BOLD LEADERSHIP
The early church needed bold leadership to lead the church through adversity, and it still needs it today. Leadership is essential.
- GODLY LEADERSHIP MUST BE HOLY SPIRIT-EMPOWERED. Acts 2
- The Disciples at Pentecost
- Bold leadership begins with spiritual empowerment, not human strength.
- Leaders must seek the Spirit’s guidance and power to face challenges and ignite growth.
- GODLY LEADERSHIP HAS TO HAVE COURAGE IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION (Acts 4 and 5)
17 The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” Acts 5:17-20 NLT
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” Acts 5:26-32 NLT
- Peter and John are arrested for preaching Jesus.
- Bold leaders speak the truth even when threatened. They obey God, not man.
- GODLY LEADERSHIP SEEKS WISDOM IN CONFLICT (Acts 5 and 6)
- Ananias and Sapphira, sold some property and lied, then died.
- Dispute over food distribution to widows.
- Leaders must handle internal conflict according to scripture.
- Growth often brings growing pains and whining.
- GODLY LEADERSHIP REMAINS FAITHFUL EVEN IN SUFFERING (Acts 7 and 8)
- “The Blood of the martyr is the seed of the Church.” Suffering often precedes revival.
- “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. Jim Elliot
1b …A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Acts 8:1b-4 NLT
- What looks like a setback can be a setup for multiplication.
- God uses adversity to advance His mission. Strategic scattering can lead to exponential growth.
- GODLY LEADERSHIP WILL ALWAYS WANT TO REACH MORE PEOPLE FAR FROM GOD. (Acts 10-14)
- Peter and Cornelius – the gospel comes to the Gentiles.
- Bold leaders break cultural and racial barriers to reach new people.
- We as churches want to be senders not hoarders.
2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. 4a So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit... Acts 13:2-4a NLT
- That’s why we are opening a Pine Level campus.
- That’s why we support church planters.
- We will always want to reach one more for God’s Kingdom!
