Vision: Engaging Missions
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Engaging Missions. Originally “Mission Oak.” Care for the mission of God. “Engaging” because it’s active. It’s in all that we do.
Main Idea: The church is called to fulfill the mission of God
Early church has began. Holy Spirit descended. Church is growing.
Acts 6:1-7
Truth #1: Ministry is for serving, not just gathering (1-2)
Exp. The church has been birthed and the gospel is going out, but they run into a problem. Verse 1. Hellenists = Jews who grew up Greek. Hebrews = Jews who speak Hebrew and Aramaic. Widows were being neglected. Problem is because the church was growing. As the church grows, more problems arise. Growth does not eliminate problems. It creates new ones.
Ill. As your family expands, the needs grow. Instead of just the two of you, you have more kids. One sick, now four are sick. Paying for cars, food, college. We call these growing pains. As the church is growing, more needs arise.
Exp. The church was growing in favor with the people. They are called to serve. The twelve apostles needed to figure out what to do. Verse 2. Gathered everyone. The church. Serve tables = not an inferior position. The twelve were called to the preaching of the Word. If they switched to admin, the preaching of the Word would cease. Implied that the church and the apostles were serving the community. The need had outgrown the capacity.
Ill. One year ago, we hired Jacque. The administrative needs grew so fast. I was able to hold on for a while, but my primary responsibilities were neglected. Told the elders I was drowning. She came on, and the church continued to grow. As it stands, we will likely face that again.
Arg. Why? Because our church is missional. The early church didn’t simply meet on Sundays, they served the community they were in.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Christ - Jesus was building his church and it grew rapidly. The preaching of the Word and the serving of the community was the model, and we are called to this.
Truth #2: Ministry is for the church, not just pastors (3-6)
Exp. After they gathered everyone, they left it up to the church to decide. Verse 3-4. The church was to choose seven to serve. These people would lead out and the prerequisites:
Good repute - Where we get the word martyr. Witness for Jesus.
Full of the Spirit - Believers filled with the Holy Spirit.
Full of wisdom - Skilled and knowledgeable.
Exp. This made them excited. Verse 5-6. Called to do the work of ministry. Typically used for deacons, but these men were leading the administration of service. Not pastors. Not elders. Church members. Body of Christ. Why important? “Called to the ministry” is typically only for pastors. We are all called to ministry. Difference of “Ministry of the Word” and “Ministry.” We think we don’t have to do it. Category.
Ill. Because there are mechanics, I don’t have to work on my car. Because there are pastors, I don’t have to do ministry. They are paid to do the work.
Christ - Jesus chose the church to be the temple of the Spirit and fulfill the Great Commission. That was his command.
Truth #3: Ministry accomplishes more when the church is missional (7)
Exp. Look at the result. Verse 7. Crazy Fruit:
Word of God increased. The apostles could focus on their calling, the word of God continued to go.
Disciples multiplied. More people became disciples. More people to do ministry.
Priests became obedient. So much happened, even priests came to faith. Not just widows and orphans.
Christ - Why is this important? Jesus blesses what he designs. This is his design. The church is missional. God grows his church through this design.
Ill. Baseball glove. You could use it for many different things. Would it work? Maybe. It was intended to do one thing: catch a baseball. It’s greatest value is to stop a baseball. The church can do many things. It was made for the mission.
Big Application
Engage in ministry as the church.
Jump in areas of ministry.
Jump in opportunities of missions. Baptist on Mission are here.
Separate the notion ministry is just for pastors.
Believers are called to do the ministry.
Don’t wait for pastors to do it. Lead out.
Live missional as God designed.
When you go home, do you see yourself as a missionary to your neighbors?
Conclusion
When we do this, God blesses.
