“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” - Acts 13:2 (ESV)

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1 Introduction

The word “foundation” means something deeper than structure; in scripture, it points to purpose, calling, and the strength that holds everything together. In the summer of 2025, at Manna Church, Pastor Chris Fletcher invited his congregation on a journey into Acts 13—a pivotal moment where the church at Antioch, a gathering of prophets and teachers, heard God’s call to launch leaders.

What does it mean to lead like Barnabas, Saul, and the diverse group in Antioch? How do we, in our own spiritual journeys at home and in our communities, build a foundation that lasts? This message spans centuries, resonating with today’s leaders struggling with doubt, parents shaping faith at the dinner table, and friends wrestling with direction.

In this blog, we enter the narrative of Acts 13 to discover God’s blueprint for leadership. We’ll learn why HEARfelt Connections™ and HolistIQ™ Leadership, a blend of Spiritual, Emotional, and Logical Intelligence, are critical for those called to shepherd God’s people. This isn’t just church talk; these principles shape businesses, neighborhoods, families, and personal destinies.

The Scene: Church at Antioch

Picture it: The early church in Antioch, bursting with growth and diversity. Leaders from different backgrounds—Barnabas (the encourager), Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (with political ties), and Saul—gather not for a strategy meeting but to worship, fast, and listen. Their hearts are open, their ambitions surrendered. In this act of seeking, the Holy Spirit brings clarity: “Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them.”

Story Insight:

Before there was action, there was adoration. Before any mission, there was a season of listening.

As we journey through this powerful chapter, we ask: What foundations are we building, and who are we sending into the world? What does it mean to listen, release, and trust—both ourselves and those we love, to God’s care and calling?

2 Self-Leadership: Listening, Obedience, and Perseverance in God’s Call

In the crowded streets and quiet homes of Antioch, leadership was not simply a title—it was a lived response to God’s voice. The story in Acts 13 opens with self-leadership: a willingness to quiet the noise, listen to the Spirit, and act with intention. For faith-based leaders today, this part of the foundation is both the starting line and the pillar on which all other leadership stands.

A Story of Listening

Imagine the scene: Barnabas, Saul, and a diverse group of early church leaders press pause on everyday ministry. Rather than relying on routines or experience, they choose worship and fasting—a radical act of listening. In this margin, God speaks clearly:

“Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)

Their example challenges us. In modern life filled with schedules, deadlines, and digital distractions, how often do we create space for God’s direction? The biblical model wasn’t just about hearing; it was about being set apart in heart before being set apart for work.

Practical Reflection:

• Leadership begins with discerning God’s voice, through prayer, time in God’s Word, and expectant listening.

• Consider journaling your prayers and impressions from the Spirit; self-leadership grows in the soil of spiritual attentiveness.

Obedience: More Than Agreement

Barnabas and Saul didn’t just nod in silent agreement—they obeyed in public recognition.

“Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3)

Self-leadership means risking comfort. True obedience often means stepping into uncertainty. For Christian leaders, the question shifts from “Is God speaking?” to “Am I willing to obey?” Barnabas and Saul faced separation from the familiar, yet their yes brought blessing to generations.

HolistIQ™ Spiritual Intelligence Applied:

• Disciplines like fasting aren’t about ritual, but alignment.

• Obedience, as seen in Acts 13, is the bridge between spiritual understanding and fruitful action.

Perseverance Through Setbacks

Acts 13:13 records a quick setback—John Mark, a companion, leaves the team and returns to Jerusalem. Ancient texts offer no criticism, but future chapters reveal the hurt and disappointment Paul felt. Every leader faces moments when expectations crumble or partners depart.

How do we persist?

• By returning to what God originally called us to do, not what disappointment tempts us to abandon.

• By drawing wisdom from the Spirit, not bitterness from circumstances.

This is not just biblical history—it's the lived experience of anyone who has pursued God’s leading and run into obstacles.

Bullet Points for Self-Leadership Success

• Spend time in spiritual disciplines (worship, prayer, fasting) to ground your purpose.

• Record moments of God’s direction, so you can return to them in drought seasons.

• Accept setbacks as part of your growth, not a reason to abandon your calling.

• Practice resilience—surround yourself with people who speak life and faith into moments of uncertainty.

Example: Contemporary Pastoral Leader

Picture a modern church leader, preparing a new outreach or launching a ministry team: though gifted, they sense God calling them to pause, pray, and possibly fast. In this hesitation, new direction often emerges. Later, if team members step away or resources run short, perseverance—rooted in clarity of call—carries them forward.

HEARTfelt Connections™ Insight

Self-leadership is the seed of every healthy connection. Before bringing others on the journey, leaders must be sure of their own path. Connection to God always precedes connection to others.

3 Family Influence: Diversity, Generational Impact, and Building a Faith Legacy

The leadership story in Acts 13 isn’t just about individual greatness—it is about what happens when a spiritual family comes together, listens together, and responds together. This model of community and generational partnership sets a new standard for faith-based leaders who long to see their families walk in purpose and unity.

The Power of Diversity in Spiritual Families

Antioch’s church was a tapestry of backgrounds: Jews and Gentiles, Africans and Palestinians, men with royal connections, teachers, prophets, and laborers. It’s no accident that God launched a global mission from this gathering. A healthy faith legacy isn’t about uniformity—it thrives in diversity.

“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen… and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)

For modern families and spiritual households, this is a call to:

• Appreciate every gift, personality, and experience at the table.

• Honor each generation’s stories—what grandparents survived, what children hope for, and what parents sacrifice daily.

• Invite everyone’s voice into worship and decision-making. The Antioch leaders set aside time to worship and fast together as a community, not in silos.

Building a Generational Legacy

Barnabas and Saul worked with John Mark, drawing a younger leader into the mission field—even if his first try ended in retreat (Acts 13:13). The value wasn’t just in achievement but in inclusion, growth, and sharing the load. This stands in stark contrast to many modern leadership models that reward only results.

• Faithful families disciple future leaders by giving real responsibilities and second chances.

• Generational leadership is not a relay race where one drops the baton and leaves; it’s an ongoing, sometimes messy story of overlapping strengths and redemption.

Practical Story:

Consider the family that prays over a big decision. The parent humbly asks a teenage child what they sense God might be saying. The grandparents share past mistakes and successes. Together, they listen for the Spirit’s peace—in time, everyone’s faith grows, and even the youngest learns to hear from God.

HolistIQ™: Emotional Intelligence in Family Leadership

Acts 13 asks leaders to lead with heart as well as will. When John Mark departed, the pain was real. How would this disappointment color future ministry? True family and community leadership face the hard stuff:

• Open conversations about discouragement, loss, or changing plans.

• Willingness to re-engage even after someone "leaves" or disappoints.

• Creating atmospheres of safety—where tears, risks, and second chances are part of the spiritual fabric.

Key Parent Insight:

Your reaction to a child’s struggle or a spouse’s doubt shapes the spiritual climate of your home more than any formal devotion.

Bullet Points: Building a Faith Legacy at Home

• Intentionally celebrate every family member’s spiritual gifts and heritage.

• Cultivate spiritual practices as a family—prayer, discussion, worship, fasting.

• Model transparent leadership—admit fears, confess mistakes, and pursue growth together.

• Share stories of both God’s faithfulness and human weakness.

• Create second chances for children or family members after failures.

Example: Biblical Family

Look at Timothy - Paul’s “spiritual son.” His faith was shaped not just by Paul’s mentorship, but by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). Faith passed down is faith multiplied.

HEARTfelt Connections™ Insight

A strong spiritual family is a greenhouse for life-changing faith. When families cultivate spiritual attentiveness, celebrate each member’s gifts, and practice forgiveness, they lay a legacy that blesses coming generations—inside and outside church walls.

4 Leading Others: Commissioning, Teamwork, and Redeeming Setbacks

The heartbeat of leadership in the church at Antioch was never about self-glorification; it was always about multiplication. As we move from self and family leadership to leading others, we see in Acts 13 a powerful blueprint for empowering teams, blessing transitions, and redeeming setbacks for greater kingdom impact.

The Power of Commissioning

In a moment of unified prayer and fasting, the leaders of Antioch were instructed by the Holy Spirit to “set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work” (Acts 13:2). This act of commissioning was more than ceremonial—it was an intentional release of trusted leaders into God’s chosen assignment.

• Leaders Empower Leaders: True biblical models refuse to hoard influence. Like the Antioch leadership, faith-driven leaders discern who God is calling and publicly release them, even when their gifts are deeply needed at home.

• Community Involvement: The entire spiritual community participated—laying on hands, blessing, and sending. Growth and mission are never solo acts.

Practical Reflection:

• When God brings clarity that someone in your circle (a staff member, family member, mentee) is being called to something new, bless them openly.

• Celebrate not only their gifts but their calling. Commissioning is both a spiritual impartation and emotional support.

HolistIQ™: Logical Intelligence and Team Dynamics

True faith-based leadership is not just spiritual or emotive—it is also logical and strategic. Barnabas and Saul’s mission involved planning: travel, meeting needs, and including others (John Mark as an assistant). When John Mark left (Acts 13:13), the team had to adapt quickly.

Key takeaways for leaders:

• Team Formation: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to build teams that are both diverse and cohesive.

• Adaptability: When setbacks (like team departures) occur, re-evaluate team roles, goals, and next steps.

• Resilience: Logical intelligence in biblical leadership means anticipating challenges, preparing contingencies, and staying solution-oriented.

Modern Example:

A faith-driven entrepreneur launches a new ministry with a diverse team. When a key leader steps away, instead of stalling, they review the mission, encourage the team, and fill the gap with clear roles and renewed vision, transforming potential loss into growth.

Redeeming Setbacks: John Mark’s Story

John Mark’s departure in Acts 13:13 could have been a leadership failure. Instead, both Paul and Barnabas grew through the experience, eventually seeing John Mark restored and fruitful (see 2 Timothy 4:11). Redemption and restoration are hallmarks of godly leadership.

• Forgiveness: Don’t discard team members after mistakes; seek ways to redeem their gifts.

• Growth Mindset: Embrace setbacks as avenues for humility, learning, and future fruitfulness.

Bullet Points: Leading Others Well

• Assign roles that match both gifts and callings.

• Commission with both prayer and practical support.

• Adapt to personnel changes without losing mission focus.

• Value restoration is as important as initial success.

• Empower others, even when it costs your comfort.

Example: Biblical Commissioning

The ongoing relationship between Paul and Timothy is a vivid picture of mentoring, commissioning, and succession planning. Paul’s letters are future-focused—training Timothy to lead others, deal with setbacks, and remain faithful in adversity.

HEARTfelt Connections™ Insight

Leadership is most impactful when rooted in shared purpose and community affirmation. Whether in the church or the workplace, a culture of blessing and sending others strengthens the entire body. Hearts are knit together when leaders champion each other’s callings and humbly address team challenges.

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5 Integration: HolistIQ™ Leadership in Action | Building a Legacy with Mind, Heart, and Spirit

Having explored self-leadership, family influence, and leading others, we now arrive at the crucial integration point: how do faith-based leaders blend spiritual, emotional, and logical intelligence to live out God’s design for leadership? Acts 13 not only gives us the “what” and the “why” but models the “how”—showing that holistic leadership yields fruit that endures for generations.

The HolistIQ™ Leadership Model

1. Spiritual Intelligence:

At every turning point in Acts 13, spiritual awareness anchors the journey. The leaders’ devotion to worship and fasting wasn’t an afterthought; it was the foundation that set the direction. For contemporary leaders, spiritual intelligence means:

• Prioritizing God’s presence over position.

• Seeking clarity through prayer, scripture, and community worship before making major decisions.

• Remaining open to divine redirection—even when it disrupts personal plans.

2. Emotional Intelligence:

The story of John Mark’s departure highlights the human side of leadership—the disappointment, the hurt, but also the enduring hope and restoration that follow. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to:

• Stay resilient during setbacks and extend grace to yourself and others.

• Foster empathy for those on the journey, recognizing everyone’s unique pace and struggles.

• Communicate vulnerably, building trust through honesty and openness.

3. Logical Intelligence:

Practical planning, adaptability, and wise stewardship shape the mission’s success. Paul and Barnabas didn’t just launch out blindly; they strategized, appointed assistants, and navigated each phase with forethought. Logical intelligence guides leaders to:

• Set clear goals in line with God’s calling.

• Build effective teams that complement each other’s strengths.

• Remain flexible, willing to reassess strategies as seasons and team dynamics change.

Action Plan: Applying HolistIQ™ Leadership Insights

For Self:

• Carve out regular time for spiritual reflection and listening prayer.

• E.g., begin each week with a half-day retreat or digital Sabbath for a spiritual reset.

• Record struggles and breakthroughs in a leadership journal—track both spiritual impressions and practical decisions.

• Cultivate emotional resilience through scriptural meditation (e.g., Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6).

For Family:

• Hold family meetings that include worship, prayer, and open sharing, creating a safe space for every voice.

• Affirm family members’ unique strengths and let them lead in areas of gifting.

• Discuss setbacks together and model the grace of restoration (e.g., Luke 15, the Prodigal Son).

For Leading Others:

• Initiate intentional mentoring relationships—commission and bless others, following Antioch’s example.

• Structure leadership teams with both clear roles and flexible adaptability.

• Redeem disappointments—seek opportunities to restore leaders who stumble and foster ongoing growth.

Practical Application: Real-World Scenarios

• When a church launches a community initiative, gather diverse leaders for initial prayer and vision-setting—prioritize spiritual discernment over quick tactics.

• If a key team member resigns, address the issue openly but lovingly; develop recovery and mentorship plans that help every teammate process and grow.

• In a family business or ministry, regularly revisit the shared mission, encourage next-generation leadership, and celebrate small wins together.

Reflections

• In what spaces am I creating space to listen for God’s call?

• Have I held back from obedience because the next step seems costly or unclear?

• How am I modeling perseverance in the face of disappointment—what story am I telling my family, team, or church by how I respond?

• What diverse strengths exist in my family or spiritual community?

• Are there unspoken wounds, disappointments, or hopes that need space for conversation?

• How am I creating an environment where every generation can participate in hearing and doing what God says?

• Who in your sphere could you bless, mentor, or send into a new season of leadership?

• How does your team handle setbacks? Do you lean toward blame or toward restoration?

• Are you willing to step back when God calls you—or others—into new or uncomfortable roles?

• Do I lead with a balanced focus on spirit, heart, and mind? Where am I strongest? Where is God stretching me?

• How can I intentionally create space for spiritual discernment, emotional honesty, and practical planning in my leadership context?

• Who can I help restore or encourage back into their calling?

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