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Leave the Word of God and Become Waiters?

As the First Century Church grew, the twelve Apostles had an occasion to decide whether prayer and the ministry of the Word of God were better than waiting tables.

We continue with our Book of Acts Bible Study. Today’s main reference is Acts 6:1-6.

“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration” (Acts 6:1).

As the size of many assemblies increase pastors need to remain focus on their core functions. The primary function for all Christian pastors is to be shepherds to the flock of Christ.

Therefore, the Lord promises: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).

Knowledge and Understanding of the Word of God

And this knowledge and understanding of God does not result from waiting tables. It comes from studying the Word of God.

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2).

The Twelve Apostles were aware of their primary role. Therefore, as the congregation grew they remained focus.

Additionally, they secure competent people to fill necessary positions in new ministries as they evolved.

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (Acts 6:3).

This new position has five basic requirements: Believers, males, good reputation, “full of the Holy Ghost”, and full of wisdom.

The Twelve Apostles Focused on their Core Function

The Twelve, having delegated the securing of seven Believers who satisfy the above prerequisites, then they announced that they will remain focused on their core function.

Thus they said:

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:5-6).

Conclusion

Many pastors get sidetracked from their core functions as their congregations grow. But maintaining focused is absolutely important. Allow nothing to move your focus from continual prayer and the constant searching of the Word of God. Focus on the ministry of God’s word.

Many pastors’ as their assembly grow become businessmen. They become involved in real estate. They start and establish businesses forgetting that first, they are shepherds.

However, if you stay focus on seeking, and searching the Bible to uncover the secrets of the Word of God your congregation must grow. Growth is inevitable.

The First Century Church had that experience. Therefore, we read that “the number of the disciples was multiplied” (Acts 6:1).

Another feature of the congregation that grows is the necessity of delegation. The pastor must delegate tasks to competent individuals. This practice frees him or her to focus on the core function.

Have you lost focus of your core function? Do you delegate? Remember you are not a one-man band.