1. The main qualification for an apostle is pastoral and teaching experience in a church. He must have proved that he has the ability to build a church, by discipling young Christians, and by building strong relationships between believers.
2. An apostle must have the ability to proclaim the gospel. As they are going into a new situation, they will need to be able to preach the gospel. Paul was an effective preacher of the gospel. An apostle has some the skills of the pastor and the evangelist.
3. The ministry of the apostle is confirmed by signs and wonders (1 Cor. 12:12). God immediately confirmed Paul’s ministry as an apostle in Paphos, when he struck a sorcerer blind (Acts 13:6-12).
4. An apostle must have been sent out. A leader is not entitled to the name apostle until he has been gone out to replicate his work.