How can we support church leaders to focus on their primary spiritual duties? Setting the Scene “So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, ‘It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God to wait on tables.’” (Acts 6:2) The inspired record shows a moment when the early church’s rapid growth threatened to pull its leaders away from their God-given tasks. The solution God provided still guides congregations today. Recognizing the Core Calling of Leaders • Acts 6:4 defines the apostles’ focus: “prayer and the ministry of the word.” • 1 Timothy 4:13-16 urges Timothy to devote himself to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. • 2 Timothy 4:1-2 commands preaching of the word “in season and out of season.” • Titus 1:9 requires elders to “encourage by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” The Spirit expressly states that teaching, prayer, and spiritual oversight are the leaders’ non-negotiable assignments. Practical Ways the Congregation Can Help • Identify and appoint trusted servants (deacons) to handle logistics, echoing Acts 6:3. • Volunteer practical skills—administration, maintenance, technology, childcare—so pastors stay in Scripture and prayer. • Provide generous material support (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18) to remove financial distraction. • Establish clear communication channels, shielding leaders from endless minor decisions. • Cultivate a culture of intercession: “Brothers, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25) • Share words of encouragement (Hebrews 13:17) and honor their labor rather than critique style preferences. Biblical Examples of Shared Service • Moses heeded Jethro’s counsel and delegated judging to capable men, freeing him to teach God’s statutes (Exodus 18:13-24). • Jesus enlisted the Twelve to distribute bread while He blessed and broke it (Mark 6:39-44), illustrating partnership between spiritual leadership and practical service. • Phoebe, Prisca, Aquila, and many others are commended as co-workers who lightened Paul’s load (Romans 16:1-4). Blessings That Flow When We Get This Right • “So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly.” (Acts 6:7) • Congregations become equipped for ministry, growing into maturity and unity (Ephesians 4:11-16). • Leaders serve with joy, not groaning, and that “would be of benefit to you” (Hebrews 13:17). • The church’s witness strengthens as each member functions in God-ordained roles (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Personal Response • Regularly pray by name for pastors, elders, and their families. • Offer time or resources in specific areas where you are gifted. • Speak words of gratitude, acknowledging faithful teaching and shepherding. • Support budget allocations that release leaders from outside employment when possible. • Embrace delegated responsibilities quickly and cheerfully, recognizing this as obedience to Scripture. |
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