A Case Study in Church Leadership and Accountability

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 36-37
NT: Acts 21
W&W: Proverbs 29

Today’s Reflection:

Since the earliest days of The Church, there has been a tension between two seemingly incongruous approaches to Christian accountability: Spirit-endued leadership versus organizational structure. Acts 21 provides a historical case study to help us join these approaches.

Paul and his fellow missionaries had traveled throughout the region sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had been led by the Spirit in their:

• Calling to the work
• Inspiration for the work
• Power in the work
• Results of the work

It was truly Spirit-led work.

When the missionary band led by Paul arrived at Jerusalem, however, they reported in detail to “headquarters.” The context of Acts 21 and of the entire book of Acts leads us to believe that the report given was more than just a sharing of their story, but an actual recognition of their accountability to the greater Church. They recognized the organizational structure of the church and honored it as God-ordained.

For their part, the leaders:

• Rejoiced with the missionaries (implied, not stated)
• Praised God for the work done
• Provided further direction to the missionaries
• Reminded and taught the missionaries and others present what had been earlier decided by the church leadership.

So, there was balance between being Spirit-led and organizationally accountable. Are we willing today to seek that same balance?

Have a great Wednesday!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.7-8: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.