How does Acts 14:23 guide us in appointing leaders in the church today? Setting the Scene Acts 14:23: “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.” Key Observations from Acts 14:23 • Leaders were “appointed,” not self-selected. • A plurality of elders—“elders” (plural) “in each church” (singular). • The process was wrapped in “prayer and fasting.” • Final trust rested in “the Lord, in whom they had believed.” Principles for Today’s Selection of Leaders • Divine initiative: leadership is God’s idea (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28). • Congregational affirmation under apostolic guidance: the gathered body recognizes what God is doing (cf. Acts 6:3). • Plural leadership protects from lone-ranger authority and models shared shepherding (cf. 1 Peter 5:1–3). • Spiritual disciplines—prayer and fasting—anchor the process, reminding everyone that competence alone is not enough. • Commitment to God’s care: once appointed, leaders are entrusted “to the Lord,” echoing Proverbs 3:5–6. Practical Steps for Contemporary Churches 1. Identify biblically qualified men (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). 2. Encourage the congregation to observe and affirm emerging elders rather than merely filling vacancies. 3. Schedule seasons of corporate prayer and—where appropriate—fasting before any vote or laying on of hands. 4. Maintain plurality; avoid concentrating authority in a single individual. 5. Publicly commission the new leaders, entrusting them to the Lord before the body (cf. Acts 13:3). 6. Provide ongoing shepherding and accountability among elders, reflecting mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21). Encouragement for Congregations • Trust that Christ, the Chief Shepherd, loves His church enough to supply the right leaders (Ephesians 4:11–13). • Participate actively—praying, fasting, and discerning—so leadership appointments reflect God’s choice, not human politics. • Rejoice in a shared journey: elders shepherd, the flock responds, and together the whole body grows into Christ (Colossians 2:19). |
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