STAR Christian Network
SPIRITUAL COVERING
             Spiritual Covering is a term that is widely employed thorughout the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it means different things to different people. From our perspective, networks are not well positioned to provide effective spiritual covering. That is the responsibility of apostolic overseers. These overseers could function within any of the five-fold offices, but they would be positioned to exercise covering for individuals and ministries.
    From our network's perspective, spiritual covering is developed by the establishment of a relationship between individual ministry leaders and senior apostolic leaders. In his functional role as an apostle, Dr. Byler provides spiritual covering to numerous individuals.  
     Individual ministers who are submitted to his oversight are also affiliated with the network. They become participants in the network because of his position as its primary overseer. However, the network does not have governmental or ecclesiastical authority over them as individuals or as ministries. The relationship of accountability that exists does so between the individual and Dr. Byler.
             Network members who are not under Dr. Byler's spiritual covering must be under the authority and oversight of a qualified and recognized apostolic leader. Participating in the network is a means toward an effectual end; strategically targeted resourcing.
      Spiritual covering is extremely important for Christian leaders. Every leader should have someone to whom they are accountable for the way they exercise the authority God has entrusted to them, and for the way they achieve the responsibilities of their calling. Covering provides a protective barrier against the onslaughts of the enemy. It provides a safe harbor of communication in times of stress and strife. True leaders recognize that they cannot function as peers to those who follow their lead. It is incumbant on them
                                                to maintain a level of insulation between them and their followers. Such a
                                                barrier does not create an exalted status. Rather, it established a hedge of
                                                protection for those followers.
                                                  Still, a leader needs to have a person to whom they can go in times of
                                                crisis and struggle. That individual is the apostolic overseer. He or she will
                                                advocate on behalf of that leader. He or she will stand in the gap, provide
                                                wise counsel and insight, and if necessary give up their own time and
                                                resources to aide the leader in need. A spiritual covering is positioned to
                                                adjudicate in times of conflict between a leader and their followers. More
                                                importantly, a spiritual covering is positioned to encourage, empower,
                                                promote, and establish the leader who is submitted to their oversight.
                                                          Dr. Phil's book Profiles in Protocol provides an in depth understanding
                                                of the relationship between a covering apostle and the minister who is submitted to that leader. Before entering into any phase of five-fold ministry, it would be prudent for individuals to obtain a copy and read it thoroughly.
     No one should enter into a relationship of spiritual covering lightly or hurriedly. Such relationships demand high levels of love and trust. They should never be between individuals who have not first built a bonded friendship and a high level of respect. They should also take into consideration the qualifications, reputation, personality, minsitry style, theological convictions, doctrinal perspectives, and character of both parties. "Can two walk together, unless they be agreed?"  Amos 3:3.
              A covering relationship should be long lived. It will have to weather the storms of life and teh accusations of critics, gossips, and slanderers. It will have to endure the challenges of misunderstanding and ill-advised actions. And it will have to endure the occasional disapproval of followers.
             If all this seems to be disparaging of spiritual covering, rethink that perception. Spiritual covering is so necessary that no leader should function long without it. When you request spiritual covering from Dr. Byler, you will find that he will be as careful in accepting you as a protege as you should be in asking him to be your apostolic leader.
           If you are not a member of STAR, you should first fill out an application to join, either on-line or by sending a hard copy of an application to our office. - P.O. Box 60, Epworth, GA 30541.  Then, you should make personal contact with Dr. Byler to build or to validate the relational process.  We have no formal application for spiritual covering, only a relational connection. Being a part of STAR Christian Network is the beginning point of making that connection a reality.