CONNECT: How is God using you on your front lines to make disciples?

WARM-UP  Questions

1. Have you ever been chosen, commissioned, and sent to do a special task? What was it like?
2. Is it more important that the church shares the Gospel or that it cares for people in need? 

READ Acts 6:1-4

1. What is the problem the church is facing? Why is this a good problem to have? 
2. Why was it so important for the apostles to solve this problem equitably and swiftly? How do churches face similar challenges today?
3. What characteristics were the apostles looking for in choosing these deacons in v.3? 
4. What role do you have to play in ensuring the church can care for people and share the Gospel?

READ Acts 6:5-7

1. All seven names listed in v.5 are greek names, therefore those chosen probably came from within the greek community. What does this tell us about the kind of people chosen to serve the widows?
2. How are these men commissioned to serve in their ministry? What does this tell us about the value placed on their duty? 
3. What role did these seven servants play in allowing the church to increase in number in v.7?
4. How can we encourage and equip our sisters and brothers in Christ for ministry in God’s church? 

READ Acts 6:8-15

1. If Stephen was meant to be serving widows, why is he doing wonders and signs in v.8? 
2. The Jews mentioned in v.9, had greek backgrounds. Why did Stephen’s message challenge them? What pattern do you see emerging in Acts between evangelism, opposition, and church growth?
3. Where does Stephen’s power, authority in preaching, and shining face come from? How can this truth inform our prayers as we commit to being disicple makers this year? 
4. How can we be more proactive in equipping and sending out disciple-makers around us? 

APPLY This Week:  Write a list of gifts you have been given and ways you can exercise these gifts to communicate the gospel with those on your front-line.

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On Your Frontline This Week: Who is the one person you are praying that will become a disciple? Write their name on the Disciple Maker tree and pray for them each day.

Audio and Video

• ‘The universal priority’ by Phillip Jensen
• ‘Ministry and Growth’ by Daniel Gifford
• ‘So the word of God Spread’ by John Stott
• ‘Servants full of the Spirit’ by Thabiti Anyabwile
• ‘Godly Leadership and Sacrificial Service’ by Wayne Schuller
• ‘Seven Chosen to Serve’ by David Jackman
  

Other Helpful Articles and Courses

• ‘Serving the Word and Serving at Tables are equally valuable’ by Theology of Work
• ‘Wating on the Widows (Acts 6:1-7)’ by Bob Deffinbaugh
• ‘Acts 6:1-7 - Commentary’ by Richard Niell Donovan
  

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