One tiny act of kindness could have a far reaching impact somewhere else in the world. That's what I want to talk about this weekend. In Acts 6, the first seven verses, our early church has a problem. Growing churches usually do. Their needs are greater than their administration. Widows of some of the Jewish converts were being overlooked. Now you might say, in the big scheme of things, is that really important? It is, organizationally and for greater impact of the gospel.
Watching eyes were following this early church. Stories were being told. People wanted to know what kind of people these Christians were. Our internal issues always impact our external effectiveness. That's where YOU come in. Yes, you. The early church figured out a way to divide the work of ministry among it's own people and the church flourished. Not just anyone but godly, growing, Spirit filled believers who step into leadership not because they have to but because they want to.
Howard Hendricks, once a seminary prof at Dallas Seminary said that the reason these people are to be vetted so carefully, according the Apostle Paul, is because the function is so determinative. Be careful who you pick, they will be around a long time and you must live with your product. He's talking about you. Here's the crazy part of the story. These people started out serving widows and turned into the future leaders of the church. One tiny act of kindness had far reaching impact somewhere else in the world.
See you Sunday.
Todd
