Don’t let it become more important than God’s word:

…and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. – Acts 6:4

The apostles’ priorities were correct. The ministry of the word should never be neglected because of administrative burdens.  Pastors should not try, or be expected to try, to do everything.  Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.

As the early church increased in size, so did its needs. One great need was to organise the distribution of food to the poor.  The apostles needed to focus on preaching, so they chose others to administer the food scheme.  Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the church (see 1 Corinthians 12).  If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help.  If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church’s ministry.  Offer these gifts in service to him.

(In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – Acts 6:1.  When we read the descriptions of the early church – the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship –  we may wish we could have been a part of this “perfect” church.  In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today.  No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his second coming.  All churches have problems.  If your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: “Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?”  Then do what you can to make your church better.  A church does not have to be perfect to be faithful).

(Another internal problem developed in the early church. The Hebraic Jews, native Jewish Christians, spoke Aramaic, a Semitic language.  The Grecian Jews, Greek-speaking Christians, were probably Jews from other lands who were converted at Pentecost.  The Greek-speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated.  This favouritism was probably not intentional, but was more likely caused by the language barrier.  To correct the situation, the apostles put seven respected Greek-speaking men in charge of the food distribution scheme.  This solved the problem and allowed the apostles to keep their focus on teaching and preaching the Good News about Jesus).

(Brothers, 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 – Acts 6:3.  This administrative task was not taken lightly.  Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the food scheme: full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  People who carry heavy responsibilities and work closely with others should have these qualities.  We must look for spiritually mature and wise men and women to lead our churches).