Calling and Purpose 33—The Twelve and the Seven
The Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 6 verses 1-4 says:
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 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.’”
Here in just four verses we see a division of labor in the early church based on gifts and calling. The apostles know that their call from God is to teach His Word and to intercede (pray). Their mix of gifts included Teaching, Apostleship, Leadership, and Intercession.
When a need arose—that of certain widows being neglected or overlooked and thus not provided for—instead of adding that ministry to their already full plates, the apostles gathered the community together. They asked the others to appoint seven to take over the distribution of food. Their requirements were that they needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit and wise—in addition to being respected by the larger group (who would select them from amongst themselves). These seven become the first deacons in the early church. They likely had a mix of gifts that included Wisdom, Discernment, Helps, and Hospitality.
As a result, ministry was expanded and extended. Teaching, prayer, serving, provision were not neglected. The community became healthier and was able to be more inclusive.
· What are you currently doing that is God’s call on your time/resources?
· What is a need that you see—but you aren’t sure it’s for you to meet?
· Could it be that the need is for another—differently gifted—to serve?
· How can you get in the habit of praying through each opportunity presented to you—to ask God to show you clearly what is for you to engage in and what is an opening for someone else?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years. Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999. She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S. Contact Shirley.
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