This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsНамуна

Follow the GOOD Leader

By Rusty Gorby

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. —Acts 20:21

Did you ever play follow the leader when you were a kid? If the leader jumped up and down, you jumped up and down. If the leader acted like a monkey, you acted like a monkey. If the leader walked on their hands, you . . . tried. While this is merely a fun and silly game, a good leader helps keep things lively. In real life, leadership is an important and serious matter to God, and He wants you to be a good leader.

So what makes a leader “good”? If you read a hundred leadership books, you’ll find a hundred different answers. Thankfully, God’s Word tells us the attributes of a good leader. In Acts 20:13–38, we find a poignant yet often overlooked moment in Paul’s life. Rich with emotion and spiritual wisdom, he offers us a profound look into the heart of a true servant of Christ and provides us with a valuable framework for our own journeys of faith by modeling what a good leader looks like.

A G-O-O-D leader . . .

Goes Wherever the Holy Spirit Leads (Acts 20:13–17)
In Acts 20, we find Paul traveling throughout the regions of Greece and Asia (modern-day Tukey), going where the Holy Spirit leads to spread the good news and encourage believers. At this point in his journey, he’s in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost, but he senses the Holy Spirit urgently leading him to meet with the elders (leaders) in Ephesus. So he puts aside his own agenda and calls for the leaders of the church to meet with him.

Overcomes Hardships (Acts 20:18–21)
Paul begins their time together by describing his ministry and painting a picture of himself, a man wholly devoted to the Holy Spirit’s leading and a disciple of Christ who has served with humility and deep emotional investment. Then he shares how he’s overcome hardships along the way, mentioning the difficulties and trials he faced. Yet by the power of the Holy Spirit, he remains steadfast in his mission and never shrinks back from telling people what they needed to hear—the good news about Jesus.

Today, our world often encourages us to take the path of least resistance, but Paul’s determination provides us with a great example. He reminds us that following Christ and sharing His message isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. When we face opposition or difficulties, we can draw strength from Paul’s story, knowing perseverance in the face of trials is a hallmark of genuine faith.

Obeys God’s Word (Acts 20:22–26)
Throughout this passage, it’s clear Paul obeys God’s Word, and today’s verse is at the heart of his ministry. He shares this simple yet profound message with the elders but it’s also a message for us today:everyone must repent from sin, turn to God, and believe in Jesus. This succinct summary of the gospel reminds us to keep the message of the gospel at the center of our lives and the forefront of our interactions with others, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

As Paul looks ahead to the challenges awaiting him in Jerusalem, he makes a bold statement: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (Acts 20:24). These words invite us to reflect on our own priorities and reevaluate what truly matters in light of eternity. Are we willing to set aside personal comfort, security, or ambition to obey the Spirit’s leading and pursue God’s calling?

Develops Disciples (Acts 20:28–31)
In this final section, Paul shifts his message to look at the future of the church, reminding them of the preciousness of God’s people and the importance of developing disciples. He doesn’t just reflect on his own ministry, he charges the elders: “Guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders” (Acts 20:28). This instruction isn’t only relevant for official church leaders—it’s for all of us. We all have spheres of influence. Maybe it’s our families, people in our workplaces, or neighbors in our communities. As good leaders, we should share the gospel with people around us while also discipling those God has placed in our paths.

As Paul concludes his address, he leaves the leaders with a powerful truth: “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself” (Acts 20:32). In these words, we find both comfort and empowerment. Paul recognizes that ultimately, it’s God’s grace that sustains and strengthens us. His words challenge us to examine our own hearts, priorities, and actions. He reminds us of the core truths of the gospel and transformative power of God’s grace and calls us to lives of courageous faith, sacrificial service, and generous love.

May we, like Paul, be GOOD leaders and Go wherever the Spirit leads, Overcome hardships, Obey God’s Word, and Develop disciples. With the help of the Holy Spirit, one day we’ll be able to look back on our lives and say we have been faithful and have not shrunk back from “telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (Acts 20:24b). And may we, in all things, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word and for teaching me how to be a good leader. I want to live a life surrendered to You and go wherever the Holy Spirit leads. As I face opposition or difficulties, give me Your strength to persevere in the face of trials and tribulations. I want to obey Your Word and share about Your wonderful grace, love, and salvation with those around me. Please be with me as I boldly live my faith out loud and disciple others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Are you willing to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading and go where He says to go? Why or why not?
• Think about the people around you who need to hear the message of salvation. List names the Holy Spirit puts on your heart and plan to connect with them in the coming weeks.
• Are you willing to lead by serving wherever there is a need in your church? In the nursery? As a greeter or small group leader? To pray with hurting people? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and show you where you should serve.

For Further Study

Acts 20; Ephesians 1:1–4; Philippians 1:27

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?