Five Things We Will Learn
- Why the early church needed to address conflict and unmet needs.
- How involving the community in decision-making builds unity.
- The biblical qualities required for church leaders.
- Why prayer and commissioning are essential in setting lead apart.
- How effective delegation leads to church growth and discipleship.
The Early Church Conflict and Solution
In Acts 6:1–7, the growing church faced tension: Grecian Jewish widows were being overlooked in daily food distribution, creating division with Hebraic Jews. The apostles, already stretched by their calling to prayer and teaching, realized they could not effectively handle both spiritual leadership and administrative needs.
Their solution was simple and Spirit-led: the community would choose seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the task. This not only solved the problem but also preserved unity and allowed the apostles to focus on their God-given priorities.
Steps for Choosing Leaders
- Identify the Need
Recognize when practical challenges hinder the church’s mission. In Acts 6, it was the distribution of food. Today, it could be administration, outreach, or pastoral care.
- Involve the Community
The apostles engaged the whole body in selecting leaders. This built ownership and prevented division.
- Define Character Qualities
The priority was not skill alone but character—leaders were to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
- Propose and Agree
The apostles presented a clear plan. The community agreed, showing unity of spirit.
- Commission with Prayer
The apostles prayed and laid hands on the chosen leaders, setting them apart for service and empowering them for the task.
- Delegate Effectively
By releasing capable leaders into responsibility, the apostles could stay focused on prayer and the ministry of the Word. The result? Growth in disciples and even priests joining the faith.
Conclusion
Choosing leaders in the church is not about filling positions—it’s about prayerfully recognizing Spirit-filled men and women, empowering them through the community, and commissioning them to serve. When this happens, the church is strengthened, division is healed, and the mission of making disciples moves forward with power and unity.