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 out on a church planting assignment. We note first the environment that helped make it possible, as they ministered to the Lord, God spoke to them. Godly direction comes through our times of worship. Second, God spoke to the church first. Too often today it seems 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 in a person’s life that is good cause to wait. It will likely save the person and others some heartache. Finally, they were sent only after the church spent more time in fasting and prayer.
Lord, thank You for working among Your people in sending out choice people with the gospel that others might be saved and new churches might be planted where they can be trained to know and serve You. May the local church I attend be prepared to hear Your voice in ministry.
