Day 10: A Sending Church
SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING
A Sending Church
Written By: Ashley Gabriel
Barnabas and Saul Are Commissioned
13 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”[a]), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas[b]), and Saul. 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.
Acts 13:1-3
13 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”[a]), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas[b]), and Saul. 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.
Acts 13:1-3
Since 2020 we have received several prophetic words about planting churches. The thought of sending people naturally raises questions. Who will go? How will we manage here? What will the future look like? Yet, like the church in Antioch, we are called to trust the leading of the Holy Spirit and discern His voice through fasting and prayer.
The believers who were scattered and later gathered in Antioch formed a diverse and vibrant church. It grew significantly and was marked by strong leaders including apostles, prophets, and teachers. Antioch could have become insular, holding tightly to its gifted people. Instead, through prayer and fasting, they obeyed the Holy Spirit and released two of their strongest leaders, Paul and Barnabas. Their obedience led to new churches being planted and the gospel spreading across the known world.
Paul and Barnabas were not self appointed. They were sent by the church. The will of God was discerned in community. At times individuals feel called to plant churches or join new works, yet their sense of calling is not affirmed by spiritual leadership. Scripture shows that we are meant to be sent ones, not went ones. Some are called to go and others are called to remain, but all of us are called to obey the Holy Spirit.
Antioch reminds us that the mission of God reaches beyond our local context. We are called to disciple nations and release people to take the gospel where we cannot go ourselves. Jesus said, As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. A sending church invests, equips, and releases disciples for the Great Commission.
When we release people in obedience to God’s call, the gospel multiplies and lives are transformed.
The believers who were scattered and later gathered in Antioch formed a diverse and vibrant church. It grew significantly and was marked by strong leaders including apostles, prophets, and teachers. Antioch could have become insular, holding tightly to its gifted people. Instead, through prayer and fasting, they obeyed the Holy Spirit and released two of their strongest leaders, Paul and Barnabas. Their obedience led to new churches being planted and the gospel spreading across the known world.
Paul and Barnabas were not self appointed. They were sent by the church. The will of God was discerned in community. At times individuals feel called to plant churches or join new works, yet their sense of calling is not affirmed by spiritual leadership. Scripture shows that we are meant to be sent ones, not went ones. Some are called to go and others are called to remain, but all of us are called to obey the Holy Spirit.
Antioch reminds us that the mission of God reaches beyond our local context. We are called to disciple nations and release people to take the gospel where we cannot go ourselves. Jesus said, As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. A sending church invests, equips, and releases disciples for the Great Commission.
When we release people in obedience to God’s call, the gospel multiplies and lives are transformed.
Reflect
Are we ready as a church to send leaders and members to advance the gospel?
Are you personally ready to be sent if the Lord is calling you?
Are you personally ready to be sent if the Lord is calling you?
Prayer
Lord, shape us into a true sending church. Give us courage to release those You are calling and prepare our hearts to obey. May we joyfully participate in the Great Commission and see the gospel multiply through our obedience. Amen.
Posted in SENT: 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting