Acts 6:1-7 ~ What about when problems come?

By way of introduction: We can be uncomfortable with recognising problems in our own lives, or in our church (which is all of us together). Let’s start by just discussing and identifying what potential problems any church could have, because of the reality and complexity of a mix of us people involved.

Read Acts 6:1-7

1. As we read this episode in the Book of Acts, the church is still so young and potentially fragile. The church has faced a few threats already externally (Acts 4:1-31) and internally (Acts 4:32-5:11). What could happen if problems and complaints of unfairness overwhelm the unity of the church?

2. In many places of the Bible we see that we don’t create church unity, Jesus does by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Yet, we have a part to play and that is to do what? (read Ephesians 4:3)

3. In Acts 6:1, we’re told there is a complaint related to the fair distribution of care. We’re not given a lot of details, yet it’s clear the division is stated to be along ethnic lines. Why is a church that focuses on one ethnic group at the exclusion of others problematic?

4. In Acts 6:2, the whole church is gathered and the leaders (the Apostles in this case) highlight “it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” Could we explain why it is “not right”?

5. As the church organises a ministry of care they elect and appoint seven servants, kind of like deacons, or a Board of Management. What is the church looking for in such people who will serve in this way? Why do you think? (it may help to look at the cross reference of 1 Timothy 3)

6. What is the result of the church recognising their own problems, organising ministry and loving God, loving people and making disciples in this time (see Acts 6:7)?

7. What do we learn as a church from this episode in Acts 6? What will it mean for the shape our ministry during COVID restrictions and especially soon post-COVID restrictions?

Pray that we will be able to respond this way, in the power of Jesus name - as we pray for one another.