What does the acronym ATM stand for?

Apostolic Team Ministries, International

What does ATM do?

ATM sends out apostolic teams from local churches to plant and serve churches throughout the USA and the world.

What is meant by the term apostolic?

Apostolic is derived from the Greek word apostolos-literally "a sent forth one"-with an emphasis on the elements of being commissioned, i.e., having the authority of and a responsibility to the sender. In the New Testament we find the term used in a variety of ways.

First, Jesus Christ is called the Apostle of our confession of faith (Heb. 3:1) He is One who uniquely sent from the Father (John 20:21).

Second, of all of the disciples, who followed Christ during His earthly ministry, He specifically appointed twelve of them to be called apostles. They are referred to repeatedly throughout the Gospels as The Twelve (e.g. Matt. 10:2). This numerical designation testifies to their unique and exclusive status in the economy of God. They had all been eyewitnesses of Christ's ministry since the baptism of John and of His resurrection (Acts 1:21-26). They are pictured as having a unique, foundational ministry in the church and are referred to as the apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14). Thus, since they have finished their earthly work, no one today is authorized to add to the canon of Scripture.

Third, there are a number of references to a ministry gift of apostleship, given by the risen Christ to His church, for her continuing edification until He returns (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28). Indeed, a number of individuals besides the Twelve are specifically referred to as apostles: Paul, Silas, and Timothy-1 Thes. 1:1, 2:6; Apollos-1 Cor. 4:6,9; Barnabas-Acts 14:14; James-Gal. 1:19; Epaphroditus-Phil. 2:25; certain unnamed brethren-2 Cor. 8:23. This last scripture reference calls these men (lit.) apostles of the churches. This is perhaps a good way to distinguish them from the apostles of the Lamb i.e. The Twelve. Their primary functions seem to have been the establishing of new churches and the ongoing care of existing churches. It is interesting to note that the cognate of apostle in Latin is missionarius from which we get the anglicized missionary. We simply prefer to use the Greek derivative because, connotatively, it more clearly links our ministry endeavors with those of the first century church.

What is an Apostolic Team?

An apostolic team is not just a group of apostles working together; but, as in Acts, such a team often includes prophets, evangelists, teachers and other needed gift ministries such as worship leaders, minstrels, gifts of helps or administration. Etc.