When God Scales Up the Ministry

[S] Acts 6:2-4 --
 ²So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. ³"Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. ⁴"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

[O] As the ministry of the twelve disciples expanded they were up against stretching themselves to cover not only the increased number of followers but also the expanded areas of ministry beyond the preaching and teaching of the Word.  In today's lingo, they needed to "scale up" and God gave them the wisdom to install seven deacons who were men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.  There weren't just taskmasters but those  who may extend the core ministry of the disciples in the same and complementary spirit.  Our church is going through this expansion at the moment and God is also leading through the similar wisdom of establishing  the core ministry foundations to build up the overall ministry at large.  Just like how it must have been exciting period during this early "Acts" phase, God is showering the same excitements as we grow in Him.

[A] Try my best not to get too distracted with the amount of work ahead overwhelming me, but to stay focused on building up those who I'll be collaborating closely with so that there will be a similar sense of co-laboring while sold-out for Christ as with these seven deacons.  Although Stephen's ministry seemed to have been aborted "prematurely" what he stood up for transcended through the years up to today.  So, it is not what it appears now that's important but how we would stay true to His shepherding and conviction that will bring lasting impact.

[P] Dear Father, I praise You for expanding our ministry at our church.  It comes with its own set of challenges and I ask that the leadership of the new expansion of ministry would be wise to lead the congregation to its next level of coming closer to You instead of being lost in the larger crowd.  May Your name be lifted up as we go through this transitional phase.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen.devo