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Sheep Can Shepherd, Too!

There is a powerful situation that takes place in the book of Acts. 

It says in Acts 6:3-6, “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

Did you notice that the leaders of the early Church placed the responsibility for finding leadership on the “community of the disciples”? (Acts 6:2) That’s you! That’s us! We need to be on the lookout for those who would make good leaders in the Church.

Have you ever heard of such a thing? Well, in fairness, this task was new for the early Christians, too. Before they were Christians, most were born into Jewish traditions. In their faith as Jews, they never had to take this responsibility.

It had always been the law for Jewish priests and Levites to take all these leadership roles because they were born into their positions. However, it was different for those now called “Christians.” The apostles were called and chosen by Jesus Himself.

The early Church, however, called the lay people to raise up future leaders from “among their own number” (Acts 6:3). The same is true for us today! We must look around us and take note of those who show potential for leadership….leading, teaching, mentoring and yes, recruiting.

Our Pastors, Superintendents and Bishops today cannot possibly know each person who may hear a call to serve and hold one of the various opportunities for leadership in the Church. They depend on each one of us to do our part in building up the Church. 

We can do this by:

  • Asking God to reveal to us and lead us to those “deeply spiritual and prudent” men and women (Acts 6:3),
  • Literally going to these people to point out their gifts. Be bold! Tell them what you have observed and see in them!
  • Encouraging (Hebrews 10:25) them! Take time to pray for them and with them!
  • Discipling them to be more “spiritual” (Acts 6:3), Teach them. Show them!
  • Bring these people to the Church leaders attention by offering to introduce them to the pastor or other program directors! How about paying for them to go on retreats and to seminars or other training classes?
  • Keep on making disciples (Matthew 28:19)

We need people, just like you, to be on the look-out for those exhibiting potential and to provide opportunities to empower them for service! Yes, sheep can actually shepherd other sheep! You can never lose by investing yourself, time, and resources into another soul for the mission of the Church. The leaders of the Church depend on you. So, “Look around” (Acts 6:3) and see who you can encourage and mentor to become more involved in the Church.

 

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