Summary: We should follow Paul’s lead and example of starting and sustaining new ministry. Paul’s trust was not in the leaders themselves nor in the quality of his training, yet in the Holy Spirit to carry on this work.
Paul the Apostle was a master multiplier. Paul would arrive at a new town. Through his preaching, people became followers of Jesus. Behold, a new church was born. Paul stayed for a period of time at this church. During that time, Paul sought to develop leaders and structure prior to moving onto the next town. Paul established Elders and Deacons. He did this masterfully. His calling was not to be the main man at that new church. His calling was to build into others, establish stability, move on and do it again.
He did this SO the administration of the Gospel, the church, would carry on and go multiplicatively viral. He was setting it up to function WITHOUT his ongoing touch or presence.
We should follow his lead and example. He started a church and worked tirelessly himself. He then looked for those “faithful few” with character and gifts. He got all the plates spinning, trained others to keep them spinning and set out once again to start something new in a different city. I marvel at Paul’s ability not only to start something and get it going, but to walk away with the purpose of doing it again. I think it is important for me to understand that Paul’s trust was not in the leaders themselves nor in the quality of his training, yet in the Holy Spirit to carry this work.
Can I challenge you today? Do you have trust in the Holy Spirit to work through others or are you scared to let go and allow another person to lead. Paul did not have email and a phone to quickly check in on people he left behind. If he did it, so can you. Pray, right now, for God to birth a spirit of multiplication in you today.