Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 6:1-7(ESV)
Seven Chosen to Serve
6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
What secondary issues came from fulfilling the mission laid out in Acts 1:8?
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Lord, thank You for the power of Your Word, that drew so many people to You as the apostles shared it to all nations. Thank You for creating us as individuals with different desires, gifts, and talents. You use all gifts for Your purpose. Help us recognize ways to use our gifts for You, in the church, to serve people, and to spread Your gospel. Let us realize how critical it is to have people who are willing to serve in the church and take ownership of caring for Your community. When people are empowered to use their gifts in ministry, they become invested and share their experiences which draws more people to You. The more people who are involved the greater the impact. As people focus on the daily needs of the church, the Pastor and other leaders are freed up to keep their focus on prayer and teaching. Good leaders delegate and release others into their God-given gifts and ministries. The church needs people full of the spirit and wisdom to care for the people today. Lord, I pray that You raise up leaders in the church who will share in the load to minister to others and to share Your gospel truth. I pray that prayer and teaching remain the highest priority at Shepherd of the Hills. Expand the number of people willing to serve so that no one is burdened over their capacity. Churn up excitement for Your Word in our church so that it draws more people to You. Put Your hand in our mission and bless it. Bring about a Spiritual revival in our midst. As a church family, let us be bonded together in Your love and be willing to sacrificially serve where it brings glory to Your name. Amen