FROM GROWTH WITH GRUMBLING TO GROWTH WITHOUT GRUMBLING: THE ACTS 6 MODEL

Abstract

The church depicted in Acts 6 was bedevilled with grumblings and divisions occasioned by perceived racial discrimination. This study explores factors that facilitated the turnaround from grumblings to unity and a sense of belonging described later in the passage.   A rhetorical analysis reveals a concentric structure with parallels corresponding inversely. The theme of growth sandwiches the appointment of the Seven, whose appointment significantly shifts the focus to the Gentile mission. The parallels indicate the centrality of a Spirit-filled leadership, a theology of mission that prioritizes the ministry of the word without neglecting the ministry of material needs. The result was a cohesive community of the faithful energized for further growth. The apostles reinvented themselves by adapting to new circumstances with unprecedented solutions to the challenge of disunity. The leadership was diversified, and members were enabled to access decision-making. Propelled by the promise of Acts 1:8 as a basis of their theology of mission, they mediated a vibrant cross-cultural community of faith. Luke uses the appointment of the Seven as a bridge in his narrative for the mission beyond Jerusalem. The progress report in Acts 6:1-7 shows the life of the community of faith influencing further growth. A model emerging from the study for application to contemporary growth challenges is Spirit-filled leadership.  Anchored in the commission of Jesus, this model will mediate through preaching, prayer and ministering to the material needs of the members, thereby creating a cohesive cross-cultural community of faith which is a catalyst for wholistic church growth and expansion.