What steps can we take to ensure our church is led by the Spirit? Setting the scene Acts 1:15: “In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said…” • The first church family is together—waiting, worshiping, and listening for the next move of God. • Jesus has just promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). • Their posture in verse 15 offers a blueprint for any church that longs to be Spirit-led. Step 1: Gather with one accord • They met “together” (Acts 1:15). Unity invites the Spirit’s fullness (Psalm 133:1–3). • Guard against factions (1 Corinthians 1:10). Agree on the essentials, show grace on the non-essentials, love in all things. Step 2: Center everything on Scripture • Peter’s very first act is to open the Scriptures (Acts 1:16–20). • A Spirit-led church lets the Word set the agenda (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Measure every song, sermon, plan, and policy by the text—not by trends. Step 3: Pray persistently and corporately • Acts 1:14: “All these were together, constantly devoted to prayer.” • Corporate prayer aligns hearts and tunes ears to the Spirit’s voice (Matthew 18:19–20). • Set regular times for whole-church prayer; weave prayer into every meeting. Step 4: Choose Spirit-qualified leaders • Acts 1:21–22 lays out clear, biblical criteria before choosing a replacement for Judas. • Leadership grounded in character and calling releases Spirit authority (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). • Look for people who already “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). Step 5: Wait on the Spirit’s timing, not ours • The 120 waited in Jerusalem until the Spirit came (Acts 1:4–5). • Impatience births plans that lack power; waiting births power that shapes plans (Isaiah 40:31). • Pause important decisions long enough to pray, fast, and gain collective peace (Colossians 3:15). Step 6: Keep hearts prepared for power • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Refuse to “quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) by harboring bitterness, jealousy, or unbelief. • Stay filled daily: “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)—continual surrender, continual filling. Putting it all together • Come together in unity. • Anchor every gathering in God’s Word. • Pray until you hear direction. • Appoint biblically qualified leaders. • Wait for the Spirit’s “yes.” • Live repentant, open, and expectant. Following the simple rhythm modeled in Acts 1:15 positions any congregation to experience ongoing, unmistakable, Spirit-led life and mission. |
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