It's funny how we read the Bible sometimes. I am reading Romans 1 & 2 today seeing how much Paul loved, how incredible God's love is for us, how the good news, which we are supposed to be preaching, is about God accepting people. Then there is the part about God's kindness drawing men to himself. I do see the other Spirit-breathed verses, but today I am struck by the goodness of God.

I love the fact that Paul wants to come and impart something spiritual to them. We can argue about the phrase "spiritual gift", but the point remains he wants to come and give them something. In turn he wants to receive something. There is this mutual encouragement that is spoken about. How about that. When we get together, give something away to encourage and be ready and even expect to receive something.

I am concerned that we have created a gathering of receive something rather than give something in the church today. As a pastor I want to give something, and I really don't expect to receive anything. I think my thinking is not well thought through. Why not? Why not create a culture that any given gathering, you walk away blessed, encouraged, prayed for or built up. I'm all in for that!

About ten or so years ago, maybe more, there was much said about the five-fold ministries. The church model had become a Moses model. The pastor was put in the number one spot and expected to lead as Moses lead. However we see in the New Testament a different model. One of shared leadership. The pastor is still vitally important but others are important as well. We get a glimpse of that here in Acts 13.

Acts 13:1–2 (NIV84) — 1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

There is within pastors the desire to be the solo helmsman. It is easier. They want to be the one to make the final decisions for the church. There is something to be said for that, but here the pastor is absent and the prophets and teachers are center stage. I guess you could look at this passage differently but the Lord spoke to me today and told me how much I needed the prophets and teachers. Only one person can actually move the rudder of a ship. It is a silly picture to have 5 people on the wheel. However there are other important jobs like navigation, engineering, even managing the crew. I think of prophets like navigators. They are vital to go in the right direction towards your destination. Navigators arise! Captains, listen to your navigator!

There is another key in this passage. They were gathered. Worshipping. Fasting. Listening for the Holy Spirit's directions. There was no power struggle. Just a desire to see God's will done. I think they knew that was the best way to see God's Kingdom come.