THE MINISTRY OF BUSINESS
Acts 6:1-4 NKJV
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
It’s not unusual for complaints to arise even when God is doing great things. The number of disciples was multiplying, and people from all walks of life were coming to Christ. The Hellenists were the foreign Jews and those who had converted to Judaism. At this point, no one was preaching to anyone but the Jews. But the Hellenists, even though converts who had come to faith in Christ, may have still been treated as second class by the Hebrews. And the widows from among the Hellenists were being skipped over in the daily food distribution. The church had taken on the responsibility of feeding the widows and those who could not take care of themselves. Evidently, this was a major task.
The decision is still a valid pattern for the church of today. The best use of time for the apostles was for them to devote to the ministry of God’s Word and to prayer. They stated it was not in the best interest for them to leave the word of God and handle the food distribution. They did not say that feeding the widows was not important. They believed their time would be better spent focusing on the spiritual needs of the young church.
So, the apostles asked that seven men be put in charge of this important ministry. What is unique is the qualifications of the men who would be placed over this business. The men had to have good reputations in the church and community. They had to be spiritual men full of the Holy Spirit. And they needed to be full of wisdom. These are stringent requirements for heading up a meals ministry. However, the apostles believed this kind of character was important. Verse six tells us that when the seven men were selected, the apostles prayed and then laid hands on the seven. The apostles showed by their required qualifications and very intentional prayer that this business was important.
Also worth noting in verse seven is that once these men were in place and the apostles went back to focusing on the ministry of the Word and prayer, the results were clear. The Word of God spread, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly.
APPLICATION
It is way too easy to separate the business side of ministry from the spiritual side of ministry. Preaching, teaching, and prayer are spiritual. All the other things are not spiritual; they are business. But that is a wrong assessment. Whatever is done for the Lord in His name is ministry. When the apostles made their choices, they looked for men of character and spiritual depth. They did not request seven men with business backgrounds.
There are so many parts of ministry that are not visible and may not appear to be spiritual. Yet, they are major contributors to the work of God being done. Here at The Ark Church, we have been blessed with an abundance of spiritual people who handle the business side of the church. We have people of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom that enable those of us, who focus on the ministry of the word and prayer, to be more effective.
And when all is said and done, the rewards that come from the Lord are for obedience and excellence in what He has called us to, not for preaching and praying only. Remember, if it is done for the Lord, His name, and His glory, it’s ministry!