BOOK SUMMARY: DEACONS: HOW THEY SERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH - CHAPTER 2 - THE BLUEPRINT: WHERE DEACONS BEGAN

Things went very well at the birth of the church (Acts 2:42-47).  Two chapters later things seem to continue on this trend (Acts 4:32-34). Two more chapters later and some problems arise out of the rapid growth of the church (Acts 6:1-7). 

CONFLICT BREWING

The layout of Acts 6:1-7:

• the disciples were increasing in number
• a complaint arose
• the disciples continued to increase

If the conflict had been mishandled, the church would not have flourished and continued to grow. How our churches react to conflict makes the difference in whether our gospel witness is obstructed or accelerated. 

THE SEVEN

The term deacon is not found in Act 6. The seven in Acts 6 provide an initial pattern for the diaconate. When the apostles find out about the situation that could endanger joy and growth, the gather all the Christians together for the first members meeting. There would about been around 8000. Four things are brought to the forefront from this meeting.

• Word Ministry Is Prioritized - Satan had initiated a three-fold attack on the church that included persecution from the outside (Acts 4:1-22), moral corruption from the inside (Acts 5:1-11) and now spiritual distraction from preaching (Acts 6:2-4). The apostles did not negate the needs of the widows. They simply prioritized their necessary focus. They were not to serve tables, but to serve the Word. So, they take initiative and create a solution. A church without a diaconate will lack health. A church without biblical preaching can't exist. While not the same, there is a correspondence between the apostles and later elders, and the seven and later deacons.
• Whole Congregation Involved - The whole 8000 were involved in choosing the seven. New converts were part of this process. Why? They are saved and Spirit indwelt. They are also invested in the outcome of this decision. Everyone needed to care even though the situation only involved a smaller percentage--many members, one body. Elders participate in this as well. In the author's own church this is how this plays out:

1. Elders constantly keep an eye out for potentially new deacons.
2. Elders request recommendations from the congregation
3. Elders send a questionnaire to the candidate.
4. Elder officially nominate candidates at a member's meeting
5. The congregation observes and gets to know the candidate
6. The next members' meeting is used to vote on a candidate

• Character Mandated - 

1. Of good repute - they must be known for a good conduct (1 Timothy 3:8-12)
2. Full of the Spirit - they must submit to the Spirit's leadership
3. Full of wisdom - they should possess practical wisdom

• Labor Divided - the church is served best through shared labor. Elders do their part. Deacons do their part. Each is important. Each is lofty. That is why requirements are needed for each position. 

DEACONS ARE SHOCK ABSORBERS 

Deacons help with church unity. The Hellenists and Hebrews were struggling. Hellenists were Jews that immigrated to Jerusalem from other parts of Rome. Hebrews grew up on local soil and saw themselves as more authentic Jews. So there was linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity amongst them. There was a natural division between them. This wasn't just about food. Our unity in Christ is meant to supersede all of this. Of all the seven that are chosen, all names are Greek. The majority-Hebrew congregation chose seven Hellenist leaders. Unity was prioritized. This was covenant solidarity (Romans 12:10). 

DEACONS ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS

The apostles were not micro-managers. They let the seven get it done. This is why they needed to be full of wisdom. Deacons see problems, safeguard unity, think creatively and solve problems.

QUIET WORK, PROFOUND EFFECT

The work of deacons contributed to the growth of the church. There are massive spiritual dividends from the physical work of the deacon. The gospel would not have spread without the deacons. The seven were not confined to waiting tables; they spread the gospel, too. Stephen was martyred during his gospel preaching. Philipp shared the gospel with Samaritans (Acts 8:4-8). The Bible's view of deacons is a not a low view. They are shown to be vital to the Kingdom of God.