"..he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" Acts 11:24

A good church starts with good leaders. There simply isn't any substitute
for a good man who is filled with the Spirit and trusts his God.

Leaders must have the gentle servant heart that Barnabus demonstrated.
They must not be self-seeking. They must care, and have learnt exemplary
character. If your leaders do not reflect Jesus to you then there is
something very wrong.

Leaders cannot rely on their own strength. It is vital that they are
dependent on Gods power. It is of note that the writer of acts makes a
point that Barnabus is spirit filled. Thus, despite the arguments of a
cessationist, it would seem that even in bible times it was worth
rematrking on the fact that someone was spirit-filled.

Leadership that learns to surf the wave of the Spirit will not be weary,
but persist. They will enthuse others not just with their own personality
but with the annointing or unction dripping off them. In my view this is
never more important than when preaching.

Faith is a word much misunderstood. Suffice it to say here that faith is
quite simply about a relationship of trust and love with God. Faith is
about prizing God highly and trusting him to do you good and uphold the
honor of his name.

Do you have leaders like this? Is your church part of a group of churches
with leaders like this? Or are you in a group where some of the leaders of
the demonination do not even believe in God?

If you don't have a leader who you can honor and follow as wholeheartedly
as I do my dear pastor Tope, then find yourself another one. When joining
a church the most important question should be am I joining myself to a
good, spirit and faith filled man of God who will care for and direct me as
best he can.

If you don't have such a leader get out as quickly as you can and
immediately begin the search for one. If you have to move to find such a
man of God so be it. I know that right now wild horses wouldn't drag me
away from the church and more particularly the leader God has given me!

Previous posts on churches that change the world
Churches that change the world- Part 1
Churches that are multicultural change the world
Churches characterised by faithfulness to the Lord and steadfast determination change the world
This series is based on a sermon I preached entitled "What kind of churches change the world?" the audio of which is now available.