Some things I noted in Acts 6:
It seems daily distribution of food was a very important part of the early church.
As they expanded the leadership base they were looking for people who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” This is apparently the same type of criterion Surprise Sithole (International Director of Pastors of Iris Ministries) uses to choose leaders. See The Real Deal and scroll halfway down the page to the post on 1st September.
The number of believers continues to grow – rapidly!
We haven’t heard much about Stephen before now, but already he is doing great wonders and miraculous signs. Maybe I've noticed this more over the past 30 days because I am reading the Bible a chapter a day in succession, but the power of God being expressed through the miraculous was not an optional part of Jesus’ ministry or in the early church. Why does it seem to be an "optional extra" today??
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
1 comment:
This is the second time we see some of the organisational processes of the first Church.
Segregated roles
Selection criteria
Selection processes
The Apostles having first been appointed by Jesus - then needed to add one - and the group of about 120 disciples and Apostles put forward names of people who had been with them from the beginning (ie long exposure to Jesus teaching), then they prayed for guidance and cast lots - accepting Gods control.
When the food distribution ministry started it was not controlled and problems and dissention arose. Sorting it out became too much for the leadership (Apostles) who needed to devote their time to their ministry - praying and preaching - so qualifications of being Spirit filled and wise - were used for the basis of selecting overseers by the disciples for the food distribution. These men were then prayed over and 'commissioned' by the Apostles in their roles. The implication is that they would have been answerable to the Apostles.
The role of the leadership in the early church was important. Being spirit filled believers did not make anyone perfect - and from time to time leadership had to intervene (also with yesterdays story).
God may be all loving - but He is also all righteous and wants things done in ways that do not bring dishonour to his name. Wise leadership is critical for a healthy church, and having people with the right qualifications and giftings in the right roles is important.
Many may dislike this sort of structure to things - but without it there is no accountability.
Sadly, in churches there are often structures with no accountability anyhow - which makes the structures meaningless.
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