Get Your Pretense On!

Chapter 5: Represent Strong! • 109

In this chapter I will give you a flyover of the principle, and why I think it is critical to understand as we seek to get our pretense on regarding our identity and place in God’s kingdom plan. We will first seek to understand the definition of representation, then follow the dynamics of representation, learn how to persevere through the difficulties of representation, and finally see what is involved in adopting the demeanor of representation. Understanding the Definition of Representation Representation, as a concept understood broadly, relates to the idea of someone standing in the place of another, to further their purposes and interests. Here is a working (although dry and formal) definition of representation: To represent another is to be selected to stand in the place of another, and thereby fulfill the assigned duties, exercise the rights and serve as deputy for, as well as to speak and act with another’s authority on behalf of their interests and reputation. 18 Representation is essentially the process of commissioning, empowering, and assessing an agent to act on the behalf of a sending authority, under specific guidelines for specific results. From the beginning of my studies on representation, I have been able to see a correlation between representation and virtually every category of missional representation mentioned in the Bible. Let’s illustrate this principle in several biblical roles and responsibilities.

Apostles, Evangelists, and Ambassadors as Representatives of Another

The term apostolos (rendered apostle) could be referred to as “one who is sent out by another,” (cf. Acts 1.2, 26; 6.2; 8.1; 14.4, 14; cf. 1 Cor. 12.28-29). Apostles are not volunteers – they are called by selection to represent the sender (Rom. 1.1; Acts 1.25;