Issue #191, October 5, 2016
Paul left when his time was up after a short visit in Tyre, but in Ephesus he stayed for two years! Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul (Acts 19:8-11). Paul was a man on the move and his unique calling to plant churches in new areas kept him mobile. For him to stay two years in one location was unprecedented. His time in Ephesus provides guidance for all servant leaders about when it is time to stay where we are.
It’s time to stay when the vision is clear.
Paul’s focus was clearing on preaching about the “kingdom of God.” His vision was to see a church established in this new location. His vision was not only to establish the church but to see it develop as a strong group of disciples. In some places Paul was chased away before he stayed long, but here he was able to continue his work. So, he stayed and taught ‘daily’ for two years. When a leader is not clearly focused on a vision it is easy to be distracted and move on to something else. Servant leaders focus on the vision and recognize that great work will not be completed quickly. They stay until the vision is accomplished.
It’s time to stay when the opposition is strong.
There was immediate opposition to Paul’s message when “some of them became obstinate.” Paul does not allow the opposition to change his vision; instead he changes his approach and moves his teaching to another location in the city. In this place he continued his work. Many leaders interpret opposition as an indication that it is time to move on, but Paul helps us recognize that opposition may in fact be a call to press on! Leaders expect opposition and do not allow opposition to determine their direction. Servant leaders don’t stay because there is no opposition; they stay in spite of it.
It’s time to stay when results are maximized.
Notice the results of Paul’s two years of work in the city, “All the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” His message was heard by everyone! This impact is not something that happens quickly; it takes time. Paul realized that staying maximizes results. Paul’s legacy in the Ephesian church was strong. By staying in one place for two years, Paul helped the church in Ephesus to become one of the strongest of its time. His letter to this church, Ephesians, is one of few that does not need to address serious problems in the church! Generally, the leadership impact of a long-term stay is greater than the short term. Leaders who quickly move on to ‘better’ locations often lose long-term impact. Servant leaders understand that maximum results come when they stay.
Servant leaders are not interested in quick, easy results. They are willing to stay in one place and continue investing until they observe the fruit of their leadership. They overcome opposition and obstacles and refuse to give up. This may take two years like Paul, or it may take many more. But in the end they see great results because they know when it is time to stay.
For further reflection and discussion:
- How well does my vision keep me focused on the task at hand? In what ways might I be tempted to move on to other things?
- How do I see opposition- as an opportunity to persevere or a call to move on? What can I learn from Paul’s example in Ephesus?
- Have I ever moved on so quickly that I haven’t seen maximum results? What can I do to prevent this from happening again?
- If I stay where I am, stay focused on the vision, and don’t allow opposition to stop me, what results might I see in 2 more years? 5 years? 10?