Acts 13:1–3: A Church Listening in Prayer
Acts 13:1–3 shows a church that did not manufacture a mission but recognized one: leaders already serving and fasting, a word from the Spirit naming two men, and a congregation that prayed, fasted, and released them. Communal listening prayer is attentive and responsive, not creative.
How should a church make decisions when members disagree? A Biblical Guide
Acts 15 gives a working pattern for church conflict: gather those responsible, hear what God has done, argue from Scripture, and settle a judgment that keeps the gospel's core firm while still answering real pastoral concerns. The leaders refused to add circumcision to salvation, yet named specific things Gentile believers should avoid.