6. An Untamed Tongue – Words that tear down rather than release life.

7. Unresolved Anger – The same anger that cost Moses his POSITION & FUTURE.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
— Proverbs 4:23

The Fear of the Lord – Drives us to Purity (not over-familiarity with His Presence)

We live in prophetic times. Just reference all the activity surrounding Israel right now (including the eventual prospect of a third temple etc), global instability, wars and rumours of war and so on (Matthew 24). These signs are not to breed panic — they should drive us to purity. A lukewarm Church will be left behind (Revelation 3:16). We must be hot. Burning. Hungry. Ready. Not digging bunkers, but making disciples. Not hiding in fear, but proclaiming truth. Not being over-familiar with the Holy Spirit but maintaining a healthy respect for His divinity and holiness.

Overcoming Anger to Enter God’s Promise

Anger is detrimental to us, at any time. It causes layers of delusion. And we must allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from it, now. Disappointment and anger are linked. And what’s coming carries the reverential fear and awe of almighty God—along with the experiential conviction of sin. There is going to be a time of exposure, especially of those in leadership. We must deal with such heart issues that disqualify us (leaders specifically) from participating in the greatest move of God the world has ever known or seen. It’s coming and is already here. 

Like Moses, no matter how faithful we have been in the past, we will be left sitting in the bleachers, if we fail to allow His Holy Spirit to purify our hearts this day, of anger and disappointment, which makes us want to strike the people, with our words. Moses was so blinded by his frustration with the people (and disappointment with God) that he actually thought it was he who brought water from the Rock, “Listen now, you rebels; MUST WE BRING YOU water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10 AMP)

A People Who Follow the Ark

In Joshua 3, Israel was told to follow the Ark of the Covenant—God’s Presence—into uncharted territory. “Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:4). We’ve never been this way before. That’s why we must follow the Presence, not the plan. The anointing must lead. Our strategy must emerge from the Spirit.

Finally: Holiness is Never Optional

We are called to consecration (sanctification). Not just before the breakthrough—but as a lifestyle. It is the atmosphere in which God works wonders. Let us Serve—even when unrecognised. Speak—even when it’s easier to strike. Lead—not from title, but from tenderness. “Good and faithful servant.” That’s what we want to hear. And remember: God may promise us the land, but only right hearts will possess it.

Conclusion: Leaders—Drink from the Rock—Yourself!

In a world that’s parched, may we be leaders who drink—not from our own efforts, but from the Rock. May we not block the flow with bitterness or burnout. Or fail to enter in because our own disappointments have got in the way. Let us be carriers of Presence, not performers under pressure. God wanted Moses in, not out. But he fell at the last hurdle, when his loving obedience turned into bitter frustration, calling God’s very own chosen people, “…you rebels” (Numbers 20:10; Hebrews 12:15). The congregation that day, were meant to see God’s holiness in action, not Moses’ frustration. What does your congregation see—God—or you?

We are not here to strike God’s people or dictate to His anointing. It’s time to speak to the Rock. It’s time to follow the Ark. 

It’s time to cross over. 

Dr Alan Pateman–Senior Apostle

​​​​​​NOTE: Don’t forget, Dr Alan’s books are available as Paperbacks, Hardcovers, or eBooks on all Amazon markets, the iBookStore, NookStore, Lulu, and other retail outlets.