They’re not saying that they’re any better. On the contrary, they’re admitting they’re limited. They’re admitting their limitations. To lead and instruct the growing New Testament (NT) Church, the Apostles need to focus on the Word. Now a new arm of the NT Church is being established. By enlarging the leadership base first, the NT Church experiences growth.
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The Leadership Base
i. New Testament (NT) Church of Jerusalem, organized religion, in practice
In Acts 6, the Church is growing, which is good:
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6.1, ESV
Greek speaking Jewish Christians say their widows are not being served. Stanley Horton explains, “Widows in those days could not go out and get employment. In fact, widows without sons or brothers were known to have starved to death.”[1]
We don’t know from the Scripture if one group is being favored above another.
ii. We do know the “the twelve” act quickly and decisively
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Acts 6.2
Until this time, The Twelve are preaching and distributing goods. They’re doing all they can to meet spiritual and physical needs. It’s a burden for The Twelve because the Jerusalem Church is at 8,000 by now (only counting men).
I’m thankful for sections like this in the Faith and Practice. “Care for Pastors and Leaders 2. Are you seeing that pastors’ and leaders’ time is free for the ministries to which he or she is called and gifted? Are salaries adequate? Is there adequate time for rest, vacation and renewal each year?”[2]
There are other sections like this in the Faith and Practice, but the Indiana Yearly Meeting just gets it, just like the NT Church. Freeing the Pastor is not only about money. It’s about time.
iii. The Twelve are not saying that they’re better than those who serve tables
They’re not saying that they’re any better. On the contrary, they’re admitting they’re limited. They’re admitting their limitations.
To lead and instruct the growing NT Church, the Apostles need to focus on the Word. Now a new arm of the NT Church is being established.
By enlarging the leadership base first, the NT Church experiences growth
In Acts 6.2, “to serve tables,” is literally the verb form of the word deacon. The verb “to serve tables” can be translated “to deacon tables.” The original function of a deacon is to care for physical needs.
I’m a PK, a Preacher’s Kid. I married a DK, a Deacon’s Kid. Crystal’s practical perspective has been extremely valuable to me over time. I’m very strategic in my approach at times, but she has helped me walk out my vision countless times.
iv. 2020 is an election year, The Twelve tell the NT Church to elect 7 men
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. Acts 6.3
The phrase “seven men of good repute” is also translated “who are well respected” (NLT). Those who distribute physical goods and money should be trustworthy.
v. Deacons must be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom”
“The practical affairs of the church call for the Spirit’s anointing so that the deacons’ wisdom is more than worldly. What they do should be under the wise direction of the Holy Spirit.” – J. Rodman Williams [3]
The Church does not copy governmental or business models. God did not raise up a government or business to share salvation. God created an institution that is entirely new in the earth. Church is God’s way of sharing salvation, Spirit directed and governed.
vi. We’re not sure of the method, but the NT Church elects 7 Deacons
The Twelve ratify the decision, and “appoint,” or set the deacons in place. The term “appoint” is the same term for ordain. They have an ordination service.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. Acts 6.4-6
The Twelve commission the deacons and “laid their hands on them.”
If we can take it one step further, it’s important to note that the NT Church organizes and takes action, so it grows.
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6.7
* By enlarging the leadership base first, the NT Church experiences growth
vii. A deacon is a high office, with great responsibility to care for the flock
The Early Church not only speaks the Word, but also lives the Word. They organize their religious practice based on the virtue of simplicity. They allocate resources, so that they can take action and serve the needy. Not only do they allocate resources, they allocate people by mobilizing new servants of the house.
The Leadership Base
We do not grow first, then scramble to enlarge the leadership base. That’s backward. Ministry rests on the shoulders of leaders, not vice versa.
* By enlarging the leadership base first, the NT Church experiences growth
Heavenly Father, our Provider, thank You for guiding the Church into practical, service-oriented ministry. Help us to fully realize our potential to reach Your flock and the Grand Traverse Region through simplicity of lifestyle and the giving of our time and resources. Through this pure religion, make us a beacon in town. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Rev. Jared Ingle
Pastor, Long Lake Friends Church
Supervised Therapist, JC Ingle, Inc.
Traverse City, Michigan
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