Called To Serve: A Charge To New Deacons

Called to Serve: A Charge to New Deacons

November 2, 2025, Special Afternoon Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Focus Passage: Acts 6:1-7

Introduction: Good afternoon, church family. This afternoon is a sacred moment: a time of commissioning, of calling, and of charge. We gather not just to recognize these men as deacons, but to affirm the biblical weight of their calling. And for that, we turn to Acts 6:1–7.

This passage doesn’t just describe the first deacons: it defines them. It shows us what kind of men God calls, what kind of character they must carry, and what kind of impact their service can have. So let’s walk through three truths from this text: the deacon’s call, the deacon’s character, and the deacon’s commission.

I. The Deacon’s Call: A Ministry of Compassion and Order

“Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed…” (Acts 6:1)The church was growing. And so were the needs. The widows were being overlooked. The apostles couldn’t do everything. So God raised up a new kind of servant.

a. Recognize the Need for Spirit-Led Service

i. Deacons, your ministry begins with a need. Not a title. Not a platform. A need. Acts 6:1 shows us a church in tension: growth brought logistical strain. And into that moment, God called men to serve.

ii. Galatians 6:10 reminds us: “So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people…”You are stepping into opportunity. Into the sacred work of meeting needs with Spirit-led compassion.

b. Protect the Unity of the Body

i. The complaint in verse 1 wasn’t just about food, it was about fairness. About belonging. Deacons are called to be guardians of unity.

ii. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” You are not referees. You are reconcilers. You don’t take sides; you take initiative. Your ministry is a bridge, not a battleground.

c. Embrace the Role of a Servant-Leader

i. Verse 2 says, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God to serve tables.” That phrase, “serve tables”, is not beneath you. It is the very heart of Jesus.

ii. Mark 10:45 declares, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” Deacons, you are not stepping into a title. You are stepping into a towel. You lead by kneeling. You influence by serving.

II. The Deacon’s Character: Spirit-Filled and Trustworthy

“Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom…” (Acts 6:3) God doesn’t just call willing men. He calls worthy men. Not perfect but proven.

a. Be Known for Integrity

i. “Good reputation” means your life speaks louder than your words. 1 Timothy 3:8–10 says deacons must be “men of dignity… tested first.” Your character is your credibility.

ii. When people see you, they should see consistency. Not just in church, but in your home, your work, your walk.

b. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

i. Verse 3 doesn’t say “full of charisma” or “full of strategy.” It says “full of the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 commands, “Be filled with the Spirit.” This is not optional. It’s essential.

ii. Your power doesn’t come from your position. It comes from your prayer life. A Spirit-filled deacon is a Spirit-led servant.

c. Be Guided by Godly Wisdom

i. Wisdom is not just knowing what to do. It’s knowing how to do it with grace. James 3:17 says, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving…”

ii. You will face complex situations. You will hear complaints. You will navigate tension. Let wisdom be your compass. Let Scripture be your map.

III. The Deacon’s Commission: Advancing the Mission of the Church

“And the word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase…” (Acts 6:7) When deacons serve well, the church thrives. The gospel spreads. The mission advances.

a. Support the Ministry of the Word

i. Verse 4 says, “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Deacons, your service strengthens the pulpit. You free up pastors to preach, pray, and shepherd.

ii. 2 Timothy 4:2 urges, “Preach the word… with great patience and instruction.” You are not just helping the church run. You are helping the gospel reach.

b. Multiply the Witness of the Church

i. Verse 7 shows the result: “The word of God kept spreading…” Your ministry is not just logistical. It’s missional.

ii. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine… so they may see your good works and glorify your Father…”

iii. Every meal delivered, every hand extended, every need met . It all points to Jesus.

c. Leave a Legacy of Faithfulness

i. Stephen and Philip, two of the seven, went on to do mighty things. Stephen preached with power. Philip evangelized with boldness.