Acts 6:1-7

The Choosing of the Seven

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 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.”

5 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.

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.

Pondering Point

In today’s story we see the church making room for God’s mission in the group of believers. As you dwell on this story, let it bring you pause to consider how you are making room for the mission in your life. With Labor Day weekend on the horizon, take time this upcoming week to celebrate those laboring for the Lord. Thank God for those who labored to bring God’s message of love and forgiveness to you. Then revisit how you yourself are laboring for the Lord and His mission and who you are laboring with.

Prayer Prompt

Have a conversation with God about the room in your life for Him, for your relationship with Him – and with His people, for His mission, His Word and His Spirit, for His will. Take notes to share later with a few key people.

Hook Questions

Use these questions with your group when you are using Bible stories as central to your time together.

• Describe one of the rooms you slept in as a child – its
  color, size, contents, roommates, etc.
  

Bible Storying's Core Questions

1. What did you like (or learn new) about the story?
   
2. What did you not like (or not understand) about it?
   
3. What are the various people doing in the story? With whom do you identify within the story?
   
4. What is God doing in the story?
   
5. What might God be asking of you triggered by this story? How is He challenging you?

Remember: A great way to get God’s stories to stick with you is telling them to other people.