Appoint to this duty

Some people get all bent out of shape when churches go through hard times. Many will leave a struggling church thinking they can find a more perfect one down the road. Foolish. Conflict and controversy, division and difficulties are, in fact, normal. The basic rule is this: if there are people, there are problems. And as we turn to Acts 6:1-7, we’ll see that the very first church, within weeks of its launch, was already experiencing conflict. Complaints were being made and the Apostles were drawn away from frontline ministry to deal with the internal issue. I find that both encouraging and discouraging. Encouraging because we’re not unique in that we have faced some significant issues over our twenty years, but also discouraging that even Christians, who have the Holy Spirit, can get it wrong and hurt each other. In the passage, we’ll see that whenever a church faces conflict and difficulties, we can and must personally contribute to a biblical, godly resolution. There will be lots of practical application in this message with respect to being part of this messed-up church that God has put us in for his glory not ours. 

Sermon Notes

The Book of Acts
Appoint to this duty
Pastor Todd Dugard
July 18, 2021
Acts 6:1-7

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Whenever a church faces conflict or difficulties, I contribute to the resolution by…

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…identifying issues to be addressed (v. 1-2)

We all must put down our ignorance and accidental racism of not addressing the truth that this country has with Indigenous people.
Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation

By divinely-directed delegation, the apostles not only freed others to grow in their service to God, but they freed themselves for prayer, preparation, and powerful preaching! Thus the spiritual ministry of the church was enhanced.
R. Kent Hughes

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…seeking to be part of the solution (v. 3-5)

Ephesians 4:11-12

It is the responsibility of the leadership of the church
to leverage the strength of the members of the church
to resolve issues within the church
which threaten the mission given to the church
by Jesus Christ, the head of the church.

The best protection one can have from the devil and his schemes is a humble heart.
Jonathan Edwards

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…praying for those in leadership (v. 6)

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…anticipating God’s continued work (v. 7)