Empowered Growth: Serving and Discipleship in Action
Summary
Today’s focus is on the powerful connection between growth, service, and discipleship within the church. As we look at the early church in Acts 6, we see a community experiencing explosive growth—thousands coming to faith, needs multiplying, and new challenges emerging. Rather than being overwhelmed, the church responded by empowering more people to serve, recognizing that every disciple has a role to play. Needs weren’t seen as obstacles, but as opportunities for more people to step up, serve, and grow. This is a reminder that growth and needs are intertwined: growth creates needs, and meeting needs leads to more growth.
The early church modeled a set of values that are just as vital for us today: openness to diversity, a heart for missions, unity, excellence, disciple-making, biblical truth, and a life of worship. They didn’t allow cultural differences to divide them; instead, they listened, responded, and included everyone in the mission. Leadership wasn’t reserved for a select few—the congregation identified and empowered those who were full of the Spirit and wisdom, regardless of how long they’d been believers. This approach led to even greater growth, as more people were equipped and released to serve.
Serving isn’t just about filling a need; it’s about stepping into the joy and purpose God has for each of us. The call is not to wait for someone to ask, but to eagerly seek out ways to be used by God. Every believer is a disciple, called to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and join in the mission of making more disciples. The same Spirit that empowered the early church is at work in us, shaping us for unique roles in God’s kingdom. Whether it’s through acts of service, generosity, teaching, or simply being present for someone in need, each contribution matters.
As we consider our place in the church, the invitation is clear: move from being a spectator to an active participant. Plug into community, discover your gifts, and let God use you to meet needs and change lives. The mission hasn’t changed—changed people still change the world. Let’s be a church where everyone is growing, serving, and making disciples, so that the gospel continues to spread and lives are transformed.
Key Takeaways
- Growth and Needs Are Intertwined
When God brings growth, new needs inevitably arise. Instead of seeing these needs as burdens, recognize them as opportunities for more people to step into service and for the church to mature. Meeting needs is not a distraction from the mission—it is the mission, and it leads to even greater growth and impact. [27:17]
- Every Disciple Has a Role
The early church didn’t reserve ministry for a select few; they empowered the whole congregation to identify and raise up leaders. God calls every believer to serve, not just pastors or staff. When you step into your unique role, you experience the joy of being part of God’s work and help the church flourish. [42:59]
- Values Shape Our Mission
Openness, unity, excellence, and a heart for missions were not just ideals—they were lived out in practical ways. The church responded to cultural differences with inclusion, pursued excellence by matching gifts to needs, and kept the mission of making disciples at the center. These values are essential for a healthy, growing church today. [47:15]
- Don’t Wait to Be Asked—Ask to Be Used
A vibrant church is filled with people who don’t wait for an invitation to serve, but who eagerly seek out ways to contribute. The Holy Spirit often prompts us to act before anyone else notices a need. Responding to that prompting leads to personal growth, deeper community, and multiplied impact. [01:03:01]
- Worship Is a Life Devoted to God
True worship goes beyond singing; it’s about devoting every part of life to God’s purposes. When we serve, give, and love others, we are worshiping. This kind of whole-life worship is what fueled the early church’s explosive growth and is what God desires from us today. [56:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[22:15] - Cowboy Church Outreach Announcement
[25:12] - Vision for Outreach and VBS
[27:17] - Head, Heart, and Hands: The Call to Serve
[29:04] - Lessons from Dr. Wilkes and Practical Ministry
[31:54] - Capture the Flag and Learning Through Experience
[34:14] - Jesus’ Model for Discipleship
[35:21] - The Call and Mission of Every Disciple
[36:30] - The Early Church’s Explosive Growth
[39:38] - Acts 6:1-7: Meeting Needs and Raising Leaders
[41:12] - The Role of Every Disciple in Service
[42:59] - Church Values: What Matters Most
[47:15] - Openness, Diversity, and Missions
[51:09] - Excellence and Disciple-Making
[56:18] - Worship as a Way of Life
[57:05] - Ephesians 4: Gifts and Unity in the Body
[59:27] - Responding: Plugging In and Growing
[01:03:01] - Listening to the Holy Spirit and Taking Initiative
[01:04:09] - The Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:05:42] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1-7 (The early church responds to growth and needs by empowering new leaders and serving together)
- Matthew 4:19 (“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”)
- Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity, gifts, and maturity in the body of Christ)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 6:1-7, what specific problem did the early church face as it grew, and how did the apostles respond to it?
2. According to the sermon, who was responsible for choosing the new leaders to serve the widows, and what qualities were they looking for? [41:12]
3. In Matthew 4:19, what are the three steps Jesus gives for becoming a disciple?
4. In Ephesians 4:11-12, what roles does Paul say God gave to the church, and for what purpose? [57:05]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the apostles believe it was important to delegate the responsibility of serving tables to others, rather than doing it themselves? What does this say about the value of every role in the church? [42:59]
2. The sermon mentions that the early church didn’t let cultural differences divide them. How did their openness to diversity and inclusion help the church grow? [47:15]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean for every believer to be a disciple, and how does this challenge the idea that only pastors or staff are called to serve? [35:21]
4. How does the idea that “growth creates needs, and meeting needs leads to more growth” shape the way we view challenges in the church? [27:17]
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### Application Questions
1. The early church saw needs as opportunities, not obstacles. Think of a current need in our church or community. How could you personally step in to help meet that need? What’s holding you back? [27:17]
2. The sermon encourages us not to wait to be asked, but to ask to be used. When was the last time you took the initiative to serve without being invited? What’s one area you could step into this month? [01:03:01]
3. The church valued openness, unity, and excellence. Which of these values do you find most challenging to live out, and why? What’s one practical step you could take to grow in that area? [47:15]
4. The apostles empowered new leaders, including those who were new believers. Is there someone in your life or group who needs encouragement to step into serving or leadership? How can you support them? [41:12]
5. Ephesians 4 says every believer has a unique role and gift. Have you discovered your spiritual gifts? If not, what’s one thing you can do this week to start exploring how God has shaped you to serve? [57:05]
6. The sermon describes worship as a life devoted to God, not just singing. What’s one way you can worship God through your actions this week—at home, work, or in your neighborhood? [56:18]
7. “Changed people still change the world.” Share a story of how someone’s service or encouragement impacted your faith. How might God use you to do the same for someone else? [36:30]
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Devotional
Day 1: Growth Brings Needs, and Needs Bring Growth
As the early church in Acts experienced rapid growth, new needs naturally arose among the people, especially as diverse groups joined together. Rather than seeing these needs as obstacles, the church recognized them as opportunities for further growth and deeper community. When the Grecian widows were overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the church responded by empowering more people to serve, which not only met the immediate need but also led to even greater expansion and unity. In God’s design, every challenge is a chance for the body of Christ to grow stronger and more connected, as each member steps up to serve and care for one another. [27:17]
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 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 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: Where do you see a need in your church or community that could be an opportunity for you to step in and help others grow closer to Christ?
Day 2: Every Disciple Is Called to Follow, Be Transformed, and Make Disciples
Jesus’ call to His followers was clear and simple: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This call was not just for the original twelve disciples, but for every believer. The journey of discipleship involves submitting to Jesus’ leadership, allowing Him to transform your heart and life, and then joining Him in His mission to reach others. You are a disciple, called to grow and to help others grow, not by your own strength but by the work of the Holy Spirit within you. The same mission that began with Jesus’ first followers continues today, and you are invited to be a part of it. [36:30]
Matthew 4:19 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to more fully submit to Jesus’ leadership so He can transform you and use you to reach others?
Day 3: Unity and Openness Are Essential for a Thriving Church
The early church valued openness and diversity, welcoming people from different backgrounds and cultures, and responding to needs without favoritism. They sought unity by working together, listening to concerns, and empowering new leaders from among the people. This unity was not just about agreement, but about joining together in God’s unstoppable plan, recognizing that everyone has a part to play. When the church is open to new people and new ways of serving, and when it unites around God’s mission, it becomes a place where everyone can belong and contribute. [47:15]
Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community who is different from you that you can reach out to and include this week, helping to build unity and openness?
Day 4: Excellence and Generosity in Serving Others
The church in Acts pursued excellence by recognizing the unique gifts and strengths of its members and inviting them to serve where they could make the greatest impact. They did not settle for mediocrity or let a few people do all the work; instead, they gave their best to honor God and to meet the needs of their community. Their generosity in serving—whether through sharing food, teaching, or caring for others—was a reflection of Jesus’ own example. When you serve with excellence and a generous heart, you honor God and help the church flourish. [52:27]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Reflection: What is one area where you can offer your best—your time, skills, or resources—to serve others with excellence and generosity this week?
Day 5: Discovering and Living Out Your Calling as a Disciple
God has uniquely gifted every believer for works of service, and the church grows and matures as each person discovers and lives out their calling. You are not meant to sit on the sidelines, but to be equipped and empowered to serve, using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you. As you listen to God’s leading and step into your role, you help build up the body of Christ and experience the joy of making a difference in others’ lives. The journey of discipleship is about growing deeper, multiplying, and journeying together as one family in Christ. [59:27]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to discover or use your spiritual gifts to serve others and help build up the church?
Quotes
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