Text: Acts 6:1-7
Main Idea: A healthy church will preserve the priority of the mission of Jesus as it deals with growing pains.
- A healthy church will have growing pains. (vs. 1)
- James 1:27
- A healthy church will deal with such pains in a way that preserves the priority of the mission. (vs. 2-4)
- Luke 24:45-48
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13
- The ministry of a healthy church is shared. (vs. 5-6)
- Acts 1:8
- 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-21
- Romans 12:3-8
- Ephesians 4:16
- God blesses a healthy church. (vs. 7)
Discussion Questions: What does this passage teach about church growth? How should we view it? Why did the apostles consider caring for widows important? Why was the unity of the church threatened? Why must prayer and proclamation be central in pastoral ministry? How did these seven men assist the apostles? How was their role similar to that of deacons today? What does it mean to have shared ministry in a local church? On which do you prefer your local church to focus: management or mission? Explain. What is your reaction to the conversion of these priests? How should it impact your church's outreach to unbelievers? What does this passage teach about appointing leaders in the local church? Pause and pray for the unity of your local church, asking God to advance the gospel through it.