I.
Recognize and resolve barriers to growth, Acts 6:1-2.
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. 2 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. [Acts 6:1-2, NIV]
A. Even though a church
grows, some members grumble, 6:1.
[What were some external or
internal reasons in the early church?]
B. Church leaders respond
with agility, 6:2.
[What did church leaders do?
What did they identify as their spiritual priorities?
Why were those activities beneficial to the church’s health?]
II.
Seek and share solutions to the church family, Acts 6:3-6.
3 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 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” [Acts 6:3-4, NIV]
A. Recommendation:
Allow ministry team leaders to focus on doing
their ministries, 6:3-4.
[What are some criteria for
ministry team leaders? See 1 Timothy
3:8-12.]
B. The
congregation
approves the idea and nominates people for ministry, 6:5-6.
[How can the church family bless the ministry team leaders?]
III.
Promote and pursue growth of the church family, Acts 6:7.
7 The
word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to
increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming
obedient to the faith. [Acts
6:7, NASB]
A.
Anticipate growth as the
Word of God spreads, 6:7a.
B.
More people become disciples, 6:7b.
[What are some reasons for change?]
Reach
others with a clear message of eternal life and help them grow in the grace of
Christ.
Share the
blessing of ministering to others!
Recognize
current lay ministry leaders that are already serving.
Let them serve from their strengths and
gifts!