Acts 6:1–7 (NLT) — 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. 7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

Lesson One - Growth Demands Empowerment

• Lesson One - Growth Demands Empowerment Acts 6:1 (NLT) — 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.

Lesson Two - Without Empowerment, Drama Happens

• Acts 6:1b (NLT) — The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
• Inefficiency leads to some of the body feeling left out or ignored.
• Every member has value and should not be overlooked in ministry.

Lesson Three - No One Can Do Everyone’s Job

• Acts 6:2 (NLT) — 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.
• We must give one another permission to not do the same thing. God has gifted each of us uniquely, and we take joy in these distinct callings.
• We should celebrate one another's uniqueness and encourage each other to operate within those gifts.

Lesson Four - It’s a Spiritual Thing

• Acts 6:3–4 (NLT) — 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
• Acts 6:5–6 (NLT) — 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

Lesson Five - Proper Alignment Leads to Growth

• Acts 6:7 (NLT) — 7 So God’’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
• Ephesians 4:15-16 (NLT) — 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way into Christ, who is the head of the church. 16 From him every part of the body receives its nourishment and grows as each part joins together and does its part. Through the whole body, the love of Christ is expressed, and the church is built up to the glory of God.
• The fruit of a church well empowered is evident:
  • Everyone is properly cared for.
  • Everyone has the joy of fulfilling their calling.
  • The mission of the church advances.