MEN OF GOOD REPUTATION
Text: Acts 6
30 August 2009
(I) THE CHALLENGE OF APOSTOLIC MINISTRY (Acts 1-5)
1. To be apostles
a) Trained
b) Trusted
2. To bear witness (Acts 1:8)
a) As Disciples trained by the Lord Jesus
b) To testify of His Resurrection
3. To do evangelistic work
a) Mass evangelism
b) Personal evangelism
4. To do Discipling work (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:40-47)
a) Teach
b) Baptise
c) Provide opportunities for growth and ministry
5. To govern the Church
a) Laying the foundations
b) Planning
c) Resolving problems
d) Personal Commitment to keep learning/growing
e) Prayer
(II) THE CHALLENGE OF DEVELOPING A GROWING CORE OF LEADERS
1. More leaders needed (Acts 6)
2. Kind of Leaders needed:-
a) Good and faithful leaders
b) Well-equipped leaders
3. Purposeful leadership
a) To meet new challenges
b) To free apostles to concentrate on their tasks
(III) CRITERIA FOR LEADERSHIP
Acts 6:3, 5
1. Criteria Explained
a) Men of good reputation
b) Full of the Holy Spirit
c) Full of Wisdom
d) Full of Faith
2. Criteria met
a) Seven men met these criteria
b) They were duly appointed
(IV) RESULTS OF MEETING LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
1. The Church grew further
2. The Church stayed harmonious
3. Many more blessed