Prayer Point for the Week – Let us prayer that our church would mature as it grows.
Questions for Reflection:
It has been said that a church will only grow as much as it’s environment allows it to. More important than the physical environment (building size, parking space, etc.) is the spiritual environment for growth. What does the above text tell us is spiritually necessary for a church to grow?
The Early Church initially lacked the structure to meet the needs of all the widows. What was the immediate result of the lack of ministry? What was the potential long term result?
A crisis moved the church to act and appoint deacons. What are the benefits and pitfalls of waiting for needs to arise before addressing them? What are the benefits and pitfalls of addressing potential needs even though they do not currently exist?
What were the qualifications of the men chosen to serve the widows? What does this tell you about how serious the Apostles took this responsibility? Why were the qualifications so high? What does this teach concerning the nature of serving ministry?
As the chapter progresses, Stephen goes from “waiting tables” to preaching the Word with signs and wonders following. Was it necessary for him to first serve and if so, why? What other biblical figures endured a similar process? What does that say about the process of maturing in the believer’s life? Have you seen this your own life and ministry?
