Fan the Flame - A Journey Through ActsSample

Day 12 - Appointing the Deacons

The early church was growing rapidly, but with that growth came challenges. In Acts 6, we see one such challenge arise when the Greek-speaking widows began to be overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This caused tension within the community, highlighting the need for a solution.

The apostles, recognising that their primary calling was to prayer and the ministry of the Word, gathered the disciples and proposed a solution: appoint seven men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution of food. This decision allowed the apostles to focus on preaching and teaching, while others served the community in practical ways. Among those chosen were Stephen and Philip, both of whom would later play key roles in the spreading of the gospel. The result of this division of labour? “The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7).

This passage illustrates an important principle for the advancement of God's kingdom: every believer has a unique role to play. The apostles understood that they couldn’t do everything on their own. Their primary role was to preach and teach the gospel, but they needed others to handle the practical aspects of ministry.

The seven men who were chosen to serve in this way weren’t given a lesser or inferior task. They were entrusted with a crucial role that enabled the whole body of Christ to function effectively. This distribution of responsibilities ensured that both the spiritual and practical needs of the community were met, which led to the continued growth of the church.

God calls His people to different roles, but all are essential for the advancement of His kingdom. Knowing and embracing this well brings great unity. Whether someone is preaching, serving behind the scenes, or caring for those in need, each role is part of God’s larger mission. The body of Christ functions best when everyone works together, using their gifts to build up the church and advance the gospel.

In today’s church, this principle is as important as ever. We all have different giftings and passions, but each one plays a vital part in God’s mission. Some are called to preach or teach, others to serve in hospitality, administration, music, or children’s ministry. Some are called to missions, while others are called to intercession, encouragement, or financial giving.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that certain roles are more important or "spiritual" than others, but Acts 6 reminds us that every role matters. The apostles couldn’t fulfil their calling effectively without the help of those who took on the practical tasks. Similarly, the church today can’t function properly without each member playing their part. The key is to recognise that whatever role we play, we are working together for one mission: the advancement of the kingdom of God. Whether you're called to serve in a visible or behind-the-scenes capacity, your contribution is essential. By embracing our unique roles and serving with a heart full of the Spirit, we help the gospel to spread and the unified church to grow.

We can pray and thank God for giving each of us a unique role in the body of Christ. He helps us to see the value of the gifts and passions He's given us, and to use them well for the advancement of His kingdom. Let’s pray that God would help us to honour and support one another in our different roles, recognising that we are all part of the same mission. Lord – fill us with Your Spirit, and guide us as we serve You and Your people.

Written by Ashley Hicks