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In Acts 6, we witness the rapid growth of the early church and the need for organization and teamwork to maintain its health and mission. As the church grew, new challenges emerged, particularly when the needs of the community began to be overlooked. The apostles, recognizing the importance of focus and delegation, made critical decisions that serve as a blueprint for how the church can function effectively today.
The early church was experiencing a season of incredible growth. Thousands were being added to the number of believers, but with this growth came new challenges. In Acts 6:1-7, a complaint arose among the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. This wasn’t simply a logistical issue, but a potential source of division within the church. As the community expanded, there was a real need to ensure that everyone was cared for.
Acts 6:1-2 says: “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.’”
This passage highlights the need for balance between spiritual priorities and practical service within the church. While the apostles were called to preach and pray, they recognized that other needs still had to be met.
Understanding the importance of staying focused on their primary calling, the apostles made a decision that would shape the church’s structure. They gathered the community and proposed that seven men, known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, should be appointed to handle the distribution of food. These men were not chosen randomly but based on their spiritual maturity and character. The apostles demonstrated a key leadership principle: effective leaders delegate.
Acts 6:3-4: “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
By appointing these seven men, the apostles freed themselves to focus on their primary tasks of preaching and teaching while ensuring the needs of the community were being met. This act of delegation was crucial because it allowed for the work of the ministry to continue without anyone being neglected.
This story isn’t just about delegating tasks; it’s about serving others with a heart full of wisdom and faith. The seven men chosen to distribute food were not simply administrators—they were filled with the Holy Spirit and dedicated to serving with excellence. Among them was Stephen, who is later described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5).
Serving in the church is not just about getting things done; it’s about caring for people, bringing them into the fold, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways. The apostles and the seven appointed men understood that every role within the church—whether preaching, teaching, or distributing food—was equally valuable and necessary for the body of Christ.
Acts 6:7 illustrates the impact of this teamwork: “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Because the apostles focused on their calling, and the seven men took care of the physical needs of the church, the entire community was strengthened. The church grew both in number and in spiritual maturity. Even priests, who had been devout followers of the old ways, were becoming believers in Jesus.
Interestingly, this powerful moment of growth began with a complaint. The early church was not immune to challenges, but how they handled those challenges defined their future. Instead of ignoring the complaints, the apostles used them as an opportunity for growth. They demonstrated that conflict, when handled with wisdom and humility, can lead to greater unity and effectiveness.
James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The apostles used this trial to produce perseverance and growth in the church, setting an example of how we, too, can use difficult situations as stepping stones toward spiritual maturity.
The message also emphasizes that every member of the church has a role to play. God has placed each person in the church with unique gifts and talents to be used for His glory. While some are called to teach or preach, others are called to serve in more practical ways. But every role is critical in building up the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
The early church knew that in order to fulfill the mission Jesus gave them, everyone had to work together. Some would preach, some would teach, some would serve in more practical ways, but all were vital to the mission of spreading the gospel.
As this message draws to a close, the challenge is presented to every believer: what role will you play in building up the church? The apostles weren’t afraid to delegate responsibility, and the seven men appointed weren’t afraid to step up and serve. Today, we are called to do the same. The growth of the church depends on every member playing their part.
Romans 12:4-5 reminds us: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
No matter how big or small the role may seem, every act of service in the church contributes to the bigger picture of God’s mission. Whether it’s preaching from the pulpit or serving behind the scenes, every contribution is valuable and necessary for the health of the church.
The takeaway from this message is simple: God grows His church through teamwork and the faithful service of His people. The story of Acts 6 shows us that the church grows best when everyone is working together, using their gifts and talents for the glory of God. When we embrace our roles, no matter how small they may seem, we contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ.
By following the example of the apostles and the seven men, we can prioritize the mission of the church, serve faithfully, and trust that God will continue to grow His kingdom through our efforts. Let’s commit to building up the church by working together, serving with humility, and keeping our priorities in line with God’s will.
Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 8 – Priorities and Teamwork? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.