What does "God had called us" teach about communal discernment in ministry? The Verse in Focus “After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” – Acts 16:10 What Stands Out in the Phrase “God had called us” • Corporate language—“us,” not “me” • Calling discerned together after a shared process of listening • Immediate obedience once consensus was reached How Communal Discernment Unfolds in Acts 16 1. Vision given to one (Paul) 2. Vision weighed by the whole traveling team (“we…concluding”) 3. Unified agreement that the direction was from God 4. Collective, swift action in response (“got ready at once”) Key Principles for Ministry Teams Today • God often initiates direction through an individual but confirms it through the body • Shared evaluation guards against personal bias (Proverbs 11:14) • Consensus should lead to decisive, unified steps of faith • The language we use matters—speak in “we” and “us,” reinforcing mutual responsibility Practical Steps Toward Discernment • Gather around the Word and prayer (Acts 13:2) • Listen actively to each member’s insights • Test impressions against Scripture and known mission (1 John 4:1) • Wait for a settled, mutual conviction before moving forward (Matthew 18:19-20) Additional Scriptural Echoes • Acts 13:2 – “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – Different gifts, same Spirit, for the common good • Philippians 1:27 – “Stand firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith of the gospel” Encouragement for Modern Ministry • Speak and act as a unified body: “God has called us.” • Trust that collective discernment, anchored in Scripture, leads to confident, Spirit-led mission. |
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