[Acts: Inspiration For Transformation Series] God Of GlorySample

Confronting Challenges with the Local Church

Gene Loeffler

The apostles elected seven godly men who were appointed to serve as leaders to meet a significant need in the church. Each man was recognized for his reputation, wisdom, practical abilities, and spiritual maturity. In Acts chapter 6, the phrase “serve tables” appears. The Greek meaning here for “serve tables” points to financial matters. The men selected are most likely from the marketplace and have the capability to handle the financial affairs of the daily food distribution for the widows. 

When we face pressing issues in the local church, it is essential to adopt the apostles’ approach. Scripture teaches that every believer has been given a gift to help serve the brokenness of our world. When we acknowledge these gifts, the church is better able to solve problems—even the ones that seem to come as a surprise. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to select men and women to help navigate the church through various challenges. Proper administration protects the unity of the church and opens more doors for service opportunities. 

Notice that the apostles were not the only ones doing great miracles before the people. Stephen, one of the seven selected, also began performing great wonders among the people! The challenge within the local church caused the next level of leadership to be selected and sent out in the power of God! This is a great model for our local churches today. Leaders should pray, equip, and send their people to meet the needs in our churches and communities with the love and power of Jesus! 

Respond:

Jesus came to live in and through us. Christ Jesus, the hope of glory, living in us! It is God’s desire to equip each of us to respond to the many needs in our communities so that hope and transformation can be ushered in. The Lord is shaping men and women today, just as He did in the early church, to meet the needs in our churches and neighborhoods. Each local congregation has the DNA of Jesus to transform their places of influence! Let us respond with humility and courage so that we may see lives transformed!