Day 13: Appointing Elders

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch of Syria

21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Acts 14:21-23

As the gospel is preached and people respond in faith, churches are formed and strengthened. Yet for a church to remain healthy, it must have godly leadership. Just as a child moves from simple learning to deeper understanding, a growing church requires mature leaders who can guide, protect, and nurture God’s people.

When Paul and Barnabas revisited the cities where new disciples had been made, they did something essential. They appointed elders in every church and committed them to the Lord with prayer and fasting. This was not guesswork or a response to charisma. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit Himself calls and appoints overseers in the church. These leaders were recognised by their character and maturity, in line with the qualifications found in Titus and Timothy.

A church may begin with passionate new believers, but passion alone cannot sustain long term growth. Just as classrooms need the right teachers for each stage, the church needs elders who can shepherd the flock, guard sound doctrine, and provide spiritual oversight. Without elders, a church lacks the structure, wisdom, and safeguarding needed to flourish and to reproduce through church planting.

As we pursue the Great Commission, we must also pursue the raising, recognising, and releasing of elders. Healthy churches require healthy leaders. When we invest in developing elders, we build churches that endure, disciple well, and multiply.

Are we praying for and supporting the development of future elders?
Are we willing to submit to and honour the leaders God places over us?

Lord, help us recognise and raise up elders who reflect Your heart. Establish leaders of character, faithfulness, and humility for the strengthening and expansion of Your church. Amen.