“. . . whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” – Acts 6:3-4
As leaders, it can be easy to become preoccupied with so many necessary things that have to be done. And they need to be done right. The question is, are they the most important things? Are they things that we as leaders have to do ourselves?
Acts 6 finds the Apostles becoming overwhelmed with all the ministry duties they have. These were needful and necessary things, but they were not the most important things. After re-calibrating themselves spiritually they saw the error of their ways and made two things their top priority – prayer and the ministry of the word. The second is more effective when the first is properly in place.
As leaders, there are few things we must do ourselves. But the one undeniable one is prayer. When leaders give themselves to prayer it transmits spiritually into their every decision, every action and every person they come into contact with. The sermons become richer, the spirit more powerful, the counsel wiser and, almost by osmosis, this mantle of prayer and seeking the face of God transmits unto the congregation. It is immeasurable how effective a leader given to prayer is.
Acts 6:4 finds the Apostles saying, “We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Like the original Apostles, leaders today can do no less. When we make prayer a priority, every aspect of our ministry becomes sharper, more powerful and more effective. Recently, Bro. Paul Mooney challenged us at General Conference by saying, “We don’t need any more talent in Pentecost but we could use more character.” I submit unto you we have heard enough fancy sermons and clichés of wisdom. What we need are leaders in every aspect of ministry given to prayer.
Want revival? Want a move of God to radically overwhelm your church? The key may not be in changing exactly what you do but to do it covered in more prayer.
Brian Norman has been in the ministry for 23 years, serving as a Pastor, Church Planter and now as a full-time Evangelist. Phone: 636-544-0627 Website: GlobalEvangelism.org