What are Acts 19 locations?

Acts 19 locations are places where the Gospel penetrates a city or region deeply, broadly and rapidly.  In the city of Ephesus in Acts 19 the Apostle Paul looked for those who were open and then boldly proclaimed the Gospel, which was accompanied by some amazing work of God in the lives of people in the city.  This resulted in widespread repentance throughout the region and people’s lives being genuinely changed.  Because of the breadth and depth of the impact in peoples’ lives there was significant pushback from the Evil One and resulting persecution.  

The following are some essential things to consider as we seek to see Acts 19 type results in “hub centers” in Africa:

·         We cannot control the outcome, but we can significantly influence the ministry environment which we create.   Results are up to the Lord!

·         We have to look for a coalition of the willing, those who share our values and want to partner together to see genuine Gospel transformation take place in the city and beyond.  We cannot do this alone!

·         We have to look for holistic ministries opportunities, proclaim the Gospel boldly, pray with expectancy, and expect pushback.  This is not for the faint of heart!

The following are the key indicators of when we are seeing Acts 19 results in a location: 

·         Rapid spread of the Gospel

·         Regional influence 

·         Transformation of lives

·         Churches are planted

·         Persecution comes as the Gospel transforms people’s lives

That leads me to ask, “Are we intentionally creating ministry environments that could result in Acts 19 movements if God chose to bring a significant harvest?”

Someone commented on my last blog, “That is a BIG request. It is a good thing that our God can handle BIG requests and wants us to ask powerfully in his name.”  I couldn’t agree more.  On May 30, 1792 Baptist Minister William Carey preached a sermon entitled “The Deathless Sermon” in Nottingham, England in which he sought to spur his fellow pastors to intentional evangelistic action.  The two main ideas of his sermon have been quoted from that day to today:

·         Expect great things from God

·         Attempt great things for God

The sermon was the launching point for what became known as the Baptist Missionary Society in England who later commissioned William Carey as their first missionary to India.  His ministry there led to him being called the “father of modern missions.”

The Apostle Paul summed it up well in the end of his prayer in Ephesians 3 when he wrote:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.   Eph. 3:20-21