“Adapting Structures to Address Needs”
Acts 6:1-7 Nov.12, 2006 Play AUDIO
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From Dissension to Delegation
○ complaints, change, and responding creatively
○ consequences of early church’s dramatic
growth: opposition, jealousy (2:41; 4:4; 5:15ff; 4:3,21; 5:40f)
○ problem: Grecian widows overlooked in food
distribution (6:1; 1Tim 5:3ff)
○ a) responded to the need: as Jesus modeled
servanthood (2:45, 4:35; Jn 13:14; Php 2:6ff)
○ b) set priorities: not neglect ministry of
word (6:2; 1Tim 4:14; 1Cor 12:28)
○ c) recognized gifting: selected those full
of Holy Spirit & wisdom (6:3,8; Rom 12:6ff)
○ d) delegate supportively & organize
accordingly: turned responsibility over, laid on hands then ‘hands-off’
(6:3b,6; Titus 1:5)
○ Louisiana relief effort experiencing God’s
wonderful provision
Using Space Creatively, for God’s Glory & People’s Needs
○ Principle of Use: need more space only if
fully utilized already
○ know your community & its needs
○ set priorities - building plan, streamline
programming
○ recognize calling/gifting: not just filling
slots
○ creative approaches: team teaching;
accessible so ‘open for business’
○ growing church members willing to be
inconvenienced - without complaining