Sermon Topic: Dutiful Deacons in the Daily Distribution
Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Summary: Deacons have served the church for centuries. Congregations select those to serve based on scriptural qualifications and imminent needs. Luke documents in clear detail the first such appointment of church servants. Acts 6 documents the problem, the solution and the results. May our church continue to grow with the addition of new deacons in 2023! May those selected serve with distinction, honor, wisdom and effectiveness for the glory of God and the needs of our congregation.

Ministration (as opposed to “administration” and with a connection to “ministry”) - The kitchen was made spotless by the ministrations of a cleaning lady.

The chairs were properly arranged in preparation for Sunday Worship by the ministrations of the deacons.

PROBLEM: Ministry was planned and scheduled but was not working properly.

Daily Distribution of food - Ministration

What would be required to bring resolution to the situation?

SOLUTION: There must always be a balance in the church between those who are leading and those who are serving. The Apostles continued to focus on the ministry of prayer and the Word. The spiritual needs of the congregation. The Deacons were to focus on the more physical needs of the congregation.

- Be a Disciple who Makes Disciples
- Serve Where Gifted ~ Serve Where Needed
- To Be An Extension of the Pastoral Ministry
- Visit the Membership ~ Reach the Lost
- Work to Keep the Unity of The Church

- Men of good reputation who have proven by their lives they are worthy to serve. Respected!
- Men who are full of the Spirit.
- Men who are wise.
- Men willing to do the work of serving others.

1. Name the best Deacon you have ever known. What makes that Deacon stand out to you?

2. Are there any unmet needs in the congregation of First Baptist Gulfport? Is there someone who can meet the needs? Is it a minister? A staff member? A deacon? Is it you?

3. Who is the first person to consider meeting a perceived need in someone else’s life? (Answer: The person who saw and identified the need first!) Agree or disagree?

4. How important is it for the ministers to spend time in prayer and the ministry (preaching and teaching) of the word? Why or why not?

5. Pastors are administrators. Members are ministers. Every believer who is a member of a church is a minister to other members and to the community. How have you been involved in ministry to others? In the church? In the community? Currently?

6. Were you involved in selecting those to serve as deacon at FBG for the next three years? What criteria did you use in making your selections?

7. PRAY: Ask the Lord to strengthen your resolve to live in daily obedience to the Lord in all areas of your life. Ask for the Lord to strengthen our church with obedient believers.