SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:1-7
OBSERVATION:
Here we see leadership in action, addressing a concern with an innovative solution. This passage is generally see as the origin of the “deacon” (ie servants), assistants to the apostles/elders, making sure that the details of community life were not neglected. “Wait on tables” does not suggest that this is a lesser task than “prayer and the ministry of word”. This is evident from the qualifications expected of these servants (full of the Spirit and wisdom) and the formal commissioning to their task (prayer, laying on hands). v.7 is worded to suggest that this strategic decision aided in the spread of the message.
APPLICATION:
Strategic planning, functional structures, administration, distributing resources, these are not lesser tasks than prayer and the ministry of the word. This is not a “just” ministry (‘oh, its just this or that’) but important roles in the overall spread of the message of Jesus. We need to elevate and celebrate the roles of deacon, administrators, kitchen helpers, custodians, coffee-servers, etc. since through their work, the word of God will spread. In Jesus’ kingdom project, every person is a somebody, each fulfilling their task for the Lord!
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the many hands that make the work here at Hope go so well. Thank You for an excellent team of Christ-followers who are eager to contribute to our overall mission of making disciples. May Your message continue to spread through us! Amen.