Date: 01-30-2020

Title: Growing Disciples Not Members

(S) cripture:
    Acts 6:1-7 (NASB77) Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
    

(O) bservation:
    When faced with a problem the twelve acted. They called the congregation together and challenged them to choose seven men of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit to serve the people while they tended to the tasks of prayer, and preaching. This would address the complaints and see that all were served appropriately and the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and teaching. As a result of each one doing what they should and no one trying to do it all the church grew and its influence spread.
    

(A) pplication:
    This is a lesson for me. Sometimes it is easier for me to do a task than to let someone else do it. That takes me away from what I need to be doing. When people have a responsibility and ministry in the church they are much more committed to the Lord and church. They make connections with others and the church grows. It is interesting that the text says the number of disciples grew – they were disciples not church members. I wonder if we are too often focused on growing members rather than disciples. Today I will again focus on helping others find their ministry and equipping them to do it rather that hoarding those things to myself. I want our church to grow in disciples and this is the way the Scripture shows to do it.
    

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make clear to me what I am to do and what tasks others are to do to minister in your name. Help me to equip them so they can be effective for you. Let our church grow in disciples not just members. Amen