Organizational Development: Prevention & Response, Part 3

In Acts 15, the apostles and elders had to resolve a dispute concerning the application of cultural practices in the early church. Four principles for us to consider emerge from this text:

First, is PERSPECTIVE based on Acts 15:3-4. God was evidently doing a great work through missionaries Paul and Barnabas resulting in great joy among all believers. In any dispute, we need to cultivate a clear understanding of the “big picture”—what God desires for his people.

Second, is DISCERNMENT based on Acts 15:5-12. Being honest about our heart motivations and conforming to God’s perspectives can happen as we ask several questions:

• What serves the people of God as a whole (vs. personal interest)?
• What is Jesus’ priority above all others?
• What is the best use of our limited resources?
• How might we think, act, or behave more like Christ?
• Have we listened carefully and fairly with humility?
• Have we loved our brothers and sisters as God loves them?
• Are we spiritually blinded by self-concerns?

Third, is LEADERSHIP based on the apostles’ and elders’ response. They recognized that a solution had to be biblical, sacrificing personal preferences for the good of everyone. Leaders do not discriminate. Neither do they stall on making decisions and moving forward.

Fourth, is RESPONDING BIBLICALLY based on Acts 15:11, 16-18. Having more to do with the entire organization, it involves confessing our wrongs one to another, forgiving without reservation, and embracing those we once considered our enemies.

[Next week we will look at implementing leadership development in an organization.]