Apostolic churches are often found in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Methodist Christianity there is growing proportionally to membership at far greater rates than in the "mother" churches in England and the United States. Why? Because these churches are practicing the basic disciplines that launched the Wesleyan revival in 18th Century England and Pentecost as witnessed in Acts: "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common…with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." (Acts 2:43-44, 46b-47)

Non-English language congregations in Florida are "growing apostolic." Nearly all our Haitian, Korean, Hispanic, Brazilian and Vietnamese faith communities show large numbers of professions of faith in Jesus Christ. The Florida Conference, on any given week, praises God in six languages — English, Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, Korean, Vietnamese and Seminole.

Apostolic churches grow in maturity and numbers. Everyone learns how to be an evangelist and a missionary. That’s why house churches flourish, even in Cuba. Bible study, prayer and disciple-making equip the saints (Wesley’s works of piety). The streets become the mission field to meet human need and suffering (Wesley’s works of mercy). The Filipino conference’s mission statement is, "Every church a mission station, every member a missionary."

The Oct. 5 special session of the Florida Annual Conference approved the 2001 budget. Included was $125,000 to launch the Florida Comprehensive Hispanic Plan. A conference Hispanic coordinator will promote the growth of new missions and support the revitalization of current congregations through the training of lay missioners and pastor mentors.

This plan is flexible for all churches.

Bishop Henderson’s challenge of 400,000 members in the Florida Conference will be met and exceeded, if we take the cue from apostolic congregations. The mission field has come home, and it is we. Go Ballistic! Grow Apostolic!