SERVING MINISTRY
ACTS 6:1- 5
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.
2 So 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.
3 Brothers, 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
4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5 This 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.
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This passage speaks to those of us who have not been called to pursue a seminary degree or engage in full-time ministry. The early church's leaders found themselves so caught up with the day-to-day demands of the new believers that they had little time to devote to prayer and teaching about God's Word. They chose men to help them with those tasks, which included distributing food to widows. These men were dedicated to serving God together with the apostles in a different, but no less important, ministry.
Most of us should see a reflection of ourselves in these men. Today's churches and pastors have the same need for dedicated, Spirit-filled men to join them in ministry to their communities. How can you participate in the life of your church? One phone call to your pastor should provide you with a wealth of opportunities.
