Unity and Service: God's Design for the Church
Summary
The church is designed by Christ to be a living, unified body, structured for the mission of making and growing mature disciples. As we look at Acts 6, we see a church experiencing explosive growth, but also facing real challenges—specifically, a threat to unity as some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, guided by the Spirit, recognized that while practical needs are vital, their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Rather than neglecting either, they called the congregation to select seven mature, Spirit-filled disciples to oversee these practical matters. This solution protected the unity of the church and ensured that the ministry of the Word remained central, resulting in the continued multiplication of disciples.
This biblical pattern reveals God’s wisdom for church life: spiritual leaders (elders/pastors) focus on the Word and prayer, deacons serve by meeting tangible needs and promoting unity, and the congregation actively participates in ministry. Deacons are not simply “doers of tasks,” but model servants whose character and faithfulness visibly represent Christ. Their service is a tangible demonstration of the gospel, echoing Jesus’ own humility and sacrificial love. The qualifications for deacons, outlined in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, are not superhuman standards, but descriptions of mature disciples—men and women who are growing in Christ-like character, integrity, and faithfulness.
Every member is called to pursue this maturity, not just those in official roles. The church’s health and effectiveness depend on each part functioning as God designed: elders leading through the Word, deacons facilitating practical ministry, and the congregation using their gifts in service. When this structure is embraced, the church is strengthened, unity is preserved, and the gospel is unleashed in power. Today, as we set apart new deacons, we celebrate God’s grace in raising up leaders and recommit ourselves to the mission of making and growing disciples, trusting in Christ’s power and example.
Key Takeaways
- God’s design for the church is both spiritual and practical, with distinct roles that work together for the mission. Elders focus on the Word and prayer, deacons facilitate practical care, and the congregation actively participates. This structure is not about hierarchy, but about unleashing every member’s gifts for the building up of the body and the advance of the gospel. [36:13]
- Unity in the church is precious and fragile; it must be protected through wise, Spirit-led leadership and practical service. Disunity, even over seemingly small matters, can poison the church’s health and mission. Deacons act as “shock absorbers,” addressing needs compassionately and fairly, preserving the fellowship and witness of the church. [54:09]
- The qualifications for deacons are rooted in Christ-like character, not just skills or tenure. God calls for mature disciples—those known for integrity, filled with the Spirit, and bearing spiritual fruit. This standard challenges every believer to examine their own growth and to pursue deeper faithfulness, knowing that character is the foundation of credible service. [01:04:44]
- Service in the church is never just about “getting the job done.” Every act of service, especially in the role of deacon, is a visible expression of the gospel—modeling the humility, sacrifice, and love of Jesus. When deacons serve faithfully, they not only meet needs but also protect the credibility of the church’s witness and foster a culture of unity and grace. [58:57]
- The call to serve is a call to ongoing growth and dependence on God’s grace. Whether one is a deacon, elder, or member, the standard is not perfection but a credible pattern of maturity, repentance, and faith. God’s grace both enables and requires us to grow, and the church flourishes when every member embraces their role in the mission, empowered by the Spirit and centered on Christ. [01:10:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:39] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
[05:21] - Congregational Prayer and Catechism: What is a Deacon?
[13:05] - Biblical Qualifications for Deacons (1 Timothy 3)
[32:28] - Vision for a Healthy, Mission-Focused Church
[35:02] - The Early Church’s Challenge: Growth and Division
[36:13] - God’s Blueprint: Structure for Mission in Acts 6
[43:20] - Congregational Involvement and Selection of the Seven
[44:30] - The Importance of Character in Deacon Selection
[45:57] - Avoiding Cultural Pitfalls in Leadership
[48:34] - Elders, Deacons, and Congregation: Distinct Roles
[50:49] - God’s Wisdom in Structured Roles
[52:30] - Protecting the Word and Promoting Unity
[54:09] - Deacons as Agents of Unity and Practical Care
[55:05] - The Glorious Impact of God’s Design
[56:02] - Applying the Pattern at Bayside Baptist
[57:53] - Deacons Supporting Elders and Promoting Unity
[58:57] - Service as a Tangible Demonstration of the Gospel
[01:00:00] - Deacons Leading Ministry Teams
[01:02:05] - Christ’s Authority and Congregational Responsibility
[01:04:00] - The Vital Importance of Deacon Qualifications
[01:04:44] - Character Over Competence: The Deacon’s Example
[01:10:10] - Grace for Growth: Responding to God’s Call
[01:11:25] - Deacons as Visible Representatives of Christ
[01:12:04] - The Invitation: Trusting Christ and Growing as Disciples
[01:13:41] - Celebrating and Charging New Deacons
[01:14:59] - Charge to the Congregation
[01:15:56] - Commitment to Service and Prayer
[01:16:51] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Structured for Mission – The Church, Deacons, and Every Member’s Role
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1-7
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 6:1-7, what specific problem did the early church face, and how did it threaten the unity of the church?
2. According to Acts 6, what qualifications were required for the seven men chosen to serve?
3. What was the main responsibility of the apostles, and how did the appointment of the seven help them fulfill this?
4. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, what are some of the character traits and qualifications listed for deacons?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it important for the apostles to remain focused on prayer and the ministry of the Word, rather than handling all practical needs themselves? [36:13]
2. How does the solution in Acts 6 show God’s wisdom in structuring the church for both spiritual and practical needs? [36:13]
3. Why do you think the qualifications for deacons focus so much on character and spiritual maturity, rather than just skills or experience? [01:04:44]
4. What does it mean for deacons to act as “shock absorbers” in the church, and why is this role vital for unity? [54:09]
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### Application Questions
1. The early church faced a real threat to unity over a practical issue (the distribution of food). Can you think of a time when a small practical issue caused tension or division in a church or group you were part of? How was it handled, and what could have been done differently? [35:02]
2. The apostles called the congregation to select people “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” If you were asked to help select leaders or deacons today, what qualities would you look for? Are there any you might overlook that the Bible says are important? [44:30]
3. The sermon said deacons are not just “doers of tasks,” but model servants who visibly represent Christ. How can you recognize and encourage this kind of service in your church? [58:57]
4. Every member is called to pursue maturity, not just those in official roles. What is one area of Christ-like character (from 1 Timothy 3 or the fruit of the Spirit) you want to grow in this month? What practical step can you take? [01:04:44]
5. The sermon described deacons as “agents of unity” and “shock absorbers.” Is there a situation in your church or life right now where you could help bring unity or calm? What would it look like for you to step into that role? [54:09]
6. The structure of elders, deacons, and congregation is not about hierarchy, but about unleashing every member’s gifts. What is one gift or ability you have that you could use more intentionally to serve the church’s mission? [36:13]
7. The call to serve is a call to ongoing growth and dependence on God’s grace. Is there an area where you feel unqualified or discouraged in serving? How can you rely on God’s grace and the support of others to keep growing and serving? [01:10:10]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person grow in Christ-like character, to use their gifts for the good of the church, and to protect the unity and mission of the body.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Blueprint for a Healthy, Mission-Focused Church
God has provided a clear structure for the church, ensuring that spiritual leaders focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, while dedicated servants meet tangible needs and preserve unity. This design is not about creating a well-run organization for its own sake, but about unleashing the gospel powerfully through a church that is healthy, unified, and centered on making and growing mature disciples. When each part of the church—pastors, deacons, and congregation—embraces their God-given roles, the church flourishes in its mission and witness to the world. [36:13]
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: In what ways can you actively support the unity and mission of your church this week, whether through prayer, service, or encouragement of others in their roles?
Day 2: The Vital Role and Qualifications of Deacons
Deacons are not simply volunteers or those with practical skills, but biblically qualified servants whose character and spiritual maturity are essential for their ministry. Their role is to meet tangible needs, promote unity, and support the ministry of the Word, all while modeling Christ-like humility and service. The qualifications for deacons, as outlined in Scripture, call for integrity, self-control, faithfulness, and a clear conscience, reminding us that every act of service is a visible demonstration of the gospel at work in the church. [13:05]
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. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Are there areas of your character or daily life where God is calling you to deeper faithfulness and integrity, so that you might better serve others and reflect Christ?
Day 3: Protecting the Priority of the Word and Prayer
The church thrives when spiritual leaders are able to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, undistracted by the many practical demands that arise. By entrusting qualified deacons with the care of tangible needs, the church ensures that the proclamation of the gospel remains central, fueling spiritual growth and multiplying disciples. This division of labor is not about elevating one role above another, but about each part of the body working together so that the Word of God increases and the mission advances. [52:30]
Acts 6:3-4 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: How can you help protect and prioritize the ministry of the Word and prayer in your church, perhaps by taking on a practical task or supporting those who lead?
Day 4: Promoting Unity Through Practical Service
Meeting tangible needs within the church is not a secondary or lesser ministry; it is essential for preserving unity and demonstrating the love of Christ. Deacons, through their compassionate and wise service, act as agents of harmony, addressing potential divisions and strengthening the fellowship of believers. When practical care is offered with Christ-like character, it not only meets needs but also protects the credibility of the church’s witness and unleashes the gospel in the community. [54:09]
Romans 12:4-8 (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. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Reflection: Who in your church family might need encouragement or practical help today, and how can you be an agent of unity and care for them?
Day 5: Every Disciple’s Call to Grow in Christ-like Maturity
The qualifications for deacons are not just for a select few, but are a picture of the maturity to which every follower of Jesus is called. Whether or not you serve in an official role, God invites you to examine your life, celebrate His grace where you see growth, and seek His help where you fall short. The journey of discipleship is one of continual growth, repentance, and service, empowered by the gospel and lived out in community with others who help you become more like Christ. [01:10:10]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reflection: Where do you see God’s grace at work in your life, and what is one step you can take this week to grow as a faithful and fruitful disciple of Jesus?
Quotes
Imagine the biblical structure where pastors lead, deacons serve by facilitating vital ministries, and every member is equipped and empowered to use their gifts to do the ministry, all working together seamlessly. The vision isn't just for a well -run organization, it's for a church structured for mission, unleashing the gospel powerfully because its internal health and unity are strong. And so how do we cultivate that kind of health? Yes, God builds the church. Christ builds the church. But he gives us responsibility for the church. So how do we cultivate that kind of health and missional effectiveness? [00:36:13] (50 seconds)
The church commissioned seven mature disciples for practical service and this practical service was crucial it met tangible needs preserved and promoted unity centered on christ and unleashed the ministry of the word the gospel to spread and to multiply disciples fulfilling the very picture of health that we see in verse seven christ jesus has structured his church for its disciple -making mission what so what now what what's the scene i mean imagine the early church in jerusalem it's dynamic it's exciting it's experiencing explosive growth 120 to 3 000 to over 5 000 in just a few short months thousands thousands literally thousands are coming to faith being baptized and joining the church at jerusalem but as any growing family or organization knows growth often brings challenges call them growing pains and that's exactly what surfaces in verse one a problem arises complaining [00:40:30] (77 seconds)
specifically the greek speaking jewish believers felt their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food compared to the widows of the aramaic speaking believers now this wasn't just a logistical snag or a resource issue it was a potential fracture right along cultural lines threatening the vital unity of the church that you've read about all through chapters one through one through four and so disunity is poison to the church's health and mission disunity is poison to the church's health and mission so how did the leaders guided by the spirit respond well the crisis brings into focus three players three key players into focus first there's the 12 apostles it you see it in verse 2 they they hear the [00:42:21] (60 seconds)
They didn't choose just anybody. Look at verse 3. The apostles specified their qualifications, known for good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self -control, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. [00:44:51] (24 seconds)
Look at the text. Every man, every deacon, every man selected as a deacon should be known for good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom. I'm from Alabama. I love the good old boys, but there ain't nothing in here about being a good old boy. [00:46:37] (21 seconds)
And each part divinely orchestrated was essential for the health and the expression of the church. So what? Who cares, right? Why does this structure, why does this specific structure matter so much? Why is the division of labor, the 12 prioritizing the word and prayer, the seven handling practical service, why is this highlighted here at this time, at this place? And the answer is profound. Because Acts 6 reveals God's wise design, God's blueprint for a healthy, thriving, mission -focused church. [00:51:30] (43 seconds)
Christ Jesus, the Word of God, is always at the center. The preaching of the gospel is always at the center. We are a community of people centered around Christ Jesus, who we know through His Word. And by taking charge of administration and the daily distribution, the deacons free the apostles from legitimate but distracting practical demands. And this ensured the ministry of the Word and prayer remained central, which fueled the spiritual life of the church, so that the Word of God continued to increase, so that the number of disciples continued to multiply, because the church is functioning in a healthy way. So first, they protect the priority of the Word. Second, they preserve and promote vital church unity. [00:53:16] (53 seconds)
That is God's design for missional effectiveness. That when practical needs are met with wisdom and compassion, when unity in Christ is cherished and protected, the gospel isn't bowed down. It's unleashed. It flourishes. [00:55:33] (16 seconds)
That when deacons serve faithfully, they model the sacrificial love of Jesus, who met our spiritual need through his life, death, and resurrection, who did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He humbled, the king of the universe humbled himself and served in the practical day -to -day needs of the people, even as he kept focused on the word of God. He's the ultimate elder. He's the ultimate deacon. [00:59:34] (27 seconds)
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