Welcome to today’s episode of the Daily Bible Refresh with Dr. Brad Miller, where we delve into the New Testament reading from Acts 1:21-26 through a progressive lens. Dr. Miller explores how the early church chose new leaders by focusing on communal discernment rather than charisma, emphasizing the importance of honest, inclusive leadership that resists personality cults. This session highlights the value of listening to those who remain present through life’s challenges, intentional inclusivity in decision-making, and balancing prayerful trust with practical action.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership in the early church was determined by communal discernment, not individual charisma, focusing on those who have remained present and committed.
2. Progressive faith advocates for inclusive leadership, ensuring traditionally marginalized voices—such as women, LGBTQ+, people of color, the poor, and the disabled—are given authority and presence.
3. The process of decision-making should marry prayerful trust with straightforward, practical steps, avoiding theatrics and embracing honesty.
4. Discernment circles can help individuals and groups make meaningful decisions by including affected parties and voices not usually heard.
5. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need to center decision-making on actions that bring more life, justice, and care, reflecting a resurrection-minded faith.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)