Why do most Christian denominations stay away from the Biblical terms "prophet" and "apostle"?

Question

For example, the Catholics have a hierarchal structure consisting of the Pope, cardinals, (arch)bishops, etc. What happened to the term "apostle" or the term "prophet"?

And, yes, I am well aware of the use of the terms in the LDS Church. As far as I can tell, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only Christian denomination to use the terms apostles and prophets.

Okay, if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn't the only denomination to use the terms, what other denominations use these terms?

Answer 1

I come from a pentecostal background, and Apostles and prophets are both common.
as well as Evangelist, pastors, and teachers.

Answer 2

There are many denominations in Christianity that use the terms 'prophet and apostle'. They refer to the five-fold ministry gifts that God has given the church. A prophet is generally one who speaks for God, for the good of the whole church using the gift of prophecy, or sometimes forth-telling what God will be doing in the days ahead. The Apostle is a strong spiritual leader who, like the early apostles, plants churches, inspires others, who inspires others to a high spiritual standard, and who has strong leadership qualities. They may be a missionary, a denominational leader, Many in the charismatic and pentecostal churches recognize these two positions. Some feel that there are no more apostles today. ?That only the Early church apostles were true apostles, those who had physically been with Jesus. But others believe that men today can have an 'apostolic' anointing on their lives.

Answer 3

Apostles and Prophets have to do with demonstrating the Word of God with power and authority. The ecumenical churches ignore this by stating these "gifts" are not for today. Those that believe this is for today are hard pressed to produce any real examples in this apostate society we live in today. LDS is a cult. They have the sabbath correct but lack in adhering to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Denominations generally stop someplace in Gods plan, not wanting to offend the membership that pays the bills. The Catholics Pope means "vicar of Christ" can you imagine that that man is supposed to be the Word and will of Jesus on the earth today. Bishops are stated in the Bible in the book of Timothy.

Answer 4

Apostle in Christianity is generally regarded as one of the 12 (14 if you count Paul and Matthias). It is also used for prominent Christian missionaries especially one who is responsible for first converting a nation.

The LDS Church, which btw is not a Christian faith, uses it as a term of Office in the administrative council.

Prophet generally refers to the authors of the Prophetic books of the Bible. There is great debate between cessationist and non-cessationists as to whether or not God ended the use of Prophets with Malachi.

Answer 5

Because a prophet is one who speaks for God. A true prophet said exactly what God said. You have to be called by God to be one. There seems to be too many self-proclaimed "prophets" these days. Gotta be careful.

An apostle is one sent on a mission. An apostle has a message and is authorized to act on behalf of the sender. Like Jesus' apostles, taking the message of salvation.

We like to consider ourselves disciples (learner) and apostles (one sent on a mission by God or the Church) but probably use the term missionaries more than the other Christian religions.

Answer 6

Some denominations don't use these terms because they teach that there aren't any apostles or prophets in today's body of Christ. They teach that apostles, such as Paul, and prophets, such as Isaiah, lived while the Bible was being written, and that now that the canon of scripture is complete, there is no longer a need for apostles and prophets.
Are they right? I don't know.

Answer 7

Since the bible has told in 1st corin 13:8 that there will be no prophets and apostles so definetly as we consider bible as the final authority for our claim we should not take these two terms into considerstion since only the prophet would appear in the seven years of tribulation mentioned in revelation chapter 11 onwards and this applies to all including the LDS and all the other churuches

Answer 8

Because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only chruch that follows the exact same pattern that the Lord Himself established when He was here on earth. A chruch without apostles, prohphets, seers, revelators and most importantly REVELATION, may be a chruch, but it's not Christ's chruch!

Answer 9

apostles were directly appointed by Christ, either during his earthly ministry or after, as in st. paul. after the first century the apostles died out, but they appointed bishops as their successors to shepard the people.
christians don't "stay away" from these terms, they just don't apply them to people of today, because no one of today is an apostle or a prophet.
i wouldn't call the latter day saints christians. they don't believe in the trinity as christians do, so therefore they can't be classified as christians.

Answer 10

im not quite sure what you're asking but Christianity uses the words apostles and prophets all the time.... and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn't the only religion to use it so.. sry

Answer 11

I just think that those terms are above what ofices that they gold. It's a credit to them actually. No one dares to call themself a prophet or an Apostle in those churches, God has to make one out of someone. At least those churches have that part right!