Act 6:1
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek speaking believers complained about the Hebrew speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

In Acts 6 we learnt that the new Christian community were facing a crisis of leadership. The Greek speaking Jews were upset because the needs of their widows were being overlooked “in daily distribution of food” This disruption threatened the development of the church with “rumblings of discontent” and had to be seriously addressed. Wisely, the apostles recognised the problem and called for the selection of seven men to administer the food program. The apostles provided leadership that empowers by sensitively listening to genuine concerns. The wise handling of this issue, with the united, responsible action of both people and leaders, resulted in spiritual growth and increased the number of believers.

Acts 6:7
So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priest were converted, too. Different gifts were recognised in the church and put to work for the common good of all.

How did they make it work?

A clear division of labour was agreed upon, with the apostle attending to preaching and teaching, and the material needs of the people being handled by other Spirit-filled leaders. What challenges are you facing in your ministry? Is your ministry growing beyond your capability to self manage? Solution? Whatever the issue, discuss it in house and delegate the task to others. Empower them!

Every believer has the opportunity to exercise some kind of ministry. This usefulness of every Christian in the service of God is sometimes called the “Priesthood of all believers”

1 Peter 2: 5
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priest. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

Revelation 1: 6
He has made us a Kingdom of priest for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen

God has given the Church its leaders, not to “lord it over” other people, but to serve the community.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

CONCLUSION

The leaders of the Church do well when they recognise both the needs of the community and those whom God has prepared to meet those needs. Good leadership recognise gifted people and help them develop, empowering the members of the body to use their God- given gifts.

Eph 4:11-12
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the Church; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the Church the body of Christ.

Leaders have u identified members who fit into the categories stated above? What are you waiting for? Brethren, were do you fit into the above? What are you too waiting for?

God Bless