Welcome

As we move from Easter Sunday we are still in the season of ‘Eastertide,’ the 50-day season after Easter that focuses on the resurrection of Christ. Over these next weeks we will be studying the book of Acts as we continue our Reliable series. As you gather share a favorite Easter memory.

Worship

Read John 11:25-26 together and use this scripture as a guide to prayer.
Prayer prompts:
1. Thank God for the resurrection of Jesus Christ
2. Pray for the ‘deadness’ in your lives and world that you pray for God to bring new life to.
3. Pray for Gods resurrection power in each other’s lives and the world.

Word

Read: Acts 6:1-15
1. What was the conflict in the beginning of this passage? What does the apostle’s approach to resolving this teach us about the church’s work, and also conflict resolution in the church?
2. What were the apostles ‘giving their attention to that they couldn’t ‘serve tables’ (serve the widows) themselves? Why was it important for the apostles to focus on this amid immediate physical needs?
3. What does it mean for us to focus on the ministry of the word and prayer amid various needs?
4. What were the attributes of the seven deacons? How are those attributes helpful in working with great needs and great conflicts? Which do you feel that you need to grow in?
5. What can we learn from the rapid growth of the Church following the appointment of the deacons?
6. What do we learn about Stephen here? How does Stephen’s example inspire you to serve within your church and community?
7. How does the early Church’s resolution on the widows’ neglect apply to resolving inequalities in the Church today?

Witness

What is one place in your life or world that you could walk in God’s wisdom, boldness, and power this week?