Apr
25
Written by:
Terry Dyck
4/25/2008 2:51 PM
I am intrigued with this passage in the book of Acts, and the dynamics involved in the early church...
Acts 6:1: In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
How does that figure in today's church and what's happening around us?
I see good things happening in the church and continue to see people in need. We all have personal responsibility to put the gifts, abilities, talents... into practice to meet people's needs. But just like the early church leaders, there is a need to balance the different kinds of ministry that is going on. Trying not to neglect the spiritual ministry of "waiting on tables" while the ministry of the word and prayer go ahead is an ongoing challenge for the church.
I believe that we have a great group of people here at MCA, capable of taking care to the people at a grass roots level. I think we can work to activate the hands on ministry of deacons/deaconess's in the MCA family. By affirming people who exhibit those same qualities exhibited in Acts 6; faith, Spirit-filled, wise - we can multiply the care happening.
There are people who can participate in all kinds of care; visiting, driving, food & shelter issues, international workers care, parenting help, marriage help, student care, orphan, justice matters, ...it may be you! Let's start the conversation.
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