Missional Living — Maximizing Your Ministry Part 3, Delegate Some Duties (Acts 6:1-7)
Maximizing Your Ministry Part 3 – Delegate Some Duties (Acts 6:1-7)
Acts 6:3 The apostles had already discussed among themselves the issue at hand. By the time they disclosed their assessment they were ready to give direction to the church. They directed the disciples to seek out seven… of good reputation. What kind of people? They give the qualifications along with the quantity requirement; essentially these are deacons.
- Male (1 Timothy 3:8-12) – Although there are many teachers who would like to neuter this text, the direction of the apostles is not vague; they instructed the disciples, both men and women, to select seven men (ἄνδρας). The word for deacon does occur in the feminine in the New Testament (Romans 16:1). But in the identification of a role of a deacon, Peter and Paul, provide descriptions that are masculine. For example, in his letter to Timothy, Paul makes it clear that the deacon cannot be the husband of more than one wife. If the role were truly gender neutral, the same man who wrote that in Christ there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28), could have said as much when writing to Timothy.
- Reputable (Ecclesiastes 7:1; 2 Corinthians 8:18; 1 Timothy 3:8-9) – The men serving this role must have a good reputation. They will help to quell the complaining that arose if they can be trusted. Otherwise suspicions about their actions and motives will only make matters worse.
- Spirit-Filled (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18-19) – The work of God cannot be based on human giftedness. Those who would work effectively in the church must be not just indwelt by the Spirit; they must be filled. This means controlled.
- Wise (1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9; James 3:17) – Those who are led by the Spirit of God are not necessarily able to communicate effectively or help a group through a decision. They are surrendered in their heart but not wired to lead. The persons who will serve in this capacity must demonstrate the ability to take the counsel of the Spirit and use it to effect good results for a group.
Acts 6:4 What are the apostles going to do? That is, when seven men selected to handle this distribution have been put into place, what is left for the apostles to do? Without the duty of serving tables the apostles are freed up for their calling. Liberated from a work that they can do but are not called to, the twelve are going to give themselves continually to two things: (1) to prayer (Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18) and (2) the ministry of the word.
68.68 προσκαρτερέωa; προσκαρτέρησις, εως f: to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty—‘to devote oneself to, to keep on, to persist in.’ (Louw, 1996, p. 662)
The church does not have the written gospels or the epistles. Until these important documents have been created, the apostles are responsible for teaching the words of Christ to the people (Matthew 28:18-20). The work is difficult and requires focus and considerable time in prayer. In fact, when we consider the order of what the apostles will be devoted to, prayer is first. Our apostles are telling us two things:
The Principle of Putting Prayer First — Prayer is the prerequisite to preaching the word. Prayer is the non-negotiable need for a ministry of teaching the word. The apostles are telling us that those who would do well in a ministry of the word must hand themselves over to it. To what? To prayer! Those who would succeed in this work must turn themselves in for the unending undertaking of pleading for what is needed for the people of God.
The twelve make it clear that there must be a nonstop calling out to God for His help in (1) understanding the Scriptures, (2) explaining the Scriptures, and (3) asking for God’s grace in the heart of the listeners. After this, excellence in a calling to the ministry of the word requires a dogged determination to dig deep without distraction.
Questions for Consideration
- Would I be described as given continually to the the work that God has called me to do (1 Timothy 4:15)? Imagine what your ministry would look like if you did not have to stop for things that are good but not what you are called to do?
- Is prayer prominently featured in your ministry. Notice that the apostles are not