Book Study · Week 4 of 6

Growing Pains

Acts 6:1-7

Healthy leadership and delegation

Main Point

Healthy churches don't avoid conflict — they address it with wisdom, humility, and structure.

Application Ideas

Is there a problem in your community you've been avoiding? What would it look like to address it wisely?

Discussion Questions

How did the apostles handle the complaint? What can we learn about leadership and service from this passage?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Acts 6:1-7

Supporting Texts: Exodus 18:17-23; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Proverbs 11:14

Big Idea: Growing churches require wise leadership structure and the raising up of Spirit-filled leaders to share the load.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

The church is growing fast. Thousands are joining. But with growth comes new problems. The apostles are overwhelmed. They're trying to do everything—teach, pray, manage resources, handle disputes.

A conflict arises: Hellenistic widows (Greek-speaking Jewish widows) are being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while Hebraic widows (Aramaic-speaking) are being cared for. It's a cultural and systemic issue.

The main point: Growing churches require wise delegation and the development of mature leaders who share the apostles' vision and Spirit-empowerment.

I. The Problem and the Solution (Acts 6:1-4; Exodus 18:17-23)

The apostles recognize the issue: 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.' They're not dismissing service as unimportant—they're recognizing that their primary calling is teaching and prayer.

'Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and of wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.'
This is brilliant organizational leadership. The problem isn't solved by working harder. It's solved by delegating to capable people, freeing the leaders to focus on their primary calling.
Exodus 18:17-23 records Moses' father-in-law giving similar advice: 'What you are doing is not good... You will only wear yourself out... Select capable men from all the people... have them serve as judges for the people at all times.'

Delegation is not weakness. It's wisdom. It allows the whole organization to flourish by having everyone focused on their specific calling.

II. The Character of Leaders (Acts 6:5; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)

The apostles establish criteria: men who are 'known to be full of the Spirit and of wisdom.' Not educated necessarily, not powerful politically, but Spirit-filled and wise.

The congregation chooses Stephen, Philip, and five others. Stephen is specifically noted as 'a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit' and later as performing 'great wonders and signs among the people.'
These men weren't appointed because they were famous or powerful. They were chosen because their character and spirituality were evident to the community.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 outlines qualifications for leaders: above reproach, faithful to their spouse, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent, gentle, not a lover of money, manage their family well.

The criteria is spiritual maturity and character—not charisma, not credentials, not connections. A leader's life must reflect the gospel they proclaim.

III. The Results (Acts 6:6-7; Proverbs 11:14)

The apostles pray for the seven and lay hands on them. This prayer of commissioning sets them apart for their task and invokes God's empowerment.

The result is profound: 'The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.'
By solving the administrative problem, the apostles freed themselves to do what they were called to do. Teaching was prioritized. Prayer was prioritized. The gospel advanced.
Proverbs 11:14 states: 'For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.' Wise leadership involves gathering capable people and distributing responsibility.

The irony is striking: by the apostles stepping back from trying to do everything, the church actually grew faster and more powerfully. When leaders focus on their calling and empower others, the whole organization flourishes.

Conclusion & Appeal

If you're in a position of leadership, the question is: Are you trying to do everything? Are you burning out trying to meet every need, solve every problem, be everything to everyone?

The apostles teach us that good leadership requires knowing your primary calling, finding capable people, empowering them, and trusting them. It requires releasing control.

If you're not in formal leadership, the question is: Are you aware of your gifts? Are you willing to step up and serve where you can make a difference? The church needs Stephen and Philip—people who are Spirit-filled, wise, and ready to serve.