Working Together
This week, as we continued through the book of Acts, we came to a passage that showed the apostles addressing an issue within the church. As we looked more deeply into the scriptures, we notice a few key elements.
First, when the apostles were faced with a new ministry that they couldn’t handle themselves, they called upon the disciples of the church, those that they’d been training. Many times in our churches today we are looking for people to help with ministry, but we haven’t taken the time to train and disciple them. When the need then arises for new workers, we have no disciples to call upon.
Second, the apostles called for volunteers from among their disciples. They didn’t appoint people to positions but instead told the disciples to choose from among themselves. In addition, they didn’t merely take volunteer but only those “who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” It takes more than a warm body filling a seat. Those ministering to the world, whether by delivering food, cleaning the church, or teaching a Sunday School class, need to be filled with the Spirit. The mission is too important to entrust to those that may not share the same passion and determination for winning lost souls.
Finally, the apostles prayed over those chosen and laid hands upon them. They approved of those selected and bestowed upon them the authority necessary to fulfill their duties. Many of these men went on to do extraordinary things in the book of Acts.
The mission is great, to make disciples in all nations. In order to do this, we as a church must work together. God has gifted people in different ways. Some manage money, some teach, and some maintain the building and grounds. Each person has a role to play in this mission, but we can only do it if we work together. Ministry was never intended to be a one man show, and we must all do our part to accomplish the mission.