Empowering the Next Generation

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at Acts 6:1-7.

[Scripture introduction] As the church continues her mission to make disciples and baptize believers into Christ. The Spirit-filled community encounters a new roadblock. It is much different than the internal battles it faced with Ananias and Sapphira and the Sadducees. In this new crisis, the church learns to adapt and adopt new practices which results in harmony and further growth.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these passage pertaining to the ‘Seven Chosen to Serve’ in Acts 6:1-7. [The preacher reads the Scripture passage out loud.]

[Prayer for illumination] Pray with me as we ask God to direct our hearts and minds into his sacred word. [The minister offers a brief prayer asking the Holy Spirit to bless the understanding of the preacher and hearers as God’s Word is proclaimed.]

[Introduction] A standard glass cup found in your kitchen cabinets can hold up to eight fluid ounces of water. Anything at eight or under is fine…but what happens when we decided to fill the glass over what it can handle? The result is a cup that has eight ounces of water and the rest is neglected and pours onto the floor.

The church itself is like a cup where it can only hold on to so much at any given time. The water represents congregations’ needs and the cup represents the leadership’ capacities to hold and meet their needs.

[FCF] What is the church to do when congregation's needs outgrows its leadership capacity?

[Scripture Bond] In the book of Acts 6:1-7, Luke presents a case one that cannot handle all the water and a new solution must be provided. Turn with me back to these passages.

[Main Point 1] Growing congregations will always experience church frustrations.

New membership results in organization failures in the early church. Hellenistic widows were being neglected v.1.

These complaint could have been the linchpin that shattered the witness of Jesus’ church.

[Illustration] Imagine the feelings of resentment of the widows in the church is forgotten. She attend service every Sunday and see hears about the other Hebrew widows receiving their share. She lays her head down on her pillow and quietly prays for her daily bread.

[Application] When frustrations and intense emotions come, the church should own the responsibility and move on with an appropriate action.

[Main Point 2] Growing congregations must implement new strategies that will address the needs of the church.

The apostles knew their roles - preaching and prayers. They needed servant who are capable of carrying out the daily distribution, i.e. wait on tables.

Each ministry complement each other. The word (Logos) was accepted and the new roles were given to those who qualified.

Men who were filled of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.

[Application] Churches must have these people to thrive and to handle new church frustrations. What are you doing to grow in this department?

Living as a follower of Christ

Filled with the power of the Spirit

Growing in wisdom

The apostles chose whom the congregation set forward. It was a whole church solution.

The Elders can set the vision, the congregation leads the charge.

The ancient church chose men who were Greek-speaking and appointed them to ministry.

What happens when you expand ministry to a growing church?

[Main Point 3] Growing congregations will become larger when the word of God continues in their lives.

The crisis was adverted, and the church didn’t just remain alive…it thrived!

The message of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension spread.

More were people were being baptized and becoming disciples.

Even the Jewish priest were persuaded to the faith because of the message and community of the believers.

[Proposition] When the church appoints new disciples for ministry, the word of God increases.

Expect pain

Be ready for ministry

Watch it grow

[Conclusion] We can handle eight ounces of water when we are a gallon jug. We just have to expand so we can hold it all with God’s grace.

[Prayer for Transformation] Pray with me as God to transform our ministry for his glory. [The minister prays for the congregation to seek the Spirit and become the sent people of God.]