When Growth Brings Growing Pains
Scripture: Acts 6:1
"Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food."
Cowboy Wisdom:
"A wise cowboy knows when to hold the reins. A growing herd needs more hands on deck, and even the best outfit can miss a stray calf in the chaos of a cattle drive."
The early church was experiencing phenomenal growth—3,000 souls added at Pentecost, then 5,000 more, with multitudes being saved daily. Yet right in the middle of this blessing, problems arose. Things fell through the cracks. Widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Success itself became the source of the problem. What worked when the church was small couldn't handle the growth. Satan, having failed to stop the church through persecution or corruption, now tried distraction—getting believers to fight among themselves.
Here's the truth: growing churches will have growing pains. When you're small, things can be handled informally. But growth requires structure, organization, and constant evaluation. The real question isn't whether problems will arise, but how we'll respond when they do.
Things that get handled spontaneously in a small outfit need systems and structure when the herd grows. Don't be surprised when the saddle that fit yesterday feels tight tomorrow.
Questions for Reflection:
How do I typically respond when things "fall through the cracks" at church? Do I assume the worst, or do I recognize that growth brings challenges?
Am I contributing to unity or division when I see problems in my church community?
What role might Satan be playing in magnifying small issues into major conflicts?
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to give you discernment to recognize when the enemy is trying to distract your church family from its mission. Pray for unity and understanding as your church navigates seasons of growth and change.
