Leaders Come and Leaders Go!
Introduction:
Background to Antioch
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:19-21
Personnel in Antioch
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (vs. 22-24)
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. V. 25
Important considerations for us this morning.
- We can trust that God is at work in the selection of leaders.
- We can trust that God calls particular leaders to serve His people during particular seasons in the life of the church.
- We can trust that God works through human systems and processes in the selection of pastoral leaders.
- We can trust that God has the best interest of the church in mind when leaders are sent to churches.
Distinctive doctrine = Sovereignty.
Genius of an appointments system.
- An appointments system is designed to place the right candidate for the unique context of every church.
- An appointments system is designed to ensure that the interests of many churches are kept in focus and not just the interest of a single church.
Scripture:
In the church in Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius Manaen and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
The ironies in this story.
- Saul’s hatred of the church became the catalyst for the formation of a new church in Antioch.
- Saul become a key player in this new church’s strengthening and growth.
- Despite the value of their leadership to the church, Barnabas and Saul were being reappointed because “the Holy Spirit said”.
They placed their hands on them and sent them off. (v. 3)
Conclusion:
We can trust that the Sovereign Spirit of God knows, cares and provides for His Church!