How many churches have a genuine, thriving, very full ministry to widows?  Sure, they are taken care of in an hour of need.  But a regular ministry?

And does anyone care much for that ministry?  How much money is invested into it?  Or is it just something relegated to some good-hearted women looking in on shut-ins.

This is not Biblical care of widows.  Look a this text:

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.  So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.  They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Widows ministry wasn’t just left-over work.  Nor was it just dished out to the women.  Look at the text.  More importantly, look at the qualifications!

• Must be full of the Holy Spirit (v. 3)
• Must be full of wisdom (v. 3)

Not only that but it took 7 men to do the job!  And it wasn’t just any men that were willing.  They had to be Godly, mature women full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

It continues.

They actually commissioned this mean for ministry.

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (v. 7).

So much for left-over ministry.  Widows ministry was taken very, very seriously.

Maybe the churches should rethink this and do the same.