DISAGREEMENT IN MINISTRY

DISAGREEMENT IN MINISTRY

 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”  Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,  but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. —Acts 15:36-41

            Sometimes there is disagreement concerning ministry in the church.  Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement about taking Mark along with them.  Paul recounted how Mark had not continued with them the last time he went along.  He did not want to take him, but Barnabas did.  They were irritated with each other about this and went off in different directions.  Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.  Paul chose Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia.

            This was a serious disagreement about ministry.  Way too many disagreements in the church are over matters that do not really matter.  Oh, they matter to the person who wants people to agree with them, but they do not really matter when it comes down to serving the Lord.  So many times disagreements come from to personal preferences and selfish desires.

            That was not the case here.  It was a sharp disagreement based on who was qualified to serve on this mission.  Barnabas believed Mark should have another opportunity.  Paul did not want to take someone with them who had abandoned the work previously.  This was not a disagreement over the color of the carpet or curtains; it was over service in missions.  Two brothers and friends went their separate ways because of this disagreement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9gHS5_vw8o

            This happens in ministry today as well.  People have different focuses and ideas and people separate over it.  Will that ever change?  Not in this life, but what a joy to look forward to when in Heaven there will be no such disagreements.  Aaaaaah… even so come Lord Jesus.Dear Father help me to be wise according to Your Word in making decision affecting ministry.  May I yield to Your will and ways in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.