Scripture to Read: Acts 6:2
God is constantly working in and through all of His children. He calls some of His children to be leaders (equippers) in His church so that the rest of the saints can be equipped (Ephesians 4:11–14) to do the work of the ministry. God wants His body (the church) always to be healthy and growing. We read in Acts 6:2, “So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.” Notice that the twelve apostles gathered the believers together and had a meeting. These twelve equippers knew what God had called them to do, but they also knew that the other ministry needs had to be taken care of. As we look within the local church today, depending on the size of the church, there are either several pastors (equippers) who God has called to serve Him in specific ministry areas to equip the believers within those ministry areas, or there is possibly just one pastor (equipper) within that local body who has been called by God to equip the saints who are there. God never intended for His equippers to do all of the work of the ministry, but sadly, that is how too many churches function today. However, the equippers in the first church did not compromise and clearly stated what God had called them to do. As followers of Christ, all of us must serve (Ephesians 2:10), as God has called us to serve so that every ministry grows and thrives.
Challenge & Application
• Since every Christian is called to serve within the local church, how are you currently serving our Lord in the church?
• How can you help lead newer believers to see where God wants to use them for His service?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!