Acts 6:1 Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. ² And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.“

“Hellenists” were people of Jewish descent who had adopted Greek language, customs, and culture. They believed their widows were getting short-changed in the distribution of food. We were told in Acts chapter 4 that the disciples held all in common:

³⁴ There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. ³⁵ They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

The problem here wasn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of administration. The community had simply gotten too large for the apostles to teach/preach/heal AND hand out the food. So they made a change. They appointed seven others to deal with administration of food while the apostles focused on ministering the Word of God. A wise move!

I would be wise to do something similar with the staff members I supervise. I don’t mean handing out food to Hellenistic widows, but clarifying the boundaries of our work together. It’s a new world that, in some ways, requires a different church. What we do and how we do it is constantly shifting right now. It’s exciting and a bit scary at the same time.

Lord Jesus we’ve been saying for many years that the pace of change in our world is accelerating. But 2020 has kicked that into overdrive. Help us to align ourselves with our new reality so that we might serve your purposes more effectively. I pray this in your holy name. Amen.