Priorities of a Healthy Church - Acts 6:1-7
What does life as a member of a healthy local church look like?
Perhaps a variety of things come to your mind when you think about life alongside other believers. If you've been a member of multiple churches throughout your life, perhaps you can consider some differences between them. At the same time, some things hold true in any healthy church. On Sunday, Pastor Michael helped us consider a few of these things. He preached on Acts 6:1-7 and helped us see that a healthy church is committed to the word of God, cares for the people of God, and advances the mission of God.
In the passage, the Hellenists complained that the Hebrews were neglecting their widows in the daily distribution of food. The apostles understood this issue needed to be resolved, but it would have been wrong for them to drop their primary responsibility of preaching the word to oversee the distribution of food. They instead instructed the congregation to find godly men from among them whom they would appoint for that duty. The people were pleased to do so, the issue was resolved, and the gospel continued going powerfully forth.
At first glance, we might read the passage and think that service in the church falls on the shoulders of only certain godly people. The apostles preached the word. The newly appointed men would serve the tables. But what were the rest of the believers to do?
The account in Acts is relatively short, and it doesn’t describe every area of service the congregation was engaged in, but we can reflect on what we’ve read to this point and remember that the church was committed to caring for one another, meeting one another’s needs. This reminds us of a beautiful truth revealed in Scripture: The work of the ministry is not reserved for a select few, but is a church-wide calling. Leaders in the church are to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, as Ephesians 4:11-14 makes clear.
How does this encourage or challenge you? Maybe you’re passionately serving the church and this encourages you. Or perhaps you find it daunting to consider your responsibility to serve the church. Though costly, serving alongside one another is full of blessings. When we serve together, we can honor God by caring for one another in love, reflecting on the gospel, and displaying a powerful witness to the watching world.
If you’re looking for a way to serve those around you, think back on the church in Acts. That congregation was devoted to sharing the message of salvation with others, and the Lord used their sharing of the gospel to draw many people to Himself. We have the opportunity to share with those around us the news they need to hear most.
Resources:
Are You a Healthy Church Member? - Thabiti Anyabwile
The Gain of Serving God - John Piper
Reflection Questions:
How does it encourage or challenge you to know that the work of ministry is a church-wide calling?
How can you press into the call to serve the church?
How can you pursue a gospel-centered conversation in the near future?
Listen to the Sermon: