“Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables.’”
Acts 6:2 (NKJV)

READ: Acts 6:1–10; 8:5–8

Church or ministry leadership starts with a leader knowing what his primary responsibility is and what he should delegate to others.

In our text, the apostles said it is not desirable that they should leave the Word of God and serve tables (Acts 6:2). They were able to recognize their primary responsibility, which is the Word of God.

The complaint was about their widows being neglected in the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1). The apostles’ decision was that the work of food distribution should be delegated to a number of
appointed people; seven people were said to be sought and chosen (Acts 6:3).

What are the qualities that should be possessed by those who would be
chosen?
• They should be men of good reputation (Acts 6:3).
• They should be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3).

However, the apostles who were the leaders said they would give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). We could see that the work of the apostles was clearly delineated—well-defined and clearly stated (Acts 6:4). A leader should be able to know his primary assignment, what he ought to focus his attention on doing, and what to delegate to others.

It was when this order was made and followed that the Word of God spread and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). This shows that a leader should know how to conserve his strength or energy for what he ought to do and not be dissipating it on what he ought not to do, which should be delegated.

Although the seven were primarily chosen to serve tables, they went
beyond that. God had another purpose for the people appointed which was more than serving tables (Acts 6:8–10; 8:5–8). The servers started preaching and ministering to the people because they had already been filled with the Holy Spirit, faith, and wisdom (Acts
6:5,6,8).

This tells us that those who are considered lay people in the church
can be a great asset and powerful vessels in God’s hands if they are equipped and filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11,12). In fact, the work of ministry ought not to be done primarily by those in the ministry offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—they are meant to equip the saints for the work (Ephesians 4:11,12).

If you find yourself in a leadership position, always strive to raise and equip other people around you to be able to do whatever you are doing. Leadership is not about issuing orders for people to obey, but the development of those people; raising them to be able to do whatever you are doing (2 Timothy 2:1,2)

Reflect:
• As a leader, are you focusing your energy on your primary calling, or are you doing what should be delegated?
• Are you actively investing in raising and equipping others for the work of the kingdom?

Peace!

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.
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EdificationDailyDevotional