Leading Like The Early Church Lessons Learned from Acts (Day 3) – Servant Leadership in the Early Church (Acts 6)

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Day 3: Servant Leadership in the Early Church (Acts 6)

In Acts 6, we encounter a powerful example of servant leadership that would become a defining characteristic of the early church. As the community of believers grew, so did their challenges. A dispute arose between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews, with the former complaining that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, rather than ignoring the issue or attempting to manage it on their own, demonstrated a model of servant leadership by delegating the responsibility to others.

The apostles appointed seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take charge of the practical needs of the community, particularly caring for the widows (Acts 6:1-6). These men, the first deacons, were chosen to serve the people so the apostles could focus on their primary calling of prayer and preaching the Word. The lesson here is clear: leadership is not about hoarding power or micromanaging tasks; it’s about empowering others to serve.

This moment in Acts teaches us that leadership is not defined by titles or positions but by service. Jesus Himself modeled servant leadership when He washed the feet of His disciples, teaching them that the greatest leaders are those who serve others. The apostles could have held onto their authority and tried to manage every detail, but they understood that true leadership involves equipping others and creating opportunities for others to lead.

The decision to appoint deacons to serve the needs of the community reflects the apostles’ heart for people. They didn’t view this task as beneath them, but they recognized that serving others is at the core of Christian leadership. By delegating responsibility, they allowed the community to grow stronger, meeting both spiritual and practical needs.

As leaders today, we must ask ourselves: Are we following the example of servant leadership? Are we prioritizing the needs of others, or are we more focused on our own success and recognition? Servant leadership requires humility, a willingness to let go of control, and a heart that seeks the well-being of those we lead.

Servant leadership also involves empowering others. The apostles didn’t just assign tasks—they entrusted the deacons with real responsibility and the authority to lead in their roles. This act of delegation didn’t diminish the apostles’ leadership; it strengthened the church by enabling more people to step into their calling.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways are you serving those you lead? Are you creating opportunities for others to step into leadership?
2. Are there tasks you are holding onto that could be delegated to others, allowing them to grow in their leadership?
3. How can you model servant leadership in your daily interactions with those you lead?

Today, reflect on how you can adopt a servant leadership approach in your own life and leadership. True leadership is not about gaining followers but about empowering others to flourish. Just as the apostles cared for the practical and spiritual needs of their community, may we be leaders who prioritize service, empowerment, and humility in all that we do.