Day 7: Leading through Growth
SENT: 21-DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING
Leading Through Growth
Written By: Ashley Gabriel
The Choosing of the Seven
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1-7
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1-7
Revelation gives us a breathtaking picture of every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and worshipping the Lamb. I remember experiencing something similar when I was part of a mission organisation that gathered in Rome for a global conference. Seeing believers from so many nations worshipping Jesus with one heart and one purpose reminded me of the beauty of the global church.
As the early church grew, it became increasingly diverse in culture, background, and need. This kind of growth requires intentional leadership. Multiplication does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders create space for new believers to be discipled, empowered, and released. Diversity is a sign of God drawing people from every walk of life, but without structure, care, and wise leadership, growth can become strained. Strong, Spirit led leadership ensures that every believer is cared for and equipped so the church can continue to multiply.
Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus that Christ has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. In Christ, cultural and social divides are removed and replaced with unity, humility, and shared purpose.
However, with growing diversity comes the potential for misunderstanding if leadership is not strong and Spirit led. In Acts 6, when complaints arose about food distribution, the apostles responded with wisdom. They committed themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, while appointing seven trustworthy men to oversee practical needs. Their willingness to delegate and empower others protected the unity of the church and allowed the gospel to continue spreading.
Discipleship is more than preaching and teaching. It happens in community through serving, meeting needs, sharing responsibility, and empowering others. When every part of the body functions together, the church multiplies.
As the early church grew, it became increasingly diverse in culture, background, and need. This kind of growth requires intentional leadership. Multiplication does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders create space for new believers to be discipled, empowered, and released. Diversity is a sign of God drawing people from every walk of life, but without structure, care, and wise leadership, growth can become strained. Strong, Spirit led leadership ensures that every believer is cared for and equipped so the church can continue to multiply.
Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus that Christ has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. In Christ, cultural and social divides are removed and replaced with unity, humility, and shared purpose.
However, with growing diversity comes the potential for misunderstanding if leadership is not strong and Spirit led. In Acts 6, when complaints arose about food distribution, the apostles responded with wisdom. They committed themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, while appointing seven trustworthy men to oversee practical needs. Their willingness to delegate and empower others protected the unity of the church and allowed the gospel to continue spreading.
Discipleship is more than preaching and teaching. It happens in community through serving, meeting needs, sharing responsibility, and empowering others. When every part of the body functions together, the church multiplies.
Reflect
Does my church reflect the diversity of my community?
How can I help bridge cultural gaps and create space for others to belong and serve?
How can I help bridge cultural gaps and create space for others to belong and serve?
Prayer
Lord, help us be a diverse and unified people. Grant us wisdom to lead well, courage to delegate, and grace to embrace all nations as one body in Christ. May our church multiply disciples for Your glory. Amen.
Posted in SENT: 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting