Vertical Relationships
A “vertical” relationship with Apex Christian Alliance involves a desire to relate upward, and views Apex and its leadership as a ministry covering. There are several key aspects to this type of relationship which provide an avenue for a stream of blessings to flow.
Commissioning
This aspect of a vertical relationship involves acknowledgement, development, ordaining, and the sending out of those who relate vertically with Apex and its leadership. Apex Christian Alliance is committed to the spiritual and ministerial development of those desiring a vertical relationship. The goal of commissioning is not only the development of ministry gifts within the body of Christ, but also to send those who relate to Apex as a resource to the body of Christ to help plant, establish, encourage, and train others to do the same.
Tithe
We believe that within a vertical relationship (as opposed to a horizontal relationship) there is a spiritual principle accompanying the “heaving up” of a tithe to those who are committed to providing oversight, resources, and blessings. This principle can be seen in Abraham’s relationship to Melchisedec:
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace…” (Heb. 7:1-2, KJV)
“But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (Heb. 7:6-7, KJV)
This aspect is a principle, but not a law in the New Covenant because it precedes the Law of Moses. Nonetheless, whenever we give to that which we draw strength from it always produces a flow blessing in accordance with the honor we express.
Apostolic Covering
The leadership of Apex Christian Alliance is committed to the well-being of all the churches who relate to Apex whether vertically or horizontally. The vertical relationship, however, is by nature a closer relationship as is that of a father and son as compared to a father and his friend. (The Apostle Paul had a different relationship with his spiritual son Timothy than he did his friend and colleague Barnabas.)
Within this vertical relationship, apostolic covering will provide:
Private bi-weekly or monthly meetings for the purpose of strengthening leadership.
Quarterly or semi-annual availability to your congregation.
Retreats and seminars providing teaching, refreshing, and fellowship.
The purpose of apostolic covering is to support and strengthen the authority of the senior pastor within the house they serve. Apostolic covering voluntarily provides counsel and assistance within a vertical relationship. Apostolic covering is not in any way a superior ecclesiastical body whose decisions are binding on a church. They are committed to help plant, strengthen, encourage, and even assist the pastor in helping to set things in order when called upon.
Romans 1:11-12 states: “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (KJV)
We believe apostolic ministry carries with it the grace to impart spiritual gifts that will help establish ministers and ministries. This is one of the greatest benefits of relating to an apostolic gift as your ministry covering.
Horizontal Relationships
