A Focused Church

Acts

The renowned 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “I cannot do two things well; and the man who thinks he can do a dozen is deceiving himself.” Though one of the most gifted preachers in church history, Spurgeon had the humility to admit his need for focus in ministry. The Lord had called him to one thing above all else—to be a minister of the Word. He was called to preach with excellence and faithfulness. And that is exactly what he did.

Through his single-minded devotion to preaching, Spurgeon shepherded one of the largest congregations in the world at the time. He preached to thousands each week at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, and his sermons were transcribed, published, and circulated globally. More than a century later, his printed sermons continue to nourish the church. He founded a pastor’s college, launched ministries of mercy, and wrote prolifically—but it all flowed from the pulpit. His ministry flourished not in spite of his focus, but because of it.

Focus in ministry, however, is difficult to maintain. Ironically, it is often easier to be scattered than to be single-minded. Pastors today are expected to wear many hats. They must be theologians, preachers, and cultural commentators. They are called to pray, lead, counsel, manage, and administrate. They are expected to plan events, oversee finances, guide worship, maintain facilities, write clearly, and stay current with technology—all while remaining rooted in historic faith and personally available to the flock. They must be both comforting and courageous, gentle and discerning. But more is not always more in ministry.

In our passage for this Sunday from Acts 6, we find the early church growing. But as the church grows in number, it also grows in complexity. A dispute arises that threatens to pull the apostles away from their calling to prayer and the ministry of the Word. What were they to do? The needs of the church could not be ignored, but their call to proclaim the gospel could not be compromised. And what we will see is this: when the church maintains its proper focus—refusing to let the complexities of ministry distract from gospel proclamation—it flourishes. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Acts 6:1-7, Exodus 18:13-26, Isaiah 55:10-11, Jeremiah 3:15, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Timothy 5:17, and 2 Timothy 5:17

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens,” the Acclamation of Praise “The Power of The Cross,” and the Hymn of Response “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Text: Acts 6:1-7

 Title: A Focused Church

1. A Flourishing Church Requires Focused Ministry (v. 1)
2. A Flourishing Church Requires Focused Ministers of the Word (vv. 2,4)
3. A Flourishing Church Requires Focused Ministers of the Tables (vv. 3, 5-6)

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