Scripture
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 3:13-15

Observation
The disciples were more than a one time wonder; they are a prototype of the spiritual leadership hub of any ministry and any church.

God works from the center out. First he changes the heart and then our actions; first he changes leaders and then he influences the whole body of Christ.

Core matters. Jesus ministered to the crowds only because he first had a core. The core influenced the crowd and multiplied his work.

To develop his core, Jesus had to do two things well.

First he had to allow the core time to be with him. Focused time and attention with these leaders had enormous influence on others. Personal and intimate relationship is the surest way to receive and remember truth.

Second, he had to send them out with spiritual authority. Their main influence was to preach and deliver; speak the good news and heal the fears that enable demonic control over others. They didn’t just watch Jesus; they got to do it for themselves.

Application
Core matters much to God so it should be my first concern as a leader. I need to identify who my core is, spend extra time with the core and empower them to influence the lives of others.

Prayer
Father, empower me to empower others to do good among your people. Amen.