How can we ensure our leaders have a strong foundation in Christ's teachings? Setting the Scene: Acts 1:21 “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us”. Why This Verse Matters The earliest believers would not place anyone in leadership who had not walked closely with Jesus. Their standard was personal knowledge of Christ’s life, words, death, and resurrection—nothing less would do. Essential Qualities Drawn from Acts 1:21 • Ongoing companionship with Jesus—“accompanied us the whole time.” • Firsthand experience of His ministry—“when the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.” • Proven faithfulness through seasons of teaching, miracles, opposition, and waiting. Building on the Apostolic Pattern 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 expand the same principle: character and doctrine matter more than charisma. These passages underline that leaders must be: • Above reproach, faithful in marriage, self-controlled. • Able to teach sound doctrine and refute error. • Not lovers of money, but hospitable, gentle, and disciplined. Nurturing a Rock-Solid Foundation Matthew 7:24-25—hearing and doing Jesus’ words builds on the rock. To cultivate leaders who stand firm: • Immerse them in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Require regular, serious study—“rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). • Encourage persistent abiding—“Remain in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4-5). • Expect personal obedience, not mere head knowledge (James 1:22-25). Practical Steps for Churches Today • Start leadership pipelines early: mentor believers who consistently demonstrate hunger for Scripture and humility. • Pair potential leaders with seasoned servants who model Christ-likeness (2 Timothy 2:2). • Evaluate doctrine and life together—regularly reviewing confession of faith and observable conduct. • Guard the laying on of hands: proceed slowly, confirming fruit over time (1 Timothy 5:22). • Foster accountable community where sin is confronted and grace applied (Galatians 6:1-2). Our Shared Responsibility Acts 6:3 shows the congregation selecting men “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Every believer plays a role by: • Praying for discernment. • Measuring candidates against Scriptural standards, not cultural trends. • Encouraging those who exemplify servant leadership (1 Peter 5:2-3). When leaders have genuinely walked with Jesus and continue to build on His unchanging Word, the church gains shepherds who stand firm in every storm—just as the first disciples intended. |
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