Some observations I made from Acts 6 about operational ministry:

  • Operational ministry is essential and necessary for the continued fruitfulness of apostolic ministry.
  • The qualifications of those chosen were very similar to that of the apostles. Those is operational ministry are just as qualified as those doing field ministry.
  • Both apostolic and operational ministry require the person to be full of the Spirit.
  • Each had a place of service that was vital to fulfilling the Great Commission.
  • The appointment of those to operational ministry led to greater fruitfulness of the ministry in Jerusalem.
  • Doing operational ministry did not prevent Stephen from having a more direct ministry.
  • The first recorded martyr was involved in operational ministry.
  • After the church is scattered, it is Phillip who is recorded to have a powerful ministry. He seized the opportunities to follow Jesus’ command to go to Samaria and beyond. Phillip was one of those chosen for operational ministry.