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.

Who's in charge?

The directors of ATM are Ron King of Toledo, Ohio; Ted Evans of Mansfield, Ohio; Bill Lewis of Celina, Ohio; Steve Neptune of Solon, Ohio, and Roger Pugh of Aurora, Illinois.

What credentials does ATM have?

The leaders of ATM have labored for many years in fruitful apostolic ministry. Today, approximately 50 churches look to them for input.

Does ATM have accountability to other Christian leaders?

Yes. The leaders of ATM participate regularly in gatherings of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers from all over the USA. They have strong personal relationships with many of these men. They also have fellowship with other apostolic and prophetic networks as they cross paths with them while laboring in the field. Additionally, ATM is a part of the Association of International Missions Services (AIMS). Perhaps even more importantly, each of the leaders of ATM is involved in a local church and accountable to the local elders.

Is ATM involved in planting churches in other countries?

Yes. ATM has been or is involved in church planting in England, France, Germany, Austria, Albania, and Russia. Already members of ATM-related churches have ministered in over 70 countries including Austria, Albania, Belgium, Belize, Borneo, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cuba, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Outer Mongolia, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Scotland, Senegal, Slovakia, Thailand, Venezuela, and Wales to name some. Laborers have also traveled to certain Muslim nations.

What are some of the distinguishing characteristics of ATM?

1. ATM desires to follow the New Testament patterns of sending out missionaries from local churches (Acts 13:1-4), rather than from special para-church organizations.

2. ATM seeks unity with other Christians to every extent possible rather than promoting a sectarian or denominational view of the church.

3. ATM is firmly committed to raising up local leadership in the new churches being planted, rather than maintaining authority from some type of organizational headquarters.

4. ATM offers both the flexibility of short-term and long-term missions opportunities, including ministry both in the USA and abroad.

5. ATM maintains an ongoing relationship with the churches to encourage, strengthen, and edify them. This gives the churches access to various gifted ministries in an ongoing way.

Why should I consider giving ATM my financial support

Jesus' last command is our first concern. God's heart is, and always has been, to reach the whole world with the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14; 28:19,20). It is His desire to do this primarily through the outreach efforts of the church. Although it is difficult for any one church to have an extensive missions impact, working together with a network of other like-minded churches will enable it to greatly multiply its resources and effectiveness.

In the past, we spent much money supporting missions groups of which we had little personal knowledge-groups that had been very different from us in their view of building the church. Through the ATM network, brethren can give their support to proven men and women of God, sent out from like-minded, local churches to labor together toward fulfillment of the Great Commission.