Acts 6:4

The First Seven Deacons Appointed

³ Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. ⁴ But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [in Christ Jesus], and [filled with and led by] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch.

For Us

Ministry of the Word

Word of God

Acts 1:14

All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 2:42

They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers.

Acts 13:2-3

While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 20:19-31

serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials which came on me because of the plots of the Jews [against me];

Romans 1:9

For God, whom I serve with my spirit by preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how continuously I mention you

Romans 12:6-8

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed;

1 Corinthians 9:16

For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]!

Ephesians 1:15-17

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason [grasping the greatness of this plan by which Jews and Gentiles are joined together in Christ] I bow my knees [in reverence] before the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ],

Philippians 1:4

always offering every prayer of mine with joy [and with specific requests] for all of you,

Philippians 1:9-11

And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight,

Colossians 1:9-13

For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things],

Colossians 2:1

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen me face to face.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:17

And say to Archippus, “See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”

1 Timothy 4:13-16

Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word].

2 Timothy 4:2

preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.