Ministry: Healthy Church Ministry

Text: In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian 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, 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. Acts 6:1-7

Things we do for ministry, we do for God!

1.) The POTENTIAL PROBLEMS of Ministry. - v. 1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Notice things are happening right away in this verse. There's a division (Grecian and Hebraic). They felt like they weren't getting what they want because of their mindsets and feeling a "minority". The truth is that what they were feeling wasn't directly related to their food issues. In our society there are a lot of the same mindsets. It seems effective church ministry has the same conflicts. Replace how we see ourselves and see what God sees, then that would solve our problems.

2.) The PASTOR'S POSITION in Ministry. - vv. 2-4 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, 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." It is the pastors role to equip us, or create opportunities, to do the service of the church. Ephisians 4:11-12, 15 says, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3.) The PEOPLE'S POSITION of Ministry. - vv. 5-6 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. We need someone who understands, we have a role and an experience that can minister in ways others can't. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

4.) The POWER of a Pastor and People PARTNERING in Ministry. - v. 7 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. Because of the delegation to handle situations that some had experience with; when people possess a ministry. Who might you influence?