ing forward numerically as people responded to the Gospel call. Still a different crisis is seen in Acts 16 where two leaders, Paul and Barnabas, find themselves in very serious disagreement. While in some of the other hardships God supernaturally stepped in, here the settling of the dispute results in separation, again bringing about a greater impact for the ministry (16:5). Both men were more great ly used by the Lord in their own areas of service. There is another memorable ex perience when Satan counterfeited God's power. This is recorded in the 19th chapter. There is a super natural intervening so that all the people of the area were filled with fear. This caused a real response of a genuine nature among the popu lace. Each time in Acts when a crisis comes from an internal na ture, the solution is natural. The people did not pray all night wait ing for God to split the heavens with a miracle. They came to grips with the situation and worked out the hardship. Similarly, each time some pressure came from the out side, the answer was supernatural. Studying the subject of church growth, we learn the importance of waiting upon God for that which may need to be done miraculously. At the same time, we are not to insist upon God doing the mircu- lous when we can achieve it natur ally. It may be necessary to take proper organizational steps to in sure the physical and spiritual ma turity of the congregation. Over the years, I have been called into situations that require specific problems to be solved. It is amaz ing to realize again and again that things can readily be handled through proper management with
adequate "job descriptions." It may seem too simple and yet such can bring harmony, peace, and effec tiveness to a local church. God has called us to accomplish His pur poses in this day. We should be willing to apply whatever solution is appropriate to honor Him if we would see His work grow quanti tatively, qualitatively, and organi cally. THE MAKING OF A LEADER One of the problems in our churches today results from the fact that those who have accepted re sponsibilities are not willing to do their jobs in an adequate manner. What kind of service does our Lord have the right to demand? First of all, we are to be instant in season, out of season (II Timothy 4:2). Our ministry should call for diligence rather than slothfulness. Who could possibly work for a better Master and with no higher motive than to glorify the One who died for us? This is true whether we are teach ing Sunday school or serving as the bishop of a denomination. We are called to total dedication and com mitment. How do we become effective leaders? It has been pointed out that "Safety first has been the mot to of the human race for thousands of years, but it has never been the motto of successful leaders." It is a fact that leaders must face dangers and take risks. Problems and perse cutions lurk along the pathway. As one who takes responsibility he must be deligent and disciplined. Luther observed, "Faith without risk is no faith at all." The same is true in directing people. While we need to be sensitive to the needs of others, we are not merely called to places of service in order to fulfill
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