The Bible on Church, Acts 14a

Acts 14 contains two verses that tell us about the Church. We'll look at each verse individually since they pertain to different aspects. The first has to do with Church leadership. "When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed." Acts 14.23

The Church, as with any other organization, needs leadership. There need to be people that are God centered, Christ focused, and Spirit led to give vision, offer teaching, and equip the body for service. People need leadership, without it there is no order or unity or guidance. Without leadership, or with bad leadership, there is a risk of false teaching and being mislead. Leadership is essential for believers to become like Christ.

But leadership is not something to be taken on lightly, and leadership is not to be given causally. Paul told Timothy, "Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily" (1 Timothy 5.22a). In 1 Timothy 3 Paul gives a list of qualifications that Church leaders must meet. Ministry in the Church of God is a serious undertaking that has great accountability. And because of this Church leadership, above all else, is not be rushed into or taken on half heartily.

We are told in Acts that elders are to be appointed in every church, but it is only after they have been selected through a process of prayer and fasting. Appointing leadership is not a casual process either. It is to be seriously undergone because by selecting a Church leader you are selecting a spiritual head. You are selecting a person who is going to guide you into Christlikeness and help prepare you to serve in the building of the Kingdom.

It's important to note that it says "elders", not elder. This could be used because it says, "every church", but I think the plural is important. I think every church needs leaders. I think there needs to be a team, and therefore accountability. I know that John Eldredge and his ministry, Ransomed Heart, had three men leading it who made all of their decisions together in prayer. If prayer is important in selecting leadership, why would it be any less important for leaders in power? Along with that, ministry is too big for anyone person to undertake alone. There need to be several leaders, with various strengths and passions working together to build the Kingdom.

Once the Church has prayed, fasted, and appointed their leaders, then are to commend them to the Lord. They are to present them to God, they are to entrust them to God, and they are to lift them up continuously to God. Pray doesn't stop once the leader is selected. Prayer must continue for the leaders as they minister to the people. Leaders need the prayers and support of those they lead.

So Church, don't pull names out of a hat when you select your nest pastor. Pastors don't put someone in a ministry role just because it needs to be filled and someone volunteered for the job. Remember that those who put leaders into power share in the responsibility for how they used that power. Don't take any part of leadership lightly. When the Church has strong, Godly leaders, who are supported by committed, Godly followers, watch and see how the Kingdom advances.

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you