How can we apply the principles of Acts 14:23 in our local church? “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 put their trust.” Seeing the Pattern in the First-Century Church - Every congregation, not just regional hubs, received godly leadership. - Leadership was plural—“elders”—avoiding one-man rule (Philippians 1:1). - Selection rested on prayer and fasting, not résumé sorting. - Ultimate confidence was in the Lord’s ongoing care (Matthew 16:18). Principle 1 — Intentional Plural Eldership - Teams of elders/overseers are the consistent New-Testament model (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). - Local application: • Identify multiple qualified men rather than default to a sole pastor. • Structure bylaws around shepherd-elders, not merely corporate trustees. • Encourage shared preaching, counseling, and decision-making. Principle 2 — Qualifications Before Charisma - 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 reveal God’s requirements. - Local application: • Use those passages as the interview checklist. • Look for proven character in home, work, and community. • Provide mentoring for men who show potential but need seasoning. Principle 3 — Prayer and Fasting Drive the Process - Paul and Barnabas sought divine direction before announcing appointments. - Local application: • Set congregational days of prayer and fasting when elder needs arise. • Invite the body to pray through candidate names rather than vote on popularity. • Announce decisions only after sustained corporate petition (Acts 13:2-3). Principle 4 — Trusting the Lord with His Church - After appointments, “they committed them to the Lord.” - Local application: • Publicly lay hands on new elders (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14). • Remind the church that Christ remains the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). • Schedule annual elder retreats centered on Scripture and prayer to reaffirm dependence on Him. A Practical Roadmap for Today 1. Teach a brief sermon series on biblical eldership. 2. Form a temporary discernment team that models prayer and fasting. 3. Compile names of men already reflecting 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. 4. Spend months observing, interviewing, and mentoring. 5. Call the church to a corporate fast, then publicly recognize and lay hands on those affirmed. 6. Establish rhythms of shared teaching, shepherding visits, and mutual accountability. 7. Review the process periodically to stay faithful to Scripture. Blessings That Follow Obedience - Sound doctrine safeguarded (Acts 20:28-30). - Discipleship multiplied (Ephesians 4:11-13). - Unity strengthened through shared leadership (Proverbs 11:14). - A compelling witness to outsiders who see a well-ordered church (1 Timothy 3:7). |
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