Leading God’s Church

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Average reading time is about 4 and a half minutes

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A wise leader once said, “Success without a successor is failure.” You might disagree at first—but think about it: Any successful enterprise that doesn’t have a plan to continue beyond the working life of its founders may not be successful for very long.

In the business world, companies often take out a “key person” insurance policy to provide cash—and a lot of it—if a top executive dies suddenly. Without that leader, a firm, especially a new one, might falter or even collapse.

The church differs from a business in that we have an Advisor with divine attributes. Throughout the story of the early church, we see again and again the leading and counsel of the Holy Spirit—sometimes telling the church what to do (Acts 13:4) or what not to do (Acts 16:6). The Spirit shepherded and molded the band of Jesus’ disciples into a leadership team able to manage a growing community, one that would turn the world “upside down” (Acts 17:6).

Such heavenly direction was not based on nebulous impressions or fickle feelings. The Spirit specifically guided the church. Simeon was told “by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). After receiving a vision, Peter was told by the Spirit, “Three men are seeking you” (Acts 10:19). Some disciples “told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4).

Instead of looking to fallible human beings, prudent leaders of God’s church will seek the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their deliberations. They will pray for help, and listen for the “still, small voice” of direction, which Jesus promised would be given.

Apply It:
When your congregation is trying to decide on a course of action, encourage those making the decision to seek the Holy Sprit’s wisdom.

Dig Deeper:
Acts 13:1–4; Acts 16:6, 7; Acts 20:28

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"

Acts 15:28

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AF Daily Devotional

Leading God’s Church