Understanding Four12

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're exploring Four12 for the first time or looking to understand what we believe, we hope these answers and resources provide a helpful starting point.

The apostolic is central to how we understand God's purpose for His church, the role of leadership, and the importance of biblical partnership. These questions explore apostolic ministry, grace gifts, leadership accountability, and how we seek to build according to the New Testament pattern.

We are committed to building on the foundation of Scripture. These questions explore Four12's theological convictions, our response to contemporary movements and teachings, and how we seek to exercise biblical discernment in an ever-changing culture.

We believe Jesus is building His church, and healthy churches reflect His character, mission, and purpose. These questions explore discipleship, the work of the Holy Spirit, the role of every believer, and the biblical principles that help churches grow in health.

Four12 is a global family of churches partnering together to strengthen churches, equip leaders, and advance God's Kingdom. These questions explain who we are, how partnership works, and the vision and values that unite us.

Four12 believes that Christ gives leadership gifts to His church to equip believers and build healthy churches. We understand apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as grace gifts given by God for the strengthening and maturity of the church, rather than positions of status or authority.

For a fuller explanation of how Four12 understands grace gifts and ministry offices, we recommend reading the article below.

Offices & Grace Gifts Offices & Grace Gifts Michael d'Offay looks at the leadership roles mentioned in Scripture and how offices differ from grace gifts.

Among other things, the apostolic brings us into the big vision of God, and we begin to see that not only are we impacting our neighbourhoods, but we begin to come into God's vision for the nations of the world!

Explore the resources below to dig deeper.

The Role of the Apostolic The Role of the Apostolic Andrew Selley brings clarity to the role of the apostolic in the life of the local church. The Ministry & Role of the Apostle The Ministry & Role of the Apostle A foundational resource on church governance and the role of the apostle in building according to the New Testament pattern.

Those released into the apostolic have an area of authority assigned by the Lord, and they, in turn, work closely with the elders of each local church. While the apostolic breaks open, elders remain responsible for shepherding God’s sheep in His field. Neither is more important than the other, as they work alongside one another to see Jesus’ church healthy and advancing.

Watch this session for more about how elders and apostles work together.

Apostles & Elders Apostles & Elders Andrew Selley explains how the apostolic and elders work together in God's design for building the church.

Four12 believe that healthy leadership must be accompanied by healthy accountability. Rather than authority resting with a single individual, we seek to build according to a New Testament pattern of working in a team, mutual submission, and shared leadership. We believe accountability is most effective when it exists within genuine relationships rather than through distant structures or control, and aim to cultivate a culture where leaders walk in humility, transparency, and mutual submission, recognising that authority in God's Kingdom is given to serve, not to dominate.

For a deeper understanding of how accountability and partnership function within Four12, we recommend watching the Partnering & Mutual Submission messages.

Partnering & Mutual Submission - Part 1 Partnering & Mutual Submission - Part 1 A Four12 video that delves into the heart of forming a godly partnership of churches in mutual submission. Partnering & Mutual Submission - Part 2 Partnering & Mutual Submission - Part 2 How to build healthy church accountability between partners without slipping into control or meaninglessness.

Four12 is built on shared conviction. We hold firm beliefs around Scripture, the nature of Salvation and Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the nature of the church. True partnership requires us to agree on these things. This doesn’t mean we conform in every detail – we navigate differences to build a shared foundation strong enough to bear the weight of walking together.

Watch the short clips below for more.

Our Approach to Theology Our Approach to Theology Mike Davies explains how Four12 navigates theological differences in partnership while keeping shared convictions central. United but Different United but Different Andrew Selley and Jonathan Stanfield discuss how we navigate our differences to build healthy, Christ-centred, and united partnership.

Four12 believes in the ongoing ministry of apostles and the gifts of the Spirit, but we are not part of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). While there may be some similarities in language, we differ significantly in theology, leadership culture, accountability, and our understanding of the church's mission.

Read the full article below.

Four12 Versus the New Apostolic Reformation Four12 Versus the New Apostolic Reformation Comparing Four12 and the New Apostolic Reformation.

Four12 believes that Christians are called to live as salt and light in every area of society, faithfully representing Jesus wherever He has placed them. We encourage believers to serve Christ with integrity and humility in their families, workplaces, communities, and spheres of influence.

While we value godly influence in society, we do not believe the church's primary calling is to take control of cultural institutions or to advance God's Kingdom through political, economic, or social power. We believe Jesus has called His church to make disciples, proclaim the gospel, and build healthy churches.

For a deeper exploration of this topic, read our article on the Seven Mountains Mandate.

The Danger of the Seven Mountains Mandate & Dominionism The Danger of the Seven Mountains Mandate & Dominionism Why the Seven Mountains Mandate and dominionism are unbiblical and a vain pursuit for Christians.

Four12 believes that Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and that the Kingdom continues to advance through the preaching of the gospel, the making of disciples, and the work of the Holy Spirit. While Christians are called to influence society as faithful witnesses, we do not believe the church is commissioned to take dominion over earthly institutions or establish God's Kingdom through political, cultural, or societal control. Our mission remains the mission Jesus gave His church: to make disciples of all nations.

Watch the two-part Be Equipped series for more.

Kingdom Now - Part 1 Kingdom Now - Part 1 An introduction to the Kingdom of God and how God demonstrates the Kingdom through the church today. Kingdom Now - Part 2 Kingdom Now - Part 2 A closer look at what is often called dominion theology and why it matters.

Four12 believes Christians should evaluate every cultural ideology through the lens of Scripture. While concerns about justice, inequality, and human dignity are important, we do not believe Critical Theory or Cultural Marxism provides a biblical framework for understanding identity, sin, reconciliation, or God's solution to human brokenness. We believe true unity and transformation are found in Jesus Christ, who reconciles people to God and to one another through the gospel.

Read the full article on white privilege below.

White Privilege & Cultural Marxism White Privilege & Cultural Marxism A biblical response to cultural Marxism, social justice language, and the question of identity.

Four12 believes that Christians are rooted in Christ and the New Covenant rather than in the observance of Jewish customs, language, or traditions. While understanding the Jewish context of Scripture can be helpful, we do not believe believers are required to adopt Jewish practices or use Hebrew names in order to relate rightly to God. For a deeper exploration of this topic, read our article on the Hebrew Roots Movement.

The Jewish Roots Movement and Its Mistakes The Jewish Roots Movement and Its Mistakes A response to the Jewish Roots movement and the faulty premises that sit beneath it.

Four12 believes church discipline is a loving and biblical process aimed at restoration rather than punishment. When believers persist in unrepentant sin, church leaders have a responsibility to practice church discipline as part of being a healthy church built on New Testament practices. Watch the session below for a fuller explanation of church discipline within the church.

08 Discipline 08 Discipline Andrew Selley unpacks how and why church discipline works as part of healthy church life.

Four12 believes the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but the third Person of the Trinity. He empowers believers, leads the church, reveals Christ, and enables us to live lives that honour God. Learn more in the resources below.

The Person of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 The Person of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 Part one looks at who the Holy Spirit is and what the Bible says about Him. The Person of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 The Person of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 Part two explores His divinity and how Scripture describes our response to Him.

Four12 believes that making disciples is at the heart of Jesus' mission for His church. Discipleship involves helping people follow Christ, grow in maturity, and learn to obey everything He has commanded. We see discipleship as a lifelong journey best lived out in relationship, community, and active participation in the life of the local church. Explore the resources below to learn more about discipleship and spiritual growth.

13 Jesus’ Last Words | Discipleship 13 Jesus’ Last Words | Discipleship What was Jesus' final mandate to us all before He ascended? 15 Non-Negotiable | Discipleship 15 Non-Negotiable | Discipleship If we love God but don't obey Him, can we say we love Him?

Being baptised in water is one of the first unforgettable steps a new follower of Jesus takes. It is a simple step of obedience, yet it is profound in what it represents – an outward act that reflects the inward miracle of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Water baptism reflects how we have broken with the old, sinful life and have been brought into a new, resurrected and hope-filled life.

Read more in this downloadable booklet.

Water Baptism Water Baptism A booklet that helps believers understand the importance of water baptism and answer common questions.

Women bring value and have a role to play as ministers of the Gospel and building up the body of Christ, within the bounds of Scripture. God’s design is for men and women to work alongside each other as a team – fulfilling different roles, but each needing the other to reflect the nature and person of God more fully and accurately.

You can discover more about women and their role in the church in the resources below.

08 The Gift of Women in the Church 08 The Gift of Women in the Church A panel discussion on the value, role, and gift of women in the church. The Complementarian Woman The Complementarian Woman An article exploring the complementarian view and the criticisms often directed at it.

Four12 believes that both Old Testament and New Testament prophecy originate from the same Holy Spirit, but that the role and function of prophecy changed with the coming of the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, prophets often served as God's authoritative mouthpieces to His people. In the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is made available more broadly through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and is intended to strengthen, encourage, and comfort believers while remaining subject to testing and discernment within the church.

We believe prophecy remains an important and valuable gift for the church today, helping believers hear and respond to God's leading. At the same time, New Testament prophecy does not carry the same covenantal authority as Old Testament prophecy and should always be weighed alongside Scripture and within the context of biblical leadership and accountability.

For a more detailed explanation, read our article Old Testament vs New Testament Prophecy or watch the Demystifying Prophecy message.

Old Testament vs New Testament Prophecy Old Testament vs New Testament Prophecy How has the role of the prophet changed in the New Covenant? Demystifying Prophecy Demystifying Prophecy A Bible-based teaching on New Testament prophecy: why it continues today, how it differs from the Old Testament, and how to test it biblically.

Four12 believes that the gifts of the Holy Spirit described in the New Testament remain available and active today. We therefore hold a continuationist position, believing that God continues to work through gifts such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and other spiritual gifts for the strengthening of the church and the advance of the gospel. At the same time, we believe all spiritual gifts should operate in accordance with Scripture, and with humility, accountability, and discernment.

For a more in-depth answer to this question, watch this discussion from the Be Equipped series.

Continuationism or Cessationism? Continuationism or Cessationism? Andrew Selley and Mike Davies discuss cessationism, continuationism, spiritual gifts, prophecy, and if the Holy Spirit’s power is for the church today.

Four12 believes Jesus is building His church and has given us a pattern in Scripture for how it should function. Our desire is to build healthy churches by equipping every believer, fostering authentic discipleship, and remaining dependent on the leading and power of the Holy Spirit. Learn more through the resources below.

We believe healthy things grow. However, our focus is not on numbers for numbers' sake, but on the healthy duplication of life. We prioritise the depth of discipleship and the maturity of believers, knowing that as people are truly transformed by the gospel, the Kingdom will naturally expand.

Most churches are aware of their need to connect with the wider mission of God. The video below explores how churches partnered together in the New Testament.

Building Biblical Partnerships Building Biblical Partnerships Andrew Selley looks at how churches partnered together in the New Testament.

We believe that when the Holy Spirit moves to bring purity, change, power and direction, we need to be flexible to be led by Him. This applies to individual church members as well as leaders. We must aim at all times to be prepared to put our plans aside in favour of His plans.

Practically, this influences every part of our lives as believers, whether we are in a church meeting or not. Our highest goal in everything we do individually or corporately must be to actively seek the leading of the Holy Spirit, who is God.

We believe that the church is the body of Christ and is made up of many different members. Each member is called to fulfil their unique destiny according to their gifts and talents. We hope that through a lifestyle of accountability and unity in the faith, founded in love, each member will "become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13

Four12 started in June 2011 with just 35 people in a room, and a dream to see the church restored to reflect what we see in the New Testament. From the start, churches from the Isle of Man, South Africa and Brazil sensed the Lord leading them to be part of this move of God - this has since grown to over 20 nations and an increasing number of churches all working together to strengthen and restore the body of Christ.

Discover more about Four12.

What is Four12? What is Four12? Andrew Selley explains the journey of Four12 as a movement and what it is about.

Four12 is a partnership of churches led by founder and apostolic leader, Andrew Selley. He is supported by an international team of apostolic leaders that includes Ryan Kingsley, Jonathan Stanfield, and Brad Verreynne, as well as other ministry leaders from across the field.

Learn more about the Four12 Leadership here.

Our Leaders Our Leaders Meet the leaders serving within Four12 partnering churches across the nations.

Partnership begins with knowing who you’re joining. We invite you to explore who Four12 is first: our values, our convictions, and the mission we’re called to. Take your time. Ask questions. This is where partnership begins – knitting hearts and sharing vision.

Learn about partnering.

Partner With Us Partner With Us An overview of how partnership in Four12 begins and what it looks like to walk that journey.

It is impossible to summarise our beliefs better than the outline already provided on our About Us page – see below for the link.

About Us: What We Believe About Us: What We Believe A concise outline of Four12's beliefs and convictions from the About Us page.

We are grateful to partner with churches across a number of nations across the world. You can find out more about our partnering churches, their congregations and where they are located on our partner page.

Find a Partnering Church Find a Partnering Church Locate a congregation near you and explore the churches that are part of Four12.

Four12 is a partnership of churches. We don’t plant churches or employ full-time church planters - those responsibilities belong to the local churches within our partnership. Our encouragement would be to connect with an existing church first, and from within that relationship and covering, move toward planting. We’ve seen that this brings far more support and fruit over the long term.

You can find partnering churches here.

Find a Partnering Church Find a Partnering Church Locate a congregation near you and explore the churches that are part of Four12.

Four12 is a partnership of churches, and our focus is on strengthening and serving local churches through relationship, leadership, and shared ministry. Because of this, we do not generally function as a funding body for external requests or individual needs.

If you would like to understand more about who we are, visit the following page.

Partner With Us Partner With Us An overview of how partnership in Four12 begins and what it looks like to walk that journey.

Four12 is a partnership of local churches walking together in relationship. We want to encourage you to be rooted and serving faithfully in a local church community. The life and health of the local church is central to how we understand ministry and partnership. Should you wish to attend any of our events, please note it is at the individual’s own cost (this includes all costs involved – transport, meals, tickets, visa, accommodation etc.). Where hosting is offered, it is limited to Four12 partnering churches.

No questions match your search.

While these FAQs can offer guidance, we believe many questions are best explored through relationship and conversation and encourage you to connect with a leader within the Four12 field of churches as you continue your journey.