08 Apr Levels of Leadership in Acts 1-7: Part 1
Using the development of leaders as we see it portrayed in Acts 1-7, we’re going to try to define the process that took flawed, weak men—normal kind of guys in many ways, and transformed them into men who fathered the fledgling church to become a force that changed the world.
Part 1: Developing As Leaders in Acts 1-7
Looking at the different steps and levels of leadership, we find there are sequential, non-optional, steps to develop.
Acts 1: Call and Commission
Here we find the apostles preparing for leadership by finding a replacement for Judas and waiting for the promised infilling of the Spirit.
Acts 2: Model and Mentor
Peter stood up before the multitude: he had been empowered by the Spirit; now he was delivering a message/ instruction that demanded a response, a different lifestyle.
Acts 2:46 every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple; breaking bread from house to house…
Acts 3: Train and Teach
This level of leadership involves looking for and using opportunities that God provides to bring instruction.
Acts 3:12 (NLT)
Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd… “
When the lame man was healed outside the temple gate, Peter used the opportunity of God stepping into someone’s life as he addresses the multitude.
Acts 4: Problems and Prayer
The apostles were brought before the religious leaders and threatened. In the midst of the opposition, they were bold in their response and prayed to God with great faith.
Acts 4:24 (NLT)
Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—
After the prayer the building shook!
Acts 4:32 (NLT)
All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had.
Acts 5: Problems and Power
God’s power at work does not mean an absence of problems! In fact, there are more problems because we are involved in a spiritual warfare… there is always spiritual resistance occurring. This chapter records Ananias and Sapphira, apostles in prison, being delivered, beaten, and preaching with power
Acts 5:12 …Many signs and wonders were being done among the people
Acts 6/7: Leaving a Legacy of Leadership
Church leaders (deacons) were developed, enlisted and equipped as a result of problems: practical needs and natural conflict resulted in big problems! The nature of the problems had potential to bring huge conflict to the infant church: Poor Hebrew widows were being preferred over Gentile widows.
These problems were faced with a realization that new leaders were needed to carry on the work! Need was addressed through delegation to other leaders
In fact, Stephen had been raised up to become a 2nd generation leader and an awesome witness…
Acts 6:3 select from among yourselves 7 men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and wisdom