Deacons Acts 6:1-7 #2

Text: Acts 6:1–7

Introduction: A Church at a Crossroads

In Acts 6, the early church was growing rapidly. Thousands were coming to faith in Christ. But with growth came growing pains. The church faced its first internal crisis—not from persecution, but from neglect. The Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. What began as a complaint could have easily become a division.

Yet in this moment, the apostles—today we would call them the pastors or elders—did not panic. They turned to the wisdom of God and established a principle that still governs the healthy church today: pastors lead by prayer and preaching; deacons serve by meeting needs; and the church grows when both work together in unity.

Let’s walk through this text and see what it means for our pastor, our deacons, and our church family today.

1. The Growing Need (v.1) – Ministry Challenges Will Always Arise

“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.”

The early church was booming—but so were the burdens. Growth always brings challenges: more people means more needs. The enemy loves to sow seeds of distraction and division when the church is most effective.

The apostles knew that if they stopped preaching to manage the distribution tables, the spiritual health of the church would suffer. But if they ignored the problem, the unity of the church would suffer.

So what did they do? They didn’t choose between preaching or serving. They created a structure where both could thrive. That’s where the role of deacon was born

2. The Godly Solution (vv.2–4) – Pastors Lead, Deacons Serve

“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.”

The Pastor’s Call

The apostles said, “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” That’s the heart of every pastor’s calling—to feed God’s people with His Word and to intercede for them in prayer.

Pastors aren’t CEOs or managers—they are shepherds (Greek: poimēn), called to lead the flock spiritually. Their main tools are not budgets or buildings—but the Bible and prayer. When a pastor stays faithful to that call, the whole church is blessed.

That’s why today, on Pastor Appreciation Sunday, we thank God for shepherds who stay on their knees and in the Word.

The Deacon’s Call

The apostles said, “Choose seven men… to serve tables.” The Greek word for serve here is diakonein (from which we get “deacon”). It literally means “to minister,” “to serve,” or “to wait on.” It carries the idea of hands-on help—meeting physical and practical needs so that others can focus on spiritual ones.

Deacons are not junior pastors—they are lead servants. They protect the unity of the church by handling the needs that could otherwise distract and divide.

Quote: “Deacons are the shock absorbers of the church—they take on needs and pressures so that the pastor and people can move forward together in peace.”

3. The Godly Selection (v.3, v.5) – Character Before Capacity

Notice the qualifications:

“Men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”

They weren’t chosen because they were the most popular or the most skilled—but because they were Spirit-filled and trustworthy. Deacon ministry is spiritual ministry. It’s not just about tasks—it’s about testimony.

Stephen, one of the first deacons, later became the first Christian martyr. That shows the depth of their faith and courage. They weren’t chosen to do “lesser” work—but to serve Christ by serving others.

In the same way, our church today needs deacons and leaders who are filled with the Spirit—who see every act of service, from fixing a chair to visiting the sick, as an act of worship.

4. The Glorious Result (v.7) – When Everyone Does Their Part

“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.”

When pastors preached, deacons served, and members united—the church exploded with growth. The Word increased. The disciples multiplied. Even priests—the least likely people—came to faith.

That’s the beauty of a biblically ordered church:

When pastors are free to pray and preach,

When deacons are faithful to serve and support,

And when members work together in love,God blesses the church with supernatural growth.

Application: The Church Today

In today’s world, the same principle holds true.

The pastor leads the church spiritually—not to do all the ministry, but to equip the saints for it (Eph. 4:12).

The deacons lead the church practically—caring for needs, maintaining unity, and supporting the mission.

The church body joins hands to make disciples—to love, serve, and reach the lost.

When we appreciate and align ourselves with God’s design, the church becomes unstoppable.

Conclusion: A Church in Harmony

Acts 6 began with a problem but ended with progress. Why? Because the church listened to God’s wisdom. The pastor preached. The deacons served. The people united. And the gospel advanced.

So today—on Pastor Appreciation Sunday—let’s thank God for our pastor, who leads us with the Word and prayer. Let’s thank God for our deacons, who serve faithfully behind the scenes. And let’s recommit as a church to work together for the glory of God.

“When the pastor prays, the deacons serve, and the people unite under their leadership—heaven rejoices, hell trembles, and the church grows because the gospel spreads.”

God designed His church to flourish when pastors lead spiritually, deacons serve faithfully, and members work together missionally.