The Canmore Accord

[Zach]

I think that what is lacking today is the genuine apostolic and prophetic ministries that Eph. 2:20 speaks of in their foundational role of keeping the church connected to and built after the pattern of the chief cornerstone. I think too often these ministries are confused for and often mislabelled as being in operation by those who manifest gifts sets that we think an apostle or prophet would need to manifest to accomplish the external fruit we think they should. (e.g. we call someone a prophet who hears God well, and an apostle simply a pioneer who manifests a measure of building capacity). In reality these foundational ministries, wise-master builder ministries, see the foundation of Christ laid and carry a measure of his authority to do so at a foundational level that is much deeper than simply recognizing the gifts that these types of ministries might operate in. It is so much deeper than a measure of gifting unto a manifestation. It is as Eph. 4:11 says, a gift of Christ Himself in a person. The Canmore accord I think does real well in creating space to even entertain the idea that we might not have the full story when it comes to these gifts, and serves as a great stating place to teach them, defend them, and seek to recognize and celebrate them in a biblical and not superficial manner.

[Jaylen]

I think we are lacking in evangelists. Now this is not to say we are lacking in street preachers (although maybe we are), but rather I believe we are lacking in how often each individual person is actually investing time in trying to share the Good News with other people. I think it’s easy to tell ourselves that “its not the right time to really tell them about Jesus” or “I’m playing the long game here”. I believe that these things can sometimes be good, but also we must be eager and ready to share the gospel, and be sensitive to God’s Spirit on that matter. If we really are modeling after the apostles, they were probably very bold in the way they shared the gospel, we should have a smidgen of that as well.

[Kimberly]

I personally see prophet as lacking in our community. I have seen an uprise in teachers and apostles, highlighting teaching and guiding. I think that the “guarding” aspect could be focused on more though. It is so important to have the guard included in the walk with the guide. They may be mistaken for each other at times but it is vital to have both – especially for people new in their faith.

[Deleted User]

• I think that the ministry gift that is most lacking in the church today is the gift of prophetic ministry. I think this may be because there was skepticism in the church for a while regarding these gifts and so people that were gifted in this area may have felt pushed away by church leaders and not able to share this gift with the church. The Canmore Accord addresses this lack by affirming this ministry gift and sharing how prophetic ministry brings guidance to churches and is an important part of the local church.
• I have received different teachings about the fivefold ministry in scripture because of growing up in different denominations of churches. I have heard that prophetic ministry is something of the past and not something that is still a part of churches today. Further questions I have about this subject would be questions regarding how best to steward your ministry gifts to help serve the local church.