Overview:
Behind every valuable mentor and spiritual leader stands another believer offering support and guidance. After years of Saul living in solitude and obscurity, Barnabas came knocking on Saul’s door and invited his friend on a great ministry adventure. Listen in as Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the joy, harmony, and excitement of Barnabas and Saul’s ministry together in Acts 11 and 12. Learn how to lead and use your gifts in humility and submission to the Lord. Avail yourself to God’s use in ministry with others and know you are in for an adventure too!
Message Summary:
No great work for God is done in isolation. In “The Pleasure of Being in Ministry Together,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlights the beautiful partnership between Barnabas and Saul (Paul). After Saul’s years of obscurity in Tarsus, it was Barnabas who sought him out, brought him into the vibrant church at Antioch, and shared the responsibility of leadership.
This message focuses on the joy and efficiency found in collaborative ministry. Swindoll emphasizes that when believers operate in humility and submission to one another, they create a dynamic environment where the Gospel can flourish. By looking at the harmony between these two distinct leaders, we learn that the “pleasure” of ministry comes not from individual accolades, but from the shared adventure of being used by God alongside others.
Message Key Facts:
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The Partnership: The relationship between Barnabas and Saul serves as the biblical blueprint for mentorship and team-based ministry.
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The Location: Antioch serves as the backdrop—a city where the church was growing so rapidly that Barnabas realized he could not handle the work alone.
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The Transition: This message explores the transition from Saul’s private season of preparation to his public role as a teacher and leader within a community.
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The Fruit of Unity: The partnership resulted in a year of intensive teaching that strengthened the early church and established a firm foundation for future missionary journeys.
Message References:
Primary Scripture References
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Acts 11:25–26: The core text describing Barnabas seeking Saul in Tarsus and bringing him back to Antioch for a year of shared ministry.
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Acts 11:27–30: An account of the church in Antioch working together to provide relief for fellow believers in Judea, demonstrating the practical “pleasure” of shared service.
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Acts 12:25: The concluding note of Barnabas and Saul completing their mission together and returning from Jerusalem, bringing John Mark with them.
Core Principles for Life
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Seek Out Others: Just as Barnabas looked for Saul, we should actively look for others to join us in God’s work, recognizing that we are more effective together than alone.
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Humility in Leadership: Shared ministry requires a lack of ego. Barnabas was willing to share his platform, and Saul was willing to be led into a new opportunity.
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Encouragement is a Catalyst: The presence of an “encourager” (Barnabas) can unlock the potential of a “leader” (Saul).
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The Joy of the Adventure: Ministry is meant to be a shared experience of excitement and harmony, not a burdensome solo trek. When we serve together, the burden is shared and the joy is doubled.
