When Laura and I stepped out to begin the work of pioneering in January 2020, we never had the full picture of how the work was going to develop. In a sense we were independent, but we were also working along some others including friends from Elim in Alloa and Perth. However, as the work has developed, the picture has become clearer. We still don't see the full picture, but we are taking a step at a time in response to the Holy Spirit. One of the things he did say to us at the start was about the need for apostolic alignment. As the work developed and came to a crucial stage, we then received a prophetic word about 'rewiring'. God wanted to rewire the church. In the days that followed the meaning of this prophecy became clearer: God wanted us to align with an apostolic body. As of this past week we are pleased to be able to say that Kairos church is in process to become a part of the Apostolic Church UK.*
On Thursday, Laura and I had a great meeting with Ivan Parker, the National Leader for AC UK, and Alistair Matheson, who has also just joined the National Leadership Team (NLT). The wonderful thing about the meeting was the sense of unity in terms of core values. The impression that I felt was that neither the NLT or Kairos are really interested in denominational bureaucracy, identity, or politics, instead there is a desire for the Kingdom of God, real relationships, and seeing movements of God flourish.
There are a number of apostolic networks in the UK: Vineyard, New Frontiers, Sovereign Grace, Destiny and many others – Elim and AoG have also embraced apostolic terminology in recent years, as have even the Baptist Union. However, AC UK was a natural connection for us for several reasons. From 2010-2013 I was part of the Apostolic Church on Skye, and a year ago I connected with a few other Apostolic leaders as part of the publication of ‘Vision from the Valleys’ a 100-day devotional which drew from the early pioneers of the Apostolic Church UK. Further, prior to stepping out into pioneering we visited Glasgow City Church for a few weeks, and there were a number of prophetic words that came from there regarding a church plant in Stirling. In many ways, the AC UK have stirred and stoked the vision for Kairos Stirling since the start.
What does joining the ACUK mean for Kairos Stirling?
In many ways, nothing will change on the ground level. Kairos church is still being planted by myself and Laura and will still be led by the local leadership team. However, it does mean that what we are doing is now strengthened, connected with something bigger than ourselves, and is more accountable. It also means we have apostolic input, from a widely recognised apostle.
In terms of our theology, nothing has changed. Although, we are now able to practice apostolic theology, rather than just believe it. Being part of a network that operates in the ascension ministries of Ephesians 4 is a tremendous blessing. I know many pastors who are frustrated because they believe in Ephesians 4, but their movement doesn’t allow the theology to develop. However, the theology of Kairos remains the same. We are evangelical and Pentecostal. Within the history of the AC, you can trace elements that come from the Welsh Calvinistic Chapels – this is clearly seen through an emphasis on the sovereignty of God. The apostolics have also been strong on scripture, and the need for the Word of God to be expounded in a way that is faithful to the text and applicable to the hearer.
I’m excited about this new chapter. I want to see churches planted all over Scotland. It’s not about planting ‘Apostolic Churches’ it’s about planting ‘apostolic churches’. Small ‘a’, not big ‘A’. We want to see apostolic churches raised up throughout Scotland, and the nations. We want to see vibrant Christ-centred, Spirit-filled, and mission-orientated churches spring up in every city, town and village. We want to see the lost found, the church empowered, and revival sweep across the nation and nations. We want to see the broken restored, the sick healed, and the oppressed set free. We want to experience greater measures of God’s presence. This is the vision of the church and God’s mission that we see in the New Testament. Why settle for anything less?
We are grateful for what God is doing. This is a great new chapter for us at Kairos. We are looking forward to journeying with other believers as part of the AC UK family. Another interesting point – one of the marks of Kairos is restoration. We believe we are called to see things that have been lost, broken, and robbed restored. We are seeing that happen in people’s lives already. There are some great testimonies. Interestingly, when we met with Ivan, he said his dad used to be an apostolic pastor in the city of Stirling. There used to be an apostolic church in Stirling. This is exciting. In many ways the emergence of a fresh apostolic work in Stirling is a sign that God is taking back territory that has been lost. I believe we will see more of this in the days that are ahead.
Please pray for us at Kairos Church. May we know his ongoing presence, leading and enabling.
God bless,
