Barnabas and Saul Sent Off—Acts 13:1–3 Open It 1. *What send-off or farewell stands out in your memory? 2. If you were going away on a long trip, what kind of send-off would you prefer? 3. If you and a coworker of your choice were transferred to jobs overseas, whom would you want to go along with you? Explore It 1. *Who made up the leadership of the church at Antioch? (13:1) 2. What was the leadership like at the church in Antioch? (13:1) 3. What was the background of the church leaders at Antioch? (13:1) 4. How did the church at Antioch become so cosmopolitan? (13:1) 5. Despite their various backgrounds, how did the leaders of the church at Antioch function? (13:2) 6. While they were worshiping and fasting, what did the Holy Spirit say to the men? (13:2) 7. What did God want the church to do with Barnabas and Saul? (13:2) 8. Why did the Holy Spirit tell the leaders to “set apart” Barnabas and Saul? (13:2) 9. *What were Barnabas and Saul called to do? (13:2) 10. What preceded the departure of the missionaries? (13:3) 11. *Why did the church leaders lay hands on Barnabas and Saul? (13:3) 12. Where did the missionaries go? (13:3) Get It 1. What variety of people attend your church? 2. How diverse is your church leadership? 3. *Why should churches pray over and lay hands on missionaries and other ministers? 4. *When should church leaders lay hands on members of the congregation? 5. How important is worship to the life of a church? 6. How can your church best serve missions? 7. What can you do to serve missions and missionaries? 8. What is the purpose of fasting? 9. Why should Christians fast? 10. When might a church want to fast as a congregation? 11. How can you show support for the leadership of your church? Apply It 1. *What time can you commit to prayer each day for the staff of your church? 2. When can you find time this week to write a letter of encouragement to a missionary?