Read Acts 13 – 14
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3 KJV
Acts 13 contains the first instance of God directing a local church to send two of its members on a church planting assignment. We note first the environment that helped make this possible. As they ministered to the Lord, God spoke to them. Godly direction comes through our times of worship. Worship is not about us, it is about God. Too much worship today is man-centered, not God-centered, and keeps us from hearing God’s voice. Second, God spoke to the church first. Too often the local church is the last to know when someone feels called to ministry. God works through local churches. If a church fails to recognize God’s call that is good cause to wait. It will save the person and others heartache. Finally, they were sent only after more time in fasting and prayer. Both acknowledge our dependence on God, and are necessary for a God-prospered ministry.
Lord, thank you for working among your people in sending out choice servants with the gospel that others might be saved and new churches planted where they can be trained to know and serve you. May local churches today continue to hear your voice in ministry!
A question to ponder: It seems like very few are being sent out from churches in full-time ministry today, if so, what might be some reasons for this?
