Growing Together: Lessons from the Early Christian Community on Diversity Management and Justice, (Acts 6:1-7).

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Acts of the Apostles paint a beautiful picture of the early Church, a community vibrant with faith and overflowing with love, (Acts 4: 32-35). This idyllic scene of oneness and shared possession is challenged in Acts 6: 1-7. As the number of disciples grew, so did the complexities of caring for the community. Grumbling arose among the Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists) who felt their widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution. This incident challenges the earlier image of perfect unity, highlighting the inevitable friction that arises in any growing community, even one bound by love.

Addressing Community Needs: The Apostolic Solution: Faced with crucial challenge, the Twelve Apostles summoned the whole Community of Disciples and proposed the selection of seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of Wisdom, to oversee this task, allowing the Apostles to dedicate themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This decision was well received by the whole community, and Stephen, along with six others, was chosen for this service.

Reflecting on this passage, we see the early Church facing challenges that are strikingly contemporary: issues of justice and fairness, distribution of resources, and the need for organizational structures within a community of faith. The apostle’s response teaches us the importance of addressing community needs promptly, ensuring that no one is neglected. Problems in Christian communities get worse sometimes because they’ve been allowed to fester without proper attention.

Roles and Responsibilities within the Church: This passage also highlights the significance of everyone’s specific role within the community. The apostles did not see the distribution of food as their primary mission but recognized that their calling to preach the Word and Pray required full dedication, necessitating others to take on different, yet equally vital roles for the spread of the Good News in all its ramifications. Our Church needs more than ever collaborative ministry.

Spiritual Discernment in Leadership: The selection of Stephen and the six others is a strong reminder of the need for spiritual discernment in leadership role within the Church. These men were not chosen based on their ability to manage resources, or their social standing but were selected for being “full of the Spirit and Wisdom”. This underscores the belief that effective service in the Church requires not just practical skills but a heart and mind attuned to God’s guidance, capable of seeing the Church from spiritual perspective, as family of God. 

Furthermore, this passage illustrates the early Church’s commitment to communal decision-making. The apostles involved the whole community in the selection process, showing respect for their opinions and fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. This democratic aspect of the church governance is a model for how modern Christian communities can approach challenges and decisions: by listening, respecting, and valuing each member’s voice. The laying of hands by the Apostles on those chosen is a gesture connected to the invocation of the Holy Spirit, (Act 8:17). Thus, they are blessed and commissioned in their mission.

The Impact of Inclusive Governance for Church Growth: Lastly, the outcome of the decision taken by the community of disciples shows that “the word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem; even a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.” This growth is attributed not just to the preaching of the apostles but to the smooth functioning of the community as a whole. When all members of the community have the sense of belonging, they contribute according to their gifts and callings, the community flourishes. The fraternal love in action is the hallmark of Christian life as revealed by Jesus in John 13, 34-35.

Therefore, let us receive this passage, not just as a historical account of early Church’s administrative adjustments, but as an invitation to meditate and reflect on the diverse roles each member of the Church plays in the body of Christ. It is a call to grow as a community of believers in Christ and find meaningful ways to contribute, guided by Widom and Spirit, in managing diversity in our Christian communities.


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