Week 10: Leadership in a time of change

Day 64: Leadership Lesson 1

Today’s Big Idea: You aren’t the only leader

Key Verse: Acts 13:2

Passage of the day: Acts 13:1-13

Thoughts to consider: The apostle Paul didn’t begin as the apostle Paul. He began as Saul and as the traveling companion of Barnabas. One of the greatest of the early disciples, Barnabas took Saul under his wing and mentored him. What is commonly called Paul’s first missionary journey was actually Barnabas’ missionary journey, with Paul as his companion (Acts 13:1-3). But not long after they began, Paul’s ministry became so effective that Barnabas stepped aside to let Paul lead. It’s subtle, but the order of names in that culture is important. Notice the change from “Barnabas and Saul” to “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 13:42). Few people ever step back and encourage the leadership of others. Especially in the church. But that is what Barnabas did. He recognized the ability and effectiveness of Paul and allowed his leadership to thrive. That is what we should be willing to do when we recognize that our leadership roles are all under Christ’s authority, anyway. Not everyone is a leader, and that goes both ways. There are those who lead who shouldn’t and those who serve that need to be leading. Are we willing to serve or lead whenever and wherever Jesus asks? Is it time for you to step into leadership? Or possibly even step out so others can assume the leadership position they are called too?