Unstoppable: The Church on Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Godly conflict leads to organized servant leadership.

When the church multiplied, complaints about neglected widows revealed a need for structure rather than silence; leaders addressed the problem by appointing servants to care for daily needs so elders could remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This model preserved the church’s mission, honored diverse members, and created the diaconate as a healthy division of labor. The appointment of deacons turned a potential division into a means for growth and unity. [00:42]

Acts 6:1-7 (ESV)

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. And the twelve summoned the whole body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 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. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 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.

Reflection: Who in our church’s life is at risk of being overlooked in daily care, and what specific step will you take this week to advocate for their needs so leaders can focus on prayer and preaching?

Day 2: Deacons must display proven godly character.

Deacons are called to be dignified, honest, sober-minded, not greedy, and to hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience; they must also be tested and prove themselves blameless before serving. The qualifications show that character matters more than title — the church entrusts responsibilities to those who already demonstrate faithfulness in ordinary life. Managing one’s household and finances well is part of showing that someone can steward church trust. [06:00]

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience

Sermon Summary

In Acts 6 we see the church at a turning point. Growth brought real tensions—racial, cultural, and socioeconomic—and the apostles responded not by ignoring the complaint, but by installing qualified servants to meet needs so the elders could devote themselves to word, prayer, and shepherding. That healthy division of labor is still necessary. Deacons are not second-class leaders; they are trusted, tested, Spirit-filled servants who protect unity by handling tangible needs with integrity.

Paul’s qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 help us see the kind of people we’re looking for: dignified, not double-tongued, self-controlled, not greedy, holding the faith with a clear conscience, tested, and managing their households well. Sobriety here is broader than alcohol; it’s about a clear mind that’s available to God and dependable to the church. We’re not seeking perfection, but patterns—patterns of truthfulness, financial steadiness, and family leadership that show the gospel has deep roots. Titles should follow faithfulness already seen in small things; we’re simply recognizing what God has already formed.

We also walked through Romans 16. Junia is best understood as a “sent one”—a missionary rather than a holder of the unique, foundational “Apostle” office. Words develop over time, and Scripture uses “apostolos” both for the office and for missionaries; context matters. Then there’s Phoebe, whom Paul commends as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae. The language and context point to an official role, not merely general service. Early church witnesses corroborate this, showing women serving as deacons, especially where ministry to women required modesty and wisdom. So we gladly pursue deacons and deaconesses—humble, tested servants who will help us care for people and guard unity—while elders lead, teach, and shepherd.

As we move toward installing deacons, pray with me that God will confirm the right men and women—those already serving among us with quiet faithfulness, clear consciences, and joyful steadiness.

Key Takeaways

1. Integrity before responsibility Integrity isn’t a personality trait; it’s the seam that holds spiritual authority together. When speech is consistent and motives are clean, trust grows and ministry can move at the speed of unity. We don’t confer integrity with a title; we recognize it because it’s already there, tested over time. This is why we look for those serving faithfully before they’re named. [12:17]
2. Sobriety is availability to God The prohibition isn’t against enjoying God’s gifts but against anything that fogs discernment or steers our will. A clear mind is a spiritual ministry tool because people rarely need us on a convenient schedule. Being sober-minded keeps us interruptible, attentive, and ready to serve when needs surface unexpectedly. [07:33]
3. Lead well at home first Home is the first congregation any of us shepherd. If compassion, correction, and steadiness don’t find their footing with those closest to us, they won’t miraculously appear in public. God’s wisdom grows in the ordinary rhythms of family, where love is tested and leadership is refined. [15:23]
4. Women deacons serve biblically and wisely Phoebe is presented as a deacon of a local church, and early Christian witness confirms women serving officially, especially where ministry to women required care and modesty. This is not novelty; it’s obedience to Scripture and attentiveness to people’s real needs. We honor God’s design by deploying all His servants within biblical lanes for the good of the body. [38:37]
5. Distinguish office from mission Junia’s example reminds us that “apostle” can mean a sent missionary rather than the foundational office held by the Twelve and Paul. Confusing the two distorts both church structure and mission. Clarity frees us to affirm all who are sent while preserving the unique responsibilities of elders. [34:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Growing pains in a multiplying church
[01:16] - Bondservants and social tensions explained
[03:07] - Elders devote to word and prayer
[04:33] - Why the church needs servant leaders
[06:00] - Walking through deacon qualifications
[07:03] - Self-control and sober-mindedness
[09:53] - Not greedy for dishonest gain
[11:50] - Holding the mystery with a clear conscience
[12:17] - Tested first before appointed
[14:48] - Family character and household leadership
[18:34] - Stewardship and handling church finances
[20:22] - Humility: the unsung work of deacons
[21:53] - Why we’re teaching deacons and elders now
[30:34] - Junia: known among the apostles?
[34:14] - Big-A vs little-a apostles
[37:24] - Phoebe: servant or deaconess?
[39:44] - Early evidence for women deacons
[42:21] - Call to pray for deacon installation

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading (ESV)

- Acts 6:1–7
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. 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. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 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 Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 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.

- 1 Timothy 3:8–13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear

Sermon Clips

It's one of those situations where you kind of do first and get the title later. I'd be weary of anybody who just came up to me and was like, I would like to be a deacon, but they've never helped set a thing up. They've never served on any team. They've never passed the plate. You know what I mean? Like they've never served in any way. What we look at is for deacons and deaconesses are people who are already serving. [00:13:28] (30 seconds) #ServeFirstTitleLater

You also, a deacon or deaconess has to know that there is a certain amount of respect and adoration that is going to be given you. This is the same for elders. You can't let yourself start to think you are more important in this church than anyone else. I like to tell our deacon and elder candidates this. If you're looking for fame and glory as an elder or deacon, you might as well quit the process now. Because what you're signing up for, to be an elder or to be a deacon, just means you're going to do all the work and get like 0% of thanks, right? [00:19:59] (34 seconds) #ServeDontSeekGlory

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Unstoppable: The Church on Mission - Week 16