Deacon Calling

No one should be ignored.

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word. What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. - Acts 6:1-6

The very first mission of the church, before it was even a church, was to serve.

When the business managing the growing following became so much that the mission of service was suffering, the role of the deacon was created.

This is still our primary job as deacons in the church, to serve and we do it in a variety of ways, each based on his or her abilities and talents.

What I love about the story of Stephen and the other deacons was how they were called to serve.  They answered the call of the people who were in need of help.

The message I get is to listen to the needs of the people and we will discover what God has in mind for us to do.

Too often we see what is wrong with the world and we complain, demanding that someone else do something.  Deacons are the someone else.  And we need more of them.

Until all are fed and all are served, there will continue to be a need.

So, think about it.

Is it in your heart to do something?

More to come...