Series: The Mvmnt 
Message: Infighting and Growth
Preacher: Monica Wernick
Reflection: Japhet De Oliveira
Live Wonder: Zan Long 
Live Adventure: Zan Long 
Live Purpose: Jessyka Albert 
Editor: Becky De Oliveira

Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.

Read: Acts 6:1-7 in the English Standard Version (ESV). Note 1–3 insights or questions.

Reflect: To be a fully inclusive community is not to condone everything nor does it mean conformity. It means that members do not condemn. We all make mistakes and we live by grace. It would be great to extend some grace to each other as well. 

Growth is wonderful, but with more people come more ideas and more potential for conflict. Moses faced this and so his father-in-law, Jethro, encouraged him to have new leaders. At Boulder Adventist Church, we have taken the seven branches of growth and created seven elders councils that are each responsible for ensuring ministry is offered at every phase of life. It is too easy to think we are doing well. It is too easy to miss people. Our teams are dedicated to the following:

Live Wonder ages 0-3
Live Adventure ages 4-11
Live Purpose ages 12-17
Live Intention ages 18-24
Live Creativity ages 25-34
Live Courage ages 35-54
Live Wisdom ages 55+

Over the years ahead the elders will start to know everyone within their branch of responsibility. They will make sure that our church has intentionally created ministry opportunities for every phase of life. There will be space for new ideas and new expressions. We will struggle and there will be conflict but we also know how to address it and have our voices heard. We will make sure that the Spirit of God and wisdom hold us together, because we are called to so much more. We can grow despite the internal conflict, as the grace of God heals us all. 

Recalibrate: Which branch do you belong to and what will you share with other members of your branch?

Respond: Pray to see the vision God has for your church.

Research: Read one of the suggested commentaries from the bibliography on this passage.

Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose

Start a height chart. Talk about how much your child has grown and what they are doing to grow up strong. Talk about how they clean their teeth and eat good food and run around and play so their body works well. God made each of us wonderful. Enjoy!

Do you know what an elder is? Ask your parents to help you find out who the elders are in your church. Find them on Saturday and say hello! Maybe you could even color them a picture. Elders work really hard to make sure church is fun and focuses on Jesus. Tell them how thankful you are!

Do you know what the elders, deacons, or even pastors do at your church? If not, send them an email or make an appointment to have coffee or grab some food with them. Learn about what they do to make church a great place to be. Take it a step further and ask if they have any opportunities for you get involved!