themselves to resolving the conflict, while they continued to devote themselves to “prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:1–7).15 This pastoral ministry was cooperative—the leaders trusted the congregation to make good choices in the selection of the seven and they trusted those chosen to settle the conflict. The leaders set parameters, both to guide the congregation’s decision,16 and the tasks the seven ministers would perform.17 Showing wisdom and competence, the congregation chose seven