My Best Church Life Week 5: Serve Message Summary: When God saves souls, the need for servants increase. A pastor cannot serve a church of 1000 or 100 or even 10, since he doesn’t possess all the gifts required for everyone’s best church life. This message reminds us that no one can do it all, that a small group of servants cannot serve a large congregation, and that God is calling us to use our gifts for the good of the church. ✦ Growth makes messes. ✦ The early Church grew: Acts 1 - 120. Acts 2 = 3,120. Act 4 = 5,000. ✦ Acts 6:1 — In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ✦ Acts 6:2-4 — So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” ✦ Acts 6:5-6 — This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. ✦ Acts 6:7 — So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. ✦ The key to a “great” big church is next-level leaders. ✦ Ephesians 4:11-12 — So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. ✦ 3 Next Steps: 1. Beware 2. Sign Up 3. Thank You Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Which was your favorite song from today’s service? What words from that song gave you the most comfort/inspiration/etc.? GROUP — Giving is often easier in a Group. Ask a friend if they’d like to serve with you on one of our many Serve Teams. GROW — Meditate on Acts 6:1-7 one more time. What other details jump out at you that weren’t mentioned in today’s message? GIVE — Stop by today’s Service Fair and sign up to be a part of what God is doing at 922Ministries. GO — Read the last paragraph of the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) in order to prepare your heart for next week’s big message on outreach and evangelism. Homework: 1 Corinthians 9:22 (Hashtags: volunteer, service, serve)