Unstoppable:The Church on Mission

The book of Acts is the story of how the Holy Spirit used ordinary people to launch an extraordinary movement—the Church. From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, the mission of God moved forward through bold preaching, sacrificial living, and Spirit-empowered obedience. That same mission is still alive today. In this 15-week series, we’ll walk through the book of Acts and discover how God wants to use us—right here, right now—as part of His unstoppable plan to bring hope to the world.

Day 3 – Qualified Servant Leaders

Scripture: Acts 6:3, 5–6

Big idea: Deacons are not “junior elders” but Spirit-filled servants who handle real needs.

Reflection:
The church chooses seven people “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” These are not random volunteers. They are tested men with character and discernment. Their job is intensely practical: oversee food distribution so widows are cared for and ethnic tensions are addressed. Justin points out that when deacons are treated like the ruling board, everything flips upside down and pastors become powerless. When deacons are treated as called servant leaders, the church is healthy. Deacons protect unity by quietly stepping into needs that could divide the body.

Heart check:

  • When I think about leadership, do I crave authority or look for places to serve?

  • Would people who know me say I am “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” in how I handle people’s needs?

Prayer:
“Lord, raise up deacons and deaconesses in our church who love you, love people, and handle conflict with grace. Shape my heart to serve in the same way, even if I never hold a title.”

Today’s step:
Look for one practical way to take a task off someone else’s plate at church this week.