Acts 6:3 “Brothers and sisters, 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Large projects often move forward more effectively when a qualified team works together. When each collaborator faithfully fulfills their role, the end result is stronger, healthier and more effective. This is true in every area of life – and especially in ministry.

Our family business models this philosophy of teamwork well. We are a small, family-owned real estate and auction company with several distinct areas of focus. 

All the moving parts of our business require a diverse team of qualified and experienced people. Each employee oversees their specific area of service with excellence, allowing us to serve our clients well and operate smoothly.

The early church faced a similar need for teamwork. After the coming of the Spirit, the number of believers multiplied rapidly. As the church grew, challenges naturally arose, particularly concerning how people were being cared for.

The Hellenistic Jews, Greek-speaking Jewish believers, raised concerns that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Feeling that these women were not receiving equitable care, they brought the issue to the apostles.

Recognizing their limitations, the apostles gathered the believers together. They explained that overseeing the food distribution would pull them away from their primary calling: prayer and the ministry of the Word. Instead, they proposed a wise solution: select seven men who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom and entrust them with this responsibility.

The plan was well received. The believers chose seven godly men and presented them to the apostles. The leaders prayed, laid hands on them, and commissioned them for the work – and the ministry flourished.

As each person focused on their God-given role, the Word of God spread rapidly. The number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem.

These early growing pains highlighted a timeless spiritual truth: God’s work thrives when His people serve together, each in their proper role.

The Apostle Paul later reinforced this truth in 1 Corinthians 12, describing the church as the body of Christ. God intentionally places each member within the body just as He desires. Every believer is baptized by one Spirit and gifted uniquely, just as hands, feet, and eyes each serve a different yet vital function in the human body.

Just as it wouldn’t work for one employee to try to handle every task our business requires, the church cannot function as God intended unless each person faithfully does what God has called them to do. When believers work together in unity, the message of the gospel spreads, and God’s kingdom grows.

Are you part of God’s family?

Then you have a purpose to fulfill. Your role matters. Serve together in the power of the Holy Spirit, and God’s work will be done well.