September 2004
The Apostles

"Friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task." -Acts 6:3

Sharing Authority

The load had become too heavy. Responsibility over so many things had caused the apostles to become tired and neglectful. Some members of the early church had become frustrated and resentful. Concentrating authority in the few had weakened the many. The time had come to expand and diversify the leadership. In a spirit of prayer, leaders were raised up from within the community. The new leaders felt the hands of blessing for service.

Leadership can surely be demanding. To perform at an optimal level of excellence at all times in an effort to be a truly good steward can exhaust even the most tireless of saints. God forgive us for falling into habits and routines in an effort to manage the workload! God gift us with people of new energy, fresh vision, and unspent zeal! They will challenge our habits and routines by seeing the issues in new ways and asking the crucial questions: Are we mostly doing what is most important most of the time? Does this activity further God's mission for our congregation, or does it simply maintain what we have been? Are we more concerned about the past or the future?

Leaders do not produce followers, but more leaders. They do not hoard authority, but share it. They watch for the gifts for service that the Spirit is stirring up within the community of faith. They see the enthusiasm and passion that others are bringing to the congregation. They rejoice in these gifts and, in a spirit of prayer and blessing, release them for service.

Where are the unused gifts for leadership in the people around you?

Prayer: Stir up among us, O Spirit, people of gifts and energy who see by faith a service that they can give. Make us open to their enthusiasm, and help us embrace their leadership for the sake of the world you love. Amen.