Opening the Church Membership series from Acts 6, Pastor Nana Boadum shows that growth is the natural sign of a healthy church — and that murmuring is the enemy's way of slowing it. The biblical answer is a culture of accepted responsibility: serving "in the circle," reaching "out the circle," and committing to be a unifying member. When the first church did this, the word spread, disciples multiplied, and even the hardest to reach came home.
The seven movements
- Growth is the sign of health. "The number of the disciples was multiplying" — a living body is expected to grow, in number, in depth in the Word, and in reach (Acts 6:1).
- Watch for the complaint that arises. The same word used of Israel's wilderness grumbling: secret debates and displeasure, not openly voiced. The widows' neglect was a legitimate issue — but murmuring is never God's way to address it (Acts 6:1).
- Leaders equip; they don't do everything. The apostles refused to leave the word and prayer to serve tables. From P246's own first services in Patton Hall, one by one members stepped into projection, piano, media, prayer, and small groups — the body finding its parts (Acts 6:2-4; Ephesians 4:12).
- Accept responsibility in the circle. Seven of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were appointed over the business — and the saying pleased the whole multitude. Ask: how can I best serve my church with my unique gifts? (Acts 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12).
- Accept responsibility out the circle. Put a time on it: pray through your Operation Andrew list, build community connections, serve the food pantry and Timothy House, walk the digital Roman road — even a checkout line is a mission field when you slow down for the person in front of you.
- Be a unifying church member. When someone is hurt by the church, apologize on behalf of the church instead of feeding the story. Shut down gossip; fix things internally; counter the seeds of division with love and encouragement (John 13:35).
- Then the word spreads. Acts 6:7 — when responsibility was accepted: the word of God spread, the disciples multiplied greatly, and a great many priests — the hardest to reach — were obedient to the faith.
Walk away with this
Make a decision this week, in and out of the circle: name one way you'll serve the body, and one hour you'll give beyond its walls. In the circle, out the circle — both matter, and both move the gospel.