Acts contains indispensable material
for those who seek to learn the power principles of Christian leadership.
The leadership of the apostles in Acts is some of the most spiritually powerful
the church has ever known. The first century church is the model which we are
or should be following. The leadership models here provide patterns for
effective ministry and service. Applying the lessons for leader given in
Acts will help give today’s Christians leader increased power in
ministry. Couple that with the Great Commission that Jesus instructed the
disciples to carry out so that we are equipped to do battle on a daily basis as
we make every effort to imitate Jesus (Acts 1:1-2 The former account I made,
O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in
which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments
to the apostles whom He had chosen and 1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me,
just as I also imitate Christ).
- Leaders, incorporate these four elements into your congregation’s life: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Acts 2:42-47 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
- Leaders, allow others to share in the work of the ministry. Acts 1-6 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
- Leaders, give prayer a central place in your church life. Acts 12:5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
- Leaders, submit to the Spirit’s guidance when confronting decisions. Call leadership to prayer and fasting in such times. Release freely those appointed and called by the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
- Leaders, remain humble before the Lord and those you serve, giving Him all praise and honor. Acts 14:14-18 NIV But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
- Leaders, personally train young people who are called to ministry. Acts 16:1-6 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
- Leaders, shepherd God’s beloved people over whom He has given you oversight. Diligently guard and care for the flock God has entrusted to you. Acts 20:28-32 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Lastly, I want to include The Great
Commission in Mark 16:15-18 as part of the leadership responsibilities we are
called to do. This was the instructions by Jesus Christ for the disciples
and the disciples after them all the way down to this present age for the
church, ministries, and the individual Christian. Jesus ministry included
everything in the Great Commission and we must carry this out if we are to
imitate Jesus.
Mark 16:15-18
15 And He said to them, “Go into all
the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who
believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name
they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no
means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Talk to any missionary and they will
tell you that The Great Commission is an integral part of their ministry. We
must take seriously what the word of God tells us. It is not an option
and we can’t leave any part of The Great Commission out of the church, so we
must quit compromising the word of God. Put your opinions and thinking
aside if it does not align with God.
Blessings,
Tony Sanchez
Resources: Jack Hayford NKJV study
bible and NIV
