Bethel Temple Cathedral
of Agape Christian Ministries
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Agape Christian Ministries (ACMI)
Philosophy of Ministry
Agape Christian Ministry is a non-profit, non-denominational ministry committed in service to the Great Commission of the
Lord Jesus Christ, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age (St. Matthew 28:19,20)." This New Testament mandate is fulfilled through the Fivefold Concept
given by the apostle Paul recorded in Ephesians 4:11-16.
ACMI fulfillment of this goal is through preaching the gospel (evangelistically), church planting and training/development.
The Great Commission commands us to "go" or "as we are going" share the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is every Christian's responsibility to share the Good News wherever we go and that the example we set here at ACMI.
We are also committed to bridging the gap among believers, local congregations and denominations.
The Apostle
An apostle is one who has a special ability to develop new churches in different places and to oversee a number of churches as a supervisor. apostle means "a delegate, one sent with full power and authority to act for another." The apostle has a special authority or ability to extend the Gospel through the world by developing organized bodies of believers. The Apostle Paul is one of the best Biblical example of an apostle. The apostle extends the Gospel to new regions to raise up new churches.
The Evangelist
An evangelist has a special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in a way that men and women respond and become responsible members of the Body of Christ. The meaning of the word "evangelist" is "one who brings good news." Philip is a good example of an evangelist (Acts 21:8 and chapter 8).
The Prophet
A prophet is one who speaks under the direct inspiration of God and holds an office of authority in the Church. A prophet has the abiliity to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance. Agabus is a good example of a New Testament prophet (Acts 21:11). The Prophet gives special messages from God to the Church by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The Pastor/Teacher
The word "pastor" actually means shepherd. Pastors are leaders
who assume long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. Teachers are believers who have a special ability to communicate the Word of God effectively in such a way that others learn and apply what is taught. Pastors assume long-term leadership and care for the Church. Teachers provide instruction
which goes beyond the presentation of the Gospel done by the evangelist.