Team Ministry

Watching and hearing a one man band is quite a marvel. One person, playing so many instruments at the same time and putting out a decent tune - that takes a whole load of co-ordination and skill! But one person can never match the sound of even a small band, let alone a full orchestra.

Many people, playing together in harmony is so much better.

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.”

Acts 6:1-4

Ironically this expansion of team ministry in the life of the church came around because of disharmony. It was a wise response, which shows that apostles knew that they did not have the time to do everything well.

The apostles know the value of this ministry, but they also knew the calling on their lives. They knew the priorities God has set for them - prayer, and the ministry of the word. It is a constant challenge for me to follow their example, to give myself to these priorities, and to ensure that others are released to serve in the way God is calling them.

How has God called you to serve in the life of the church? Are you playing your part?