Where Have All the Leaders Gone?

Introduction

Before Jesus ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God, He told His disciples to wait and pray until they received the Holy Spirit.

Look at the early church’s nominating committee report–they had 11 out of 12 disciples left. 92% of the positions were filled, and the church stood still. Why? Because Jesus does not intend for His church to start or continue a ministry that is not fully staffed by the “called out ones.”

The Crisis of an Absence of Leadership, vv. 121-14

A. Exegesis–God’s exact message

1. The People Gathered–the Eleven, the women and Jesus’s brothers.
2. The Problem–the traitor Judas committed suicide.
3. The Prayer–the early church’s work stood still until the position was filled.

B. Illustration–the missing link on a bicycle chain

C. Application–Divine Truth Practical

The Curse of Abusive Leadership, vv. 15-20

A. Exegesis

1. Divides the church, causing fear
2. Detracts attention away from Christ
3. Deprives (robs people of joy)–Judas was a thief

B. Illustration–abusive telemarketing

C. Application–Human-centered leadership is abusive and is accursed by God.

The Calling of Appointed Leaders, vv. 21-26

A. Exegesis

1. Procedure
   • Began in prayer, v. 14
   • Two who met the requirements were proposed, v. 23
   • The church prayed again and they elected the next apostle, vv. 24-25
2. Prerequisite
   • Apostles, vv. 21-22
     • Present during the ministry of Jesus
     • Witnessed the death and burial of Jesus
     • Witnessed the resurrected body of Jesus
   • Church Leaders
     • Born-again by a spiritual birth
     • Baptized believer
     • Called into service by Christ and/or the church
3. Position–commissioned and put into service

B. Illustration–The Trouble with Answering Machines

1. Some are missing the call because they have turned off the answering machine.
2. Some are monitoring the calls, so they can avoid people and the responsibility for answering.
3. Some are minding the call, and are commended by the Lord. See 1 Timothy 3:13: “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”

C. Application–Jesus saves sinners to serve the Savior.

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