October 13

Acts 6:1-6
1Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." 5 What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

The tension between the evangelistic work of the church and the service work of the church is not new to us. As the church became more “multicultural” the interests of the communities are at odds. The twelve are under pressure to insure an equitable distribution of food. The administrative tasks of the community are taking time from the outreach efforts of the twelve.

The solution is to recognize gifts of the Spirit in the community and to use those gifts to build up the body. They are going to find seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and wisdom. The job qualifications are not just gifts of administration. They are to be trustworthy and faithful. Looking at the names of those chosen, they are also from the community that is being neglected.

Like Moses recognition that he could not lead the people by himself, the twelve discover that they are not going to lead the church by themselves. God has provided a variety of leaders. It is important that they work together and bring their skills to the community. The twelve are able to see that God is empowering leaders among the Hellenists. They share the leadership with these men to the benefit of the community.

Reflection questions:
1. Who are the Hellenists in our community who are left out of our life together?
2. What stands in the way of sharing leadership in these communities?
3. What gifts has God given you that can help lead the church?