February 12, 2020

“After they had completed their relief mission, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, taking along John who was called Mark.” – Acts 12:25

I spent most of my day today meeting with other pastors to discuss how we can work together. We want to support one another, help struggling churches, and plant new churches. Ultimately, we want to do all we can to make sure our community hears the good news about Jesus Christ. As we discussed the different roadblocks that stand in our way, you may think things like finances or facilities or opposition would be our biggest concern. However, the one thing hindering our effectiveness more than anything else is a lack of leadership. In fact, there are a multitude of resources and opportunities available. There is just no one to do the work. We realized that, for the most part, we have a done a poor job of raising up the next generation. In a lot of ways, we have failed at discipleship.

If we look at the Apostle Paul, the most important missionary and church planter in history, we notice a recurring theme throughout all his ministry; there was always someone working alongside him. As he traveled from town to town, as he preached, as he wrote letters, and even as he sat in prison, there was always someone by his side – Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Mark – someone was always there. Being discipled and discipling others was not something Paul did, it was integral to everything he did. So, if we are lacking in leadership in the church today, it is because we are failing to bring others with us. When you walk through life – serving at your church, witnessing at work, living out your faith in the world – do you bring someone with you? Take a moment today and ask yourself, “who?” Who is it that God would have you bring alongside you? The work we do for Christ should never be done alone.

Lord lead us to those who can both disciple us and be discipled by us. Give us the wisdom to lead lives of discipleship.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon