Acts 14: 21{Barnabas and Saul} preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith… 23 {The apostles} appointed eldersfor them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
On their first missionary trip, the apostles did not map out a plan in each town to develop individualized spiritual asceticism. Instead, Paul and Barnabus, with clarity of purpose established living communities of Christ followers who worshiped Jesus and lived full of the Spirit. Once they had some converts, they formed them into a church. Soon thereafter, the apostles established leaders in each locale. Most of those leaders maintained a trade or continued operating a business while helping lead their local church. Whatever their mechanism to support their family, the elders had what it took (vocationally and spiritually) to lead in the local church and stay true to the mission.
The elders of v 23 had very short timelines on their personal maturity when appointed to leadership in their local churches. The apostles worked with what the Lord provided for them at that time, i.e. young-in-the-faith converts. Nevertheless, what these elders lacked in spiritual age, they made up for with sound theology, praxis in prayer and fasting, and the bolstering confidence of their apostolic leaders. With these elements intact, a local church, an individual, a married couple, or an educational institution established to support the local church will have what it takes to stay on mission and advance the hope and love of Jesus.
At 70 years young, our alma mater shows ongoing dedication to the same apostolic commitments that established it seven decades ago. EU leadership still leans on the Holy Spirit to produce future-ready leaders that make a Kingdom impact on their career field and simultaneously make great leaders in their local churches.
Whether an alum in your 20’s, 90’s, or somewhere in between, we still have what it takes to serve the purposes of Jesus in this generation. If we maintain sound theology, steadiness in prayer and fasting, and if we live aware that our King has confidence in us, then we can dream and work at a pace He will sustain until we’ve fully served our purpose. AGTS, CBC, EU alums, like the Acts 14 elders, you have what it takes. Believe Him.
If you have a dream in your heart awaiting activation and would like our EU family to pray for you in that regard, please share it with me via email. We will intercede for you.