Leading as Servants

·36 min·3 clips

Luke's opening line in Acts reveals that Jesus continues to act through his Spirit and church today.

The episode begins by framing the series 'Acts of Jesus,' emphasizing that Jesus remains the main character in the book of Acts as he continues to act through his Spirit and church. It recaps last week's sermon on Peter in Acts 2, then shifts to Stephen in Acts 6, noting his role as the first Christian martyr. The host describes Stephen's speech in Acts 7, highlighting themes of God's presence and Israel's rejection of messengers. He then provides context between Acts 2 and 6, detailing the early church's growth and threats like persecution and internal hypocrisy, exemplified by Ananias and Sapphira. The core of the episode examines Acts 6:1-8, where a complaint about neglected widows leads the apostles to appoint seven men, including Stephen, to serve tables. The host explains the Greek term 'diakoneo' and contrasts lowly service in secular contexts with high leadership in the church. Three qualifications for servant leaders are outlined: good repute (character), being full of the Spirit (godliness), and wisdom (maturity). The host elaborates on being full of the Spirit, distinguishing between miraculous gifts and everyday godliness, and discusses wisdom as teachability and maturity. Stephen is highlighted as exemplary, with his ministry starting humbly but growing to include signs and wonders. The episode connects this to Ephesians 4, where leaders equip others for service to build up the body. It concludes with Jesus' words in John 17 about church unity as testimony to the world. Practical applications include praying about serving, signing up for teams like Parkside Kids or Care Portal, and discussing personal growth in the qualifications. The host notes current church needs and encourages humble service inspired by the Holy Spirit.

As heard by us

A pastoral case for treating ordinary service as a serious form of Christian leadership.

Leadership in the early church becomes a matter of character in this sermon on Acts, where Luke's story keeps Jesus at the center through his Spirit, apostles, and church.

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