One of the keys to the success of the Industrial Revolution a little over 100 years ago, was the idea of “division of labor,” where by people specialized in separate parts of creating a product or service, rather that the craftsman or artisan method where one person handled all the activities in creating and delivering the product or service.

I think one of the first places this idea may have been introduced was in the early church. As the early church grew, the apostles found they could not do everything the church needed, so the divided up the responsibilities. Acts 6:2-4, says, “So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Many skills are needed in running our churches, and our pastors cannot do them all. There is a calling for each of us to support our Christian brothers and sisters, and support the operation of our congregations. All are important and bring glory to our Lord.

Dear Lord, help us all find the role by which we can serve your church and glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.