A Growing Church With Growing Pains (Part 3) Series

A GROWING CHURCH WITH GROWING PAINS

(Part 3)

Acts 6:1-7

(Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, January 21st, 2026)

I have a close friend who owns a small business; over the last few years his company has grown from a dream to a very successful operation. However, he would tell you that there is potential for even more growth and greater profit. Unfortounately, he has a difficult time finding people who are willing to work and often those who are willing are not qualified for the positions that he is trying to fill.

This is similar to an issue that plagues many churches in America today. There is no shortage of work that needs to be done, but often there is a shortage of people who are willing to serve. As a result certain jobs go undone and at times certain people go unreached.

This problem is not a new one; in fact it is an issue that is as old as the church itself. During His earthly ministry, Jesus said "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38). Today, there are still very few laborers and the “harvest is truly plentiful”.

Throughout our study of the Book of Acts, we have seen the rapid and miraculous growth of the Church. Verse one says, “in those days, the number of the disciples was multiplying”. It is estimated that the total number of Believers at this point in time was somewhere around twenty thousand people.

As a result of this rapid growth the Hellenists confronted the Apostles because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and other necessities. In response, the Apostles called the whole assembly of believers together and presented their solution for this problem. They instructed the Brethren to select seven men whom they could appoint over the business of ministering to the widows; in turn, the Apostles would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

In recent weeks we have been examining “A Growing Church With Growing Pains”. I would like to conclude this portion of our study by considering how the Apostles addressed these “growing pains”.

Thus far in this study we have seen that We Should Expect Growing Pains Within The Church and that We Must Address Growing Pains Within The Church. We have also spent considerable time covering the reality that when growing pains are not addressed, problems are inevitable. When we ignore troubles in the church: Christians Will Be Hurt, Lost People Will Go Unreached, and Christ Will Be Dishonored. These are very serious consequences, therefore we must ensure that when growing pains arise we must address them. With that being said, it is extremely important for us to address growing pains in the proper manner.

- This passage shows us how to address problems God’s way. First of all:

GROWING PAINS MUST BE ADDRESSED PROMPTLY

Verse 2 says, “the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples…” If the Apostles had not addressed this issue, it would have likely led to other problems that would have spread throughout the church. As soon as this issue was brought to their attention, the Apostles were moved to action. Likewise, when any kind of conflict arises in the church today we cannot ignore it; we must address it promptly.

- It is also important for us to know that:

GROWING PAINS MUST BE ADDRESSED COMPASSIONATELY

The Apostles responded to the complaint of the Hellenists with humility and compassion. They realized that there was a legitimate concern and an important need among a certain segment of the assembly. As a result they sought to implement a solution that would address this problem.

When one (or more) of our brothers or sisters has been offended or has a complaint about the current state of the church, it is important to listen to them. Moreover, we must possess compassion, concern, and a desire to address those issues. Like Jesus, we should see lost people as “sheep without a shepherd”; when we do, we will be prompted to minister to them. This is an important ministry; however, we must not neglect our responsibility to serve our brothers and sisters within the Church.

One of the glorious benefits of being part of a church family is that we have the privilege to learn, grow, and serve together. When someone in the church is hurting, we must remember that they are more than just another member of a common organization, that person is our brother or sister in Christ; as such, we should have compassion on them.

As fellow members of the Body of Christ, we must remember that when one member suffers, the entire body suffers. When one of our Brethren is hurting, we should hurt for them. Furthermore, we should have a desire to do all is within our power to ease their pain.