Acts 6. The community of those who follow Jesus in Jerusalem experienced explosive growth in the first few months, to the degree that there was way too much work for the disciples to effectively manage everything. Maybe you’ve had a similar feeling in your work or ministry environment – where you think, “We need some help in here!”

Here’s the neat thing about a Christian community – everyone has a role to play and something to offer for the betterment of the whole group. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:6-7)

In Acts 6:1-7 the twelve disciples call in the full number of disciples to sort out leadership and administrative challenges and ensure that certain needs are being met (food distribution to the needy in this instance). Those who were gifted to preach and teach (mostly the apostles) argued that “It is not right for us to give up preaching the word of God to serve tables… We will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (6:2,4)

Notice that they do not imply that the physical and felt needs of others were less important than preaching – they only indicated that others were more gifted and called to serve in that administrative capacity. Seven men were chosen based on their character and spiritual walk – men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. (6:3,5) Everyone was pleased with this new administrative team, and the apostles prayed for them and commissioned them to go and do the work (6:6).

This episode provides a challenge and affirmation for all of us. First, everyone has a role to play and something to offer the community. We are expected to be using our talents and gifts of the Holy Spirit for the common good. No one gets to sit around idly and simply be served. Secondly, for those in leadership, the challenge is to not take on responsibility for doing everything yourself. No one can do everything – in fact, most of us can only do one or two things well. Leaders need to be constantly looking around to see who has the gifts and skills to be assisting, and then delegate those responsibilities.

How are you serving the Christian community? How might your gifts and passions be used for the common good? Leaders, what do you need to ask someone else to do?

What stood out to you from Acts 6?