Recruit Helpers . . .

"Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:25-26 NKJ)

I wonder how much salary Saul of Tarsus asked for when Barnabas offered him a position as Teaching Pastor at Antioch. Good things were happening at the Antioch Church of God and Barnabas knew he needed expert help to teach and train the new believers how to be disciples.

So Barnabas went looking for the best help available and he knew just where to look. From childhood onward, Saul of Tarsus had studied at Jerusalem with Rabbi Gamaliel, the foremost theologian of their day. If he could get Saul to come to Antioch, it would be a huge blessing to the Church.

I wonder how difficult it was for Barnabas to recruit Saul. What stories did he tell about the Antioch church? How did he inspire Saul? What incentives did he use? Did he simply relate his problem and ask Saul to come on board? Did Saul resist? Did Barnabas have to "sell" Saul on the idea of teaching in Antioch? Did Barnabas share his vision for Antioch?

Over the years I have served smaller congregations. And I am convinced that it is more difficult to serve smaller congregations than larger ones. Why? There are two reasons. Volunteers and finance. Larger congregations have greater pools of volunteers and finance, providing greater opportunities for adequate staff. Smaller congregations are limited in both finance and personnel. In a small congregation, it is difficult  to gain skilled, anointed staff who have a vision for growing a small church.

So what is a pastor to do? A small church deserves good, anointed pastoral ministry just as much as a large church does. I finally decided that if I couldn't get talented people to join me in ministry, then I would recruit and train the people of the congregation. Oops! Isn't that what the pastor is biblically responsible for doing?

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower me to recruit and train others who can both minister and train others in ministry. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Don't be a loner . . . seek help from others.