Signs of an Apostolic House
Embracing the Apostolic Reformation - Part IV
by Dr. John Tetsola

There are a number of visible signs that bring validation to an apostolic house. Some of these signs are mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” Here Paul made reference to several things that took place in his ministry which validated his authenticity, gifting, and calling as an apostle. This same validation is a present day sign of an apostolic house.

…in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:23b-28

The first sign of an apostolic house is suffering. Many apostolic houses and ministries will go through seasons of obscurity. You will go through wilderness times. You will serve time in caves and pits. You will be in spiritual jails and it seems like everything is in a holding pattern, and like nothing is happening or being manifested in your house and ministry. These are all part of the training process. You cannot be a giant killer just by appearing on the scene without being processed by God. It does not happen that way. When you encounter true apostolic ministry, you will see the marks of process, caves, and wildernesses endured.

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:1

The second sign of an apostolic house is the constant release of visions and revelation. There are many churches that have traditional and inspirational preaching which just gives the people a “religious fix” for that week. But there is nothing to impregnate that church because it lacks the strength and thrust of vision. It is important that the signs of an apostolic house be seen through visions and revelation because the house must be able to discern and embrace what God is saying and doing in order to release impartation to its people and regions.

The third sign of an apostolic house is the authority and power that is received and demonstrated to open the heavens over that house, the people, and the region of their placement. Apostolic houses change and affect the heavenlies. They move the demonic blocks over their regions and open the heavens for angels to come down. They create gateways in the spirit realm and release people into a higher level of living in the kingdom of God.

The fourth sign of an apostolic house is that they are specially graced to accomplish their assignments. Grace here speaks of an enabling power. There is an enabling power given to apostles that is released in their houses and ministries to help the region and the people. Because of this grace, they are able to stand and tolerate seasons of attack in building and establishing the purposes of God in that church and region. While others quit, give up and throw in the towel, they remain persistent in their confidence and thrust until purpose is established and manifested.

The fifth sign is the manifestation of signs, wonders, and mighty deeds. This is a house where there is a release of tremendous spiritual gifts. Ministry gifts are mobilized. There are schools of healing where people are taught about healing and people are trained in the activation of the gifts of the Spirit.

Sixth, an apostolic house is a house of deliverance. The school of deliverance is developed in these houses and deliverance is ministered to people who are possessed and oppressed by evil spirits. There is the casting out of devils and the release of the captives. They conduct deliverance schools and seminars. Often this house becomes a deliverance clinic to a region. Jesus said when devils are cast out the kingdom of God is established.

Finally, an apostolic house digs wells. Wells speak of blessings, prosperity, favor and impartation. The strength of the apostolic anointing in a house causes wells to be dug in the lives of the people connected to that house and region. The people of the house begin to prosper. They start owning businesses and getting involved in economic development. The people pay their tithes and give offerings. The region begins to receive a new facelift. Abandoned buildings and houses begin to receive renovations. Drug addicts in that region either start to change or begin moving away from the region. All because of an apostolic house that has been established in that region with the power and anointing to dig new and fresh wells in people’s lives and regions.

by Dr. John A. Tetsola