A Blueprint for Gospel Multiplication
Pastor Lee Cummings
February 16, 2026 Message Recap
The Church of Antioch
In the book of Acts, the Antioch church rose as a prominent sending base for the Gospel. The church emerged during persecution, when believers scattered from Jerusalem and settled in a diverse and influential city. Instead of preaching only to fellow Jews, they proclaimed Jesus to Gentiles—and a global movement began.
Acts 13 describes this church as a community led by prophets and teachers. The leadership was diverse, collaborative, and Spirit-led. When we look at the Antioch church, we see eight qualities that help us align what it means to be a church with an Antioch calling:
Eight Qualities of an Antioch Church
1. Diverse and Gifted Leadership
Antioch embraced multiple leadership gifts—prophets, teachers, and apostles working together. This created a culture where different callings could flourish, and new leaders could be trained. Healthy churches develop people rather than revolve around personalities.
2. A Praying and Worshiping Community
Acts 13 repeatedly emphasizes prayer, fasting, and worship. These practices were not secondary—they were the foundation. Mission flows from intimacy with God. When believers draw near to Him, their hearts align with His priorities.
3. Holy Spirit-Led Direction
Scripture says, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.’” The church in Antioch listened for God’s voice and obeyed. Their decisions were shaped by divine direction, not cultural pressure or human consensus. The most important question for any church is not What are people saying? but What is God saying?
4. A Sending Base, Not Just a Gathering Place
Antioch measured success by sending capacity rather than seating capacity. It became the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys and the spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman world. In God’s kingdom, what is released multiplies.
5. A Commissioning Center for Gospel Expansion
After prayer and fasting, the church laid hands on Paul and Barnabas and sent them out. This was intentional, sacrificial, and costly. Rather than holding onto their strongest leaders, they released them for God’s purposes.
6. Commitment to Gospel Proclamation
Antioch-style churches prioritize making Jesus known. Whether reaching local communities or distant nations, the message of Christ remains central. The mission is clear: people from every nation worshiping the Lamb.
7. Expectation of Spiritual Conflict
As soon as Paul and Barnabas began their mission, they faced opposition. Scripture shows that resistance often accompanies kingdom work. Spiritual conflict is not a sign of failure—it often confirms faithfulness.
8. Regional and Cultural Transformation
Antioch became one of the most influential churches of the early centuries, planting churches and shaping entire regions. Sacrificial sending leads to lasting impact. Antioch existed for this purpose: not for its own name, but for the fame of Jesus.
The Call on Us
Are we building attendance, or are we sending disciples? In a culture that casts a large net to expand attendance, we want to measure our success by sending, not by seat capacity. Jesus laid His life down on the cross so that people from every tribe, nation, and generation would be gathered around the throne in heaven. That is the reason we send.
Scripture References
Acts 11:19–26
Acts 13:1–4
Revelation 7:9
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About Radiant Church
Founded in 1996, Radiant Church has grown into a multi-location church committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, and mission.
At Radiant Church, there is an invitation to grow in your spiritual journey, build meaningful community, and truly get connected. We are passionate about helping people grow in faith, encounter the presence of God, and become part of a church grounded in Spirit and truth.