“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” Acts 6:1-7

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-7

“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:1-7

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7

“waiting-man" "servant" "minister" "messenger" 'through the dust' “Diakonos”

1. The Church Had Grown Rapidly. “…in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied…” –Acts 6:1

2. With Growth comes Problems. “…there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration…” –Acts 6:1

3. Along with problems comes the need for leaders/servants. “…look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…” –Acts 6:3

My Deacon Covenant I will protect the unity of my church by Acting in love toward other members, By refusing to gossip, and By following the leadership. I will share the responsibility of my church by praying for its growth, inviting the unchurched to attend, and warmly welcoming those who visit. I will serve the ministry of my church by discovering my gifts and talents, by being equipped to serve by my pastor, and by developing a servant’s heart. I will support the testimony of my church by attending faithfully, by Living a Godly Life, and by giving regularly of my tithe and offerings.

4. Pastoral Priorities “…we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” –Acts 6:4

5. Church Harmony “…the saying pleased the whole multitude. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” –Acts 6:5-6

6. And the church continued to grow. “…the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly…” –Acts 6:7

I Am in Christ By the work of God, I am no longer in Adam: I am in Christ, through a union that is both living and representative.

BElive: Ephesians 2:8 We are saved not by works but by faith in Jesus!

Listening Big: Mary and Martha