2. An important work of the church was not being done
Hellenist widows were being neglected
A complaint/murmuring came to the apostles
What would cause a work of the church to be neglected?
The Work?
Widows
Large number
Differences
The Workers?
Not enough time, too busy?
Hesitant to volunteer, unwilling to commit?
Lazy, self-centered?
Viewed serving as not very dignified?

3. Servants in the church who are:
Observant of others (Heb. 10:24)
Involved in the lives of brethren (Acts 2:44; Gal. 6:2)
Concerned about each member (1 Cor. 12:22-25)
Action-minded (Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16; 6:10)
Mindful the “greatest” is “your servant” (Matt. 23:11)
Looking to Jesus as “the One who serves” (Luke 22:27)

4. Recognize the need for special servants for a specified task (6:1-2)
The Greek diakonos means “servant, minister, attendant”
This is a very personal service rendered to another
It specifically means “deacon” 3 times (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)
The word is tied to active Christian love for others
Divide the labor among workers based on abilities (6:2)
Look “among” the congregation for “men” to serve (6:3)

5. Identify men meeting divine qualifications (6:3+ 1 Tim. 3:8-13)
“Of good reputation” = in & out of the church
“Full of the Holy Spirit” = bearing the fruit of the Spirit
“Full of wisdom” = practical, good sense
“Tested” = proved in faith and willingness; genuinely ready
“Reverent” = serious, dignified, respectable, honorable
“Holding the mystery of the faith” = sound in belief & practice
“Blameless” = without reproach; no charge can be sustained
“Not double-tongued” = doesn’t tell two different stories
“Not given to much wine” = not inclined to drink but sober
“Not greedy for money” = not dishonest, not fond of sordid gain
“Husband of one wife” = Scripturally married, one-wife man
“Ruling his children and house well” = head/leader of his house
“Wife” = “reverent, not slanderer, temperate, faithful in all things”

6. Congregation recommend qualified men (6:5-6)
Deacons appointed with prayer “over” a task (6:3, 6)
Deacons work UNDER the oversight of the elders
Deacons work OVER the task assigned to them
Deacons seek to delegate tasks and involve members
As a result of servants serving in the church, more people were converted and the church grew (6:7)!

7. Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 8:24
Repent of your sins and turn to God – Luke 13:3
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9
Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27
God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
Serve Him faithfully – 1 Corinthians 15:58