March 7, 9:00 a.m. 
Speaker: Nathan Busenitz
Topic: The Connection Between Missions and Pastoral Training
Passage: Acts 20:28–35

Message Summary: 

In Acts 20, Paul addresses a group of men who had studied under him in the school of Tyrannus in Ephesus. He leaves them with a final charge, urging them to take what they’ve learned and employ it in ministry.

This is the end of their training and it’s the beginning of the rest of their ministry, where Paul will not be physically present. And yet, they have been well-prepared, well-equipped.

Paul expresses his expectations for these students as they conclude their training. He assumes that if they are men of character they will stay faithful to the truth, and if they are men of conviction, they will live out that truth in a way that is consistent with being a minister of the gospel of Christ.

#1. Paul’s Example (Acts 20:18–27)

Paul’s example demonstrates the character that they must display.

When we look at verses 18–27, we see Paul’s example in his mindset of humble service, in his message of clarity and conviction, in his enduring obedience to the mission before him, and in his measure of success (he measured success in terms of faithfulness to proclaim the truth, not results).

#2. Paul’s Exhortation (Acts 20:28–35)

The weight of Paul’s example gives weight to his fervent exhortations.

He lays out three convictions that define the ministry of a faithful shepherd of God’s flock.

Guard the Sheep (20:28–30)

Paul exhorts these shepherds to guard the sheep because of the position in which God has placed them and because of the purchase that God made (20:28).

The church is so precious to God that He sacrificed His own Son on her behalf, to redeem for Himself a people for His own possession—and He entrusts that church to us.

Guide the Sheep (20:31–32)

As we seek to lead the sheep and feed the sheep, we are not only to protect them from outside influence, but we are also to take them to the source of truth.

There’s only one true compass, one true source, and one true guide: it is the Word of God which points to the God of the Word. We know the way because we have a sure guide. Let us be careful to always lead our sheep in the right way and to not neglect the truth of God’s Word.

Give Yourself for the Sheep (20:33–35)

Paul calls his listeners to give themselves to the flock. Paul was also an example of this. He gave his all for the church.

The statement, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is in this context a statement about ministry. There is blessing in giving everything because you’re ultimately doing it for the one who gave you everything.

We have in this charge a reminder of the character that we are all called to reflect and a reminder of the convictions that we are all called to implement.