From Conflict to Connection 

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Empower Those Who Understand the Need

When we look around today, it’s easy to see division—even within the church. We may long for the days when everything seemed simpler, but truthfully, the church has always had to navigate tension. The good news? God has always provided a way through it.

Even in the earliest chapters of Acts, when the church was growing rapidly, conflict arose. But what stands out is not that the believers disagreed—it’s how they responded.

Rumblings

“But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.”
— Acts 6:1 (NLT)

Instead of arguing, defending themselves, or dismissing the complaint, the apostles did something radical: they listened.

They recognized that the Greek-speaking believers had both insight and compassion for the situation. Rather than tightening their grip on control, they opened their hands and shared leadership.

They appointed seven wise, Spirit-filled Greek-speaking men—Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas—to oversee the food distribution (Acts 6:3–5).

Who better to serve the need than those who understood it most deeply?

The apostles knew their calling was to prayer and teaching, but they also understood that unity was essential. So instead of objecting, they connected. They entrusted others with responsibility and affirmed their voice in the community.

Connection, Not Objection

So often, when tension arises in our modern churches, the instinct is to object. We want to prove a point, defend our position, or maintain our stance. But the apostles modeled something different: connection through empowerment.

Lysa TerKeurst reminds us that relationships thrive not on correction alone but on connection:

Love slows down. It listens. It makes room for others to lead. The apostles didn’t see the Greek believers as complainers—they saw them as contributors. Their inclusion wasn’t political; it was spiritual. It reflected the heart of Christ, who calls every believer to play a vital role in His body.

Something More

Catherine Marshall (1914–1983) was a beloved Christian author and speaker known for her transparent faith and gentle wisdom. The wife of Peter Marshall, former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, she became one of the most influential devotional writers of the twentieth century. Her books—such as A Man Called Peter, Beyond Ourselves, and Something More—have inspired millions to walk humbly and live courageously.

With her probing insight into the human heart, Catherine Marshall revealed that behind many objections were longings to be seen, heard, and valued. Often, our resistance to others (and even to God’s leading) is born of fear: fear of being overlooked or misunderstood.

She once wrote in Something More (1974):

That’s exactly what we see in Acts 6. When the apostles relinquished responsibility and invited others to serve, joy became the natural byproduct. The church grew stronger—not because everyone agreed, but because everyone had a place to serve.

Unity Under God, Not Uniformity Among Us

Mark Batterson warns against confusing unity with uniformity:

The apostles didn’t demand that the Greek believers think, speak, or act like the Hebrews. Instead, they celebrated their perspective and trusted their leadership. They understood that the very differences that caused tension could become the key to greater compassion.

Unity doesn’t mean everyone looks the same or leads in the same way. It means we humbly link arms, honoring each other’s gifts for the good of the whole.

Who Better to Serve the Need?

When conflict arises in the church today, maybe God is asking us to look again at Acts 6 and ask:

1. Who better to serve the need than those who understand it most?
2. Who better to lead the conversation than those who’ve lived the challenge?
3. Who better to bring healing than those who’ve walked through the hurt?

Empowering others doesn’t diminish our calling. Instead, empowering others multiplies it.

A Theology of Togetherness

Ephesians 4 calls us to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Unity comes through shared calling.

The early church grew stronger because the apostles modeled humility. They didn’t argue to be right—they acted to do right.

Today, we can follow the same wisdom. When conflict surfaces, we can seek opportunity, not offense. We can also respond with open hands, willing hearts, and listening ears. How will this change things?

Because when we invite others to help carry the weight, we find that the burden is lighter. More than that, the body of Christ shines brighter.

Let’s be believers who don’t object but strive for connection. Who don’t guard leadership but give it away. Who ask, whenever a need arises— Who better to serve the need than those who see it most clearly?

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

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