a·pos·to·late 
(ə-pŏstə-lāt′, -lĭt)
(ə-pŏstə-lāt′, -lĭt)n.
1. The office, duties, or mission of an apostle.
2. An association of individuals for the dissemination of a religion or doctrine.
[Late Latin apostolātus, from apostolus, apostle; see APOSTLE.]