Empowering Service: The Vital Role of Deacons
Summary
Rev. Mat Alexander delivers a compelling message on the role of deacons in the church, emphasizing that the church is designed to witness amazing things through the faithful service of its members. He begins by dispelling the notion that extraordinary events or spectacles are necessary for God's work to be done within the church. Instead, he points out that the church's very design is to facilitate such occurrences, as evidenced by the ongoing miracle of individuals coming to faith and the church's longstanding presence in the community.
Rev. Alexander shares his astonishment at the unity and love he experiences in deacon meetings, expressing gratitude for the deacons' partnership with church staff and pastors in promoting church health and direction. He underscores that the church ultimately belongs to the Lord, and by setting apart individuals to serve, the church honors God and ensures its vitality and fruitfulness.
The message then shifts to address the misconception that only those with titles or perceived as "super spiritual" are qualified to serve in the church. Rev. Alexander clarifies that God's requirements for service are not perfection but basic Christian faithfulness—qualities that every believer should strive for. He encourages the congregation not to wait for a title or special calling to serve but to actively engage in service with the gifts and godliness God has provided.
Rev. Alexander also stresses the importance of recognizing one's primary identity as a Christian, which supersedes all other titles and roles. This identity carries the responsibility to live a life that reflects Scripture and to serve the Lord to the fullest extent possible. He challenges every believer to aspire to the godly life described in the Bible for pastors and deacons, not just for the sake of holding a position but to be ready to serve in any capacity God sees fit.
The message then delves into the early church's handling of practical concerns, as described in Acts 6:1-7. Rev. Alexander points out that the apostles, functioning as pastors, identified the need to appoint deacons to address the distribution of food to widows, thereby allowing the apostles to continue focusing on prayer and ministry of the word. This act of setting apart deacons was for the purpose of maintaining unity within the church, as the first deacons were chosen to bridge a potential divide between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking believers.
Rev. Alexander highlights that deacons are set apart to serve for unity, by the church, to ease burdens, with godliness, and for the sake of church health. He explains that deacons play a crucial role in supporting the pastoral staff, caring for the congregation, and ensuring the church's growth in discipleship and evangelism. The health of the church is reflected in the increase of God's word and the multiplication of disciples, as well as in the remarkable conversion of individuals from all walks of life.
In conclusion, Rev. Alexander extends an invitation to those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus to do so and to believers to grow in godliness and readiness to serve. He also welcomes those seeking a church home to consider joining the fellowship, emphasizing the church's commitment to health and unity.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is inherently designed to witness the miraculous, not through extraordinary events, but through the consistent, faithful application of biblical principles. By preaching the word, appointing godly leaders, and trusting in the Lord, the church will naturally bear fruit over time. This is a reminder that faithfulness in small things leads to great outcomes in God's kingdom. [25:40]
- Unity within the church is of paramount importance and must be actively sought after, not just avoided. Deacons play a vital role in fostering this unity, which is essential for the church's witness and effectiveness. As believers, we should all consider how our actions contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, recognizing that disunity can hinder the church's mission. [09:31]
- Service in the church is not limited to those with official titles or roles. Every Christian is called to serve with the gifts and godliness provided by God. This challenges the notion that only certain individuals are equipped for ministry and encourages every believer to engage in service as an expression of their faith. [20:33]
- The health of a church is characterized by the increase of God's word and the multiplication of disciples. Deacons, alongside pastors and the congregation, contribute to this health by addressing both practical and spiritual needs within the church. This holistic approach to ministry ensures that the church remains a vibrant and growing community of faith. [22:52]
- The early church's approach to resolving practical issues, such as the distribution of food to widows, provides a model for congregational involvement and leadership. By involving the entire congregation in the selection of deacons, the apostles demonstrated a balance of leadership and congregational rule under Christ's lordship. This serves as a template for modern churches in structuring their governance and engaging the congregation in ministry. [11:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1-7
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary issue that led to the appointment of the first deacons in Acts 6:1-7?
2. How did the apostles propose to resolve the issue of the neglected widows? ([01:08])
3. What qualities were the apostles looking for in the men chosen to serve as deacons? ([01:48])
4. What was the result of appointing deacons in the early church according to Acts 6:7?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the apostles prioritized prayer and the ministry of the word over serving tables? How does this reflect on the roles within the church? ([10:43])
2. How does the appointment of deacons for the sake of unity in Acts 6:1-7 relate to the broader mission of the church? ([07:37])
3. In what ways does the role of deacons in easing burdens reflect the overall health and growth of the church? ([15:39])
4. How does the requirement for deacons to be "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" set a standard for all believers in their service to the church? ([18:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the unity within our church. What are some practical steps you can take to foster unity and avoid disunity? ([08:51])
2. Consider the ways you are currently serving in the church. Are there areas where you can step up and serve more actively, even without a formal title? ([20:00])
3. How can you contribute to easing the burdens of others in our church community? Think of specific actions you can take this week. ([17:13])
4. What does it mean to you to live a life "full of the Spirit and of wisdom"? Identify one area in your life where you can grow in godliness. ([18:17])
5. How can you support the pastoral staff and deacons in their roles? Consider ways to offer encouragement, prayer, or practical help. ([16:42])
6. Reflect on your primary identity as a Christian. How does this identity influence your daily actions and decisions? ([20:33])
7. Think about the miraculous aspects of church life that Rev. Alexander mentioned. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude for these everyday miracles? ([25:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness Fosters Miracles
Miracles in the church are not always marked by grandiose spectacles but are often found in the steadfast application of biblical principles. The consistent preaching of the word, the appointment of godly leaders, and the unwavering trust in the Lord's provision lead to the natural bearing of fruit within the church community. This process is a testament to the power of faithfulness in small things, which can lead to significant outcomes in the kingdom of God. The church's design inherently supports this miraculous transformation through the collective faith and service of its members, ensuring that the miraculous becomes an everyday reality in the lives of believers.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Reflection: How can you practice faithfulness in the small responsibilities entrusted to you this week as a reflection of your service to God?
Day 2: Unity as the Church's Cornerstone
Unity within the church is not merely the absence of conflict; it is an active pursuit that requires intentionality and commitment from every member. Deacons, in particular, play a crucial role in fostering this unity, which is vital for the church's witness to the world. The unity of believers reflects the unity of the Trinity and is essential for the church's mission. As members of the body of Christ, it is imperative to consider how individual actions contribute to or detract from this unity, understanding that any division can significantly hinder the church's effectiveness in fulfilling its divine purpose.
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." - Romans 14:19
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to actively promote unity within your church community?
Day 3: Service Beyond Titles
Service in the church is not confined to those holding official titles or roles; it is a calling for every Christian to serve with the gifts and godliness provided by God. This understanding challenges the misconception that ministry is reserved for a select few and encourages all believers to actively participate in service as an expression of their faith. The church thrives when each member contributes their unique gifts, working together to fulfill the church's mission. This inclusive approach to service empowers every believer to find their place in God's work, regardless of their status or position.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10
Reflection: What gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your church this week?
Day 4: The Church's Vibrant Health
The health of a church is not solely measured by its size or resources but by the increase of God's word and the multiplication of disciples. Deacons, alongside pastors and the congregation, contribute to this health by addressing both practical and spiritual needs within the church. A healthy church is characterized by its members' growth in discipleship and evangelism, reflecting a holistic approach to ministry. This ensures that the church remains a vibrant and growing community of faith, where individuals from all walks of life can find transformation and purpose.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth and health of your church community this week?
Day 5: Congregational Involvement in Leadership
The early church's approach to resolving practical issues, such as the distribution of food to widows, provides a model for congregational involvement and leadership. By involving the entire congregation in the selection of deacons, the apostles demonstrated a balance of leadership and congregational rule under Christ's lordship. This template for modern churches encourages active participation from the congregation in ministry and governance, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among all members.
"Choose for yourselves three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to survey the land and write a description of it, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me." - Joshua 18:4
Reflection: How can you take a more active role in the decision-making processes or ministries within your church?
Quotes
1) "God's requirements aren't perfect; they're basic Christian faithfulness. Don't sit back and wait for some higher life to come before you serve the Lord; get busy serving the Lord now with the gifts he's given you." [20:00] (Download)
2) "Remember this: you're a Christian. It's the most important title in my life. My first duty to the Lord is as a Christian, and we should all aspire to the sort of godly life that is described in the Bible for pastors and deacons." [21:08] (Download)
3) "We don't need anything special or spectacular to see special or spectacular things happen in the Lord's church. It's designed to see amazing things happen. Continue to do things the way God told us to, and He will bring the fruit." [25:40] (Download)
4) "I'm always amazed by the unity and love that I get to share with our deacons. It's the Lord's church, and we honor God by setting apart those who will serve our unity and ensure the church's health and direction." [26:17] (Download)
5) "The first deacons were selected for the sake of unity. There's nothing more important for our corporate witness and the functioning of the church than unity. We have to actively seek unity, not just avoid disunity." [09:31] (Download)
6) "Deacons are set apart to serve to ease burdens. They help ease the burdens of growth, care for the sick, and support the pastoral staff, ensuring the church's health and fruitfulness." [15:39] (Download)
7) "Deacons are set apart to serve for the health of the Lord's church. Church health looks like the word of God increasing and the number of disciples multiplying greatly. Deacons contribute to discipleship and evangelism." [22:52] (Download)
8) "A call to ministry is a call to serve, and deacons are called by God to ministry. Deacons are set apart to serve, and their service is no less ministry than what we do here in the Lord's church." [04:31] (Download)
9) "Deacons are set apart to serve with godliness. We choose our deacons according to God's standards, not the world's, looking for men of good repute, full of the spirit and wisdom." [18:17] (Download)
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