<strong>TEXT: ACTS 6:1-15</strong>

<strong>TITLE: HELPERS IN THE CHURCH</strong>

<strong>WE NEED HELPERS</strong>
<ol>
	<li>To assist in meeting the needs of humanity <u> </u>
<ol>
	<li>Good reputation (outside)</li>
	<li>Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (inside)</li>
</ol>
</li>
	<li>Note the emphasis on Spiritual Attributes versus Physical Abilities <u> </u></li>
	<li>Divisions of Assignments, not Significance <u> </u></li>
</ol>
<strong>QUALITIES OF THE HELPERS</strong>
<ol>
	<li>Full of Faith <u> </u></li>
	<li>Full of the Holy Spirit <u> </u></li>
	<li>Why do I need these qualities? <u> </u></li>
	<li>Full of Faith</li>
	<li>Full of the Holy Spirit</li>
</ol>
<strong>COMMITMENT OF THE HELPERS</strong>
<ol>
	<li>Because Stephen was Full of Faith <u> </u></li>
	<li>Because Stephen was Full of Power (the Holy Spirit) ­<u> </u></li>
	<li>Stephen did Great Wonders and Signs among the people <u> </u></li>
	<li>Stephen ministered above and beyond <u> </u></li>
	<li>How can I fulfill my ministry to the fullest” (John 6:22-40) <u> </u>
<ol>
	<li><strong>Pleasure</strong> – “For Me” (vv. 26-27)
<ol>
	<li>Not necessarily a negative motivation – we receive pleasure from it</li>
	<li>When we are motivated by pleasure, we are the direct benefactors</li>
	<li>Problems with ministry motivated by Pleasure
<ol>
	<li>I may not be committed to the overall goal and greater good</li>
	<li>When the Pleasure ceases, my ministry ceases</li>
</ol>
</li>
	<li><strong>Passion</strong> – “For You and Me” (vv. 28-66)
<ol>
	<li>Not necessarily a negative motivation – we are passionate about it</li>
	<li>When we motivated by pleasure, it is less selfish and more inclusive than Pleasure</li>
	<li>Problems with ministry motivated by Passion
<ol>
	<li>I commit to the overall goal and greater good because I benefit</li>
	<li>When the Passion diminishes, my ministry diminishes</li>
</ol>
</li>
	<li><strong>Purpose</strong> – “For Jesus” (vv. 67-71)
<ol>
	<li>I understand that this is what I was <strong>“Created”</strong> to do</li>
	<li>There is an <strong>“Inner Urge”</strong> (Dr. Trinette NcCray)</li>
	<li>There is a <strong>“</strong><strong>Calling” </strong>upon my life to fulfill this ministry</li>
	<li>I am<strong> “Willing” </strong>to go above and beyond to fulfill this ministry</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
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<strong>Challenge for the Week: How is God calling me to help in my church?</strong>