Rev Dr. Michel Faulkner and Rev Doug Tunney Elevated to Apostle

Philadelphia Council of Clergy Announces the Elevation of Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner and Rev. Doug Tunney to the Office of Apostle

The Philadelphia Council of Clergy Global formally announces the elevation of Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner and Rev. Doug Tunney to the sacred office of Apostle. This recognition reflects a season of tested leadership, proven fruitfulness, and faithful service to the Church of Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and internationally. The decision to affirm this apostolic calling is rooted not in title, but in theology and

biblical pattern. In Ephesians 4:11–12, the Apostle Paul teaches that Christ “gave some to be apostles… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The office of apostle is not merely ceremonial; it is functional. Apostolic leadership exists to strengthen, plant, align, and mature the Church so that every believer is mobilized for Kingdom work.

Throughout the New Testament, apostles were recognized by, their pioneering spirit, and their commitment to establishing healthy, reproducing churches (Acts 13:2–3; 1 Corinthians 9:2). Apostolic ministry is marked by doctrinal clarity, spiritual fatherhood, church planting, leadership development, and the safeguarding of gospel integrity. It is both foundational and catalytic.

Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner has served in pastoral and ministry leadership for more than four decades, demonstrating a consistent commitment to disciple-making, theological education, community transformation, and the advancement of biblically grounded house church movements. His leadership within the Philadelphia Council of Clergy Global and his ongoing efforts to equip leaders for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting reflect the very pattern of apostolic function described in Scripture—laying foundations, strengthening leaders, and calling the Church back to first principles.

Rev. Doug Tunney’s ministry has consistently embodied apostolic characteristics,

evident through his leadership in missions mobilization, evangelistic outreach, church planting initiatives, and international training efforts. He has served as a catalyst leader for Youth With A Mission (YWAM) bases in Pittsburgh, Boston, and Philadelphia, and has worked with the Billy Graham Evangelist Association for more than ten years, fostering the development of indigenous leaders and training pastors in accordance with Paul’s charge to entrust truth “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

The Council affirms that the office of apostle today does not add to Scripture nor rival the authority of the original Twelve and Paul, whose foundational role in redemptive history remains unique (Ephesians 2:20). Rather, this recognition acknowledges a contemporary, functional expression of apostolic ministry—those whom God raises up to extend, align, and strengthen the Church under the lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word. In an era marked by fragmentation, institutional fatigue, and cultural confusion, the Church requires leaders who operate with spiritual oversight, doctrinal steadiness, and missionary urgency. The elevation of Rev. Dr. Faulkner and Rev. Tunney signals the Council’s commitment to advancing a New Testament pattern of church multiplication, leadership development, and Kingdom collaboration.

The Philadelphia Council of Clergy remains devoted to equipping ministers, credentialing leaders, fostering unity, and advancing gospel-centered transformation throughout Philadelphia and beyond.