Network Evaluation Framework: Apostolic Cycle
Introduction
Our network has not arrived, and we will not reach perfection on this side of heaven. Yet the New Testament calls us to pursue a ministry that is faithful, balanced, Spirit-empowered, and aligned with the patterns Jesus entrusted to the apostles for starting, strengthening, and multiplying churches.
Movements become vulnerable—to drift, doctrinal confusion, burnout, imbalance, or spiritual attack—when they emphasize certain strengths while neglecting others. To guard against these dangers, we evaluate everything we do through four apostolic lenses drawn from the whole New Testament:
The Ten Core Commitments – the basic practices and shared life all churches must embody before they multiply.
Goal 1: Evangelize (Five Activities) – the relational, clear, reproducible work of bringing the message of Jesus to unbelievers.
Goal 2: Strengthen (Five Activities) – the ongoing formation of holy, healthy disciples and churches rooted in Scripture, doctrine, and community life.
Goal 3: Develop Leaders (Five Activities) – raising up trustworthy workers who can teach, shepherd, and multiply churches in new places.
These four areas offer a simple, shared framework for assessing strengths, identifying blind spots, and pursuing long-term faithfulness across households, churches, networks, and emerging movements.
For Reflection & Action
How is our church or movement doing with respect to these four areas as a whole?
Where do we see imbalance—where one or two strengths overshadow weaknesses in others?
What might God be inviting us to strengthen, deepen, or realign for long-term faithfulness?
How to Use This Tool (1–5 Rating Scale)
Each statement measures something concrete, observable, and transferable. Use this scale:
1 – Strongly Disagree: This is not present.
2 – Disagree: Present only occasionally; inconsistent.
3 – Neutral / Mixed: Some strength and some gaps.
4 – Agree: Generally true, but needs strengthening.
5 – Strongly Agree: Consistently true; a clear strength.
Rate honestly. Look for patterns. Use insights to strengthen faithfulness and fruitfulness.
1. The Ten Core Commitments of the Early Church
These commitments summarize the practices and relational patterns that characterized the earliest churches (Acts 2–6; Acts 13–20; the NT letters). They describe what all churches and networks must embody before they attempt to multiply.
Top Ten Criteria (Rate 1–5)
We honor the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the center of all we believe, teach, and practice.
We cultivate regular fellowship with God through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, and we pursue unity, encouragement, hospitality, and shared burdens with one another.
We teach and model holy living that reflects the character of Christ in daily life.
We read, teach, and apply Scripture as the final authority for belief and practice.
We pray together regularly and practice fasting at planned times throughout the year.
We equip believers to communicate the message of Jesus clearly and relationally in everyday life.
We help believers discover and use their spiritual gifts to strengthen the church.
We provide practical care for people who are sick, vulnerable, or facing hardship.
We practice worship, gratitude, and thanksgiving in our gatherings and daily lives.
We utilize biblical structures for shepherds (pastors)/elders/overseers and deacons.
For Reflection & Action
Where are we experiencing genuine strength, and where is it weak or inconsistent?
What obstacles are limiting these strengthening activities in our context?
What one strengthening practice should we reinforce or restart in the next 30 days?
2. Goal One: Evangelize (Five Activities)
Sharing the message of Jesus in clear, relational, reproducible ways.
Top Five Criteria (Rate 1–5)
We build relationships with people in everyday settings and engage them with care and curiosity.
We clearly share the message of Jesus—his life, death, resurrection, and lordship.
We invite people to repent, believe in Jesus, and follow him.
We baptize new believers soon after they repent and believe.
We bring new believers quickly into relational Christian community.
For Reflection & Action
Where are we experiencing genuine strength, and where is it weak or inconsistent?
What obstacles are limiting these strengthening activities in our context?
What one strengthening practice should we reinforce or restart in the next 30 days?
3. Goal Two: Strengthen (Five Activities)
Strengthening believers and churches in character, doctrine, and communal obedience.
Top Five Criteria (Rate 1–5)
We share regular fellowship meals where we take the Lord’s Supper and reinforce our unity in Christ.
We study Scripture together—learning whole passages, tracing arguments, and applying what we learn.
We pray together regularly, seeking God’s guidance and strength for life and mission.
We care for one another by meeting needs, encouraging one another, bearing burdens, and practicing discipline when needed.
We sing together in worship, giving thanks to God and strengthening one another in faith.
For Reflection & Action
Where are we experiencing genuine strength, and where is it weak or inconsistent?
What obstacles are limiting these strengthening activities in our context?
What one strengthening practice should we reinforce or restart in the next 30 days?
4. Goal Three: Develop Leaders (Five Activities)
Raising up trustworthy workers who can teach, shepherd, and multiply churches.
Top Five Criteria (Rate 1–5)
We identify current and emerging leaders who show character, faithfulness, and teachability.
We train emerging leaders through Scripture, doctrine, and hands-on ministry practice.
We commission qualified leaders—such as shepherds/elders, deacons, and ministry workers—for their roles.
We support leaders through prayer, encouragement, and material or financial help.
We regularly gather leaders to report on their work, reflect on God’s activity, and plan next steps.
For Reflection & Action
Where are we experiencing genuine strength, and where is it weak or inconsistent?
What obstacles are limiting these strengthening activities in our context?
What one strengthening practice should we reinforce or restart in the next 30 days?
Conclusion
Apostolic integrity is a lifelong pursuit, not a completed task. We grow as we continually return to God, to Scripture, and to the mission of Christ. Whatever our strengths and weaknesses, we want our work to reflect what Jesus entrusted to the apostles: devotion to the Word, prayer, shared life, mission, holiness, leadership, and multiplication.
Use this tool regularly—in teams, gatherings, coaching sessions, and network meetings—to remain aligned with the apostolic patterns that shaped the first-century church and continue to fuel faithful movements around the world today.