We have to be willing to lay it all down. No more authority and influence because of our training, accomplishments, years of experience, or positions. We lead by the “demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that [their] faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

If the power of God isn’t putting its stamp of approval on us, then we no longer qualify as one of His ministers. When God’s character and work start manifesting in other people’s lives, they need to be encouraged to move forward in ministry. Here are seven men chosen by the disciples to wait on tables.

Acts 6:2-8 (NIV) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Acts 8:5 (NIV) Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Weren’t they suppose to be waiting on tables. No one said they were qualified to do this other stuff. These are disciples of the disciples of Jesus. They look pretty good. They seem to feel that they are ready to be used by Jesus. No one is coming to shut them down. Disciples are increasing exponentially. The worldwide Christian movement is on the move.