August 10, 2026
Hello, Beloved.
It’s easy to think leadership is the narrow practice of sharing vision, making decisions, and accomplishing something important. However, the leadership we see in Acts 16 gives us another picture: sometimes the most significant thing a leader can do is make room for someone else.
Before the dramatic events in Philippi, the conversion of Lydia, the deliverance of a troubled young woman, the earthquake, and the salvation of a jailer, Luke pauses to introduce Timothy. It’s an easy-to-overlook detail. Paul meets a young disciple, Timothy, who already has a good reputation among the believers, and he invites Timothy to join him. Perhaps because of Timothy’s reputation, his faith, and Paul’s discernment, Paul saw something in Timothy that was already there.
This simple story illustrates one of the marks of Spirit-led leadership: We learn to recognize what God is already doing in people. Before asking, “What can this person do?” we begin asking, “Who is this person becoming?”
Paul didn’t simply recruit Timothy to accomplish a task. He invited him into a relationship. Timothy became more than a ministry assistant; he became a son, a trusted co-worker, and eventually a leader who carried the gospel beyond Paul. Years later, Paul could point to Timothy as someone whose life had been shaped by watching not only what Paul taught but how he lived. This is discipleship at its best.
At Gateway, we seek to live this truth faithfully: “We don’t use people to build a big church; we use the church to build big people.” By “big people,” we don’t mean people with bigger platforms, greater recognition, or impressive personalities. We mean people who are becoming more like Jesus; people who are learning to hear the Spirit, follow Jesus, love others, and faithfully carry the Kingdom wherever God places them. That means we make room for others.
So, who has God placed around you who needs your attention? Who needs encouragement? Who needs someone to believe in them? Who might grow simply because you invited them into your life and allowed them to see what following Jesus looks like?
Healthy leaders cultivate potential because they are not threatened by it. They develop others who can grow and reproduce others. Such development eliminates the unhealthy dependency on a single leader. Healthy leaders also help others develop their gifts and talents because the Holy Spirit doesn’t give gifts so one person can do everything; He gives gifts so everyone can contribute. Therefore, ask yourself this question: “Who is God asking me to notice, and how can I make room for them to become more like Jesus?”
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience God, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others.)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
THERMOSTATS: Everyday People Making a Difference — Entire Service Part 2 or Part 1 Teaching Only, Part 2 Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $21,500)
August 2: $14,823.89
August 9: $22,090.58
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
Greater Things YTD 2026: $54,735.41
Current Mortgage Balance: $244,578.46
Take care and stay hopeful. We can’t wait to see you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com