The church at Antioch had several prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon, also called Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen, who was Herod’s close friend, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them.” Everyone prayed and went without eating for a while longer. Next, they placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul to show that they had been appointed to do this work. Then everyone sent them on their way.

Acts 13:1-3 (CEV)

 

Community is not a noun but a verb.

It involves all of us forming friendships, fostering good fellowship, and focusing our passion and energies to live fully as God's own people. Both Barnabas and Paul were leaders in the church of Antioch, but the larger leadership saw that God was calling them to accomplish something extraordinary for God’s Kingdom.

Consider what these leaders did as a group. They fasted and prayed, then placed their hands on the two men, releasing them from their church work and sending them out into the world. They not only backed God's call in their lives, but they also continuously supported them in their ministry work. Practical empowerment occurs when the community confidently stands behind people who are willing to follow God's leading.

The opposite of empowerment is a refusal to release people to their God-given purpose and mission. It is about holding people back for selfish motives rather than moving them forward to advance the Kingdom of God. Imagine the selfish ripple effect and real repercussions on the Christian church back then and our lives now if Barnabas and Paul were kept from obeying God by their church leaders.

When we empower one another, we form a stronger and healthier community. It is about supporting one another to hear and follow God's call and mission. This naturally leads to our readiness to contribute and support one another. When we learn to be generous and to put others ahead of ourselves, God will do the same for us when it is our time to step up and step out.