How should Acts 15:38 influence our decisions in ministry partnerships? Setting the Scene: Acts 15:38 “But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.” Barnabas wants to give John Mark another shot; Paul says, “Not yet.” The disagreement becomes sharp enough that the two seasoned missionaries part company. Scripture records the tension without apology, inviting us to weigh our own ministry partnerships just as honestly. Core Principles for Today’s Partnerships • Proven faithfulness matters. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Character outweighs sentiment. Proverbs 25:19 warns, “Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is trust in the unfaithful in time of trouble.” • Past performance is a real data point. Paul didn’t ignore Mark’s earlier desertion (Acts 13:13); he treated it as unresolved risk. • Workability is ministry stewardship. Paul’s concern is not personal hurt but the integrity of the mission (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Decisions can be firm yet loving. Refusing a partnership at this moment did not equal unforgiveness. Balancing Caution with Grace • Failure need not be final. Years later Paul writes, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me” (2 Timothy 4:11). Restoration remained possible. • Give room for growth. Colossians 4:10 shows Mark traveling again—with commendation. A no today can become a yes tomorrow. • Guard hearts from bitterness. Galatians 6:1 calls those who are spiritual to restore a straying brother “in a spirit of gentleness.” • Keep open doors clear. Refusing partnership now should include clarity on what repentance and faithfulness would look like moving forward. Discernment Checklist Based on Acts 15:38 1. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). 2. Assess track record—has this person followed through when ministry got hard? 3. Confirm calling—does the Spirit seem to be directing this person to this work right now? (Acts 13:2). 4. Seek counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Communicate expectations and benchmarks up front (Amos 3:3). 6. Weigh the mission’s stakes—will an unreliable partner jeopardize others? 7. Decide with conviction, then “let your Yes be yes” (Matthew 5:37). 8. Leave space for future reconciliation; document the path back. Managing Disagreement Without Division • Paul and Barnabas disagreed sharply, yet both kept preaching Christ; neither fomented gossip or slander. • Different teams can still serve the same kingdom purpose. Romans 14:19 urges us to “pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” • When conflict arises, aim for face-to-face clarity (Matthew 18:15) rather than triangulated talk. • Honor each other publicly even when you can’t walk together immediately. Putting It Into Practice • Do the homework on potential partners; love demands truthfulness. • Value faithfulness over charisma; a dependable worker multiplies ministry. • When doubts arise, address them early—better a hard conversation now than wounded work later. • If you must say no, speak with grace, outline the way back, and keep your heart ready to receive a restored brother or sister. • Trust the Lord to weave even parted paths into a larger, fruitful tapestry—just as He eventually did with Paul and Mark. |
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