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4. Deacon (diakonos): Describes the pastor’s attitude toward the ministry: “But we will
give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

Other people in areas of responsibility are needed in the local church to enhance the pastor’s
role.

1. Elders rule and teach, e.g. Sunday school teachers, staff, etc. (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy
three: 1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
2. Bishops are overseers, e.g. Sunday school superintendents (Philippians 4:1; 1 Timothy
3:1-7).
3. Deacons are helps ministers, e.g. ushers, communion servers, and greeters (Acts 6:3; 1
Timothy 3:8-13).

PRINCIPLES ESTABLISHED IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

No church is perfect. The government laid down in the word is not rules, but principles. Often,
believers want to look back at the early church and emulate its ways. But the early church had
strife, schisms, and divisions. We have everything the early church had and more. We hve the
same problems and the same Holy Spirit, but the word is now complete.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (1-7)

Every growing church goes through pains and difficulties even when disciples are multiplying.

Growth in numbers is usually met with murmur. Most complaints are usually “Things are not
like they used to be.”

The first major church problem is the treatment of Greek and Hebrew widows. Because the
primary responsibility of the apostles is prayer and study, the people choose seven men to
alleviate the problem. Again, the Word of God increases and the number of disciples multiply.

MURMURING OF GRECIANS AGAINST THE HEBREWS

Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a
murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the

daily ministration.

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring
of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily
ministration (diakonos).