Acts 6:1-6 NLT - 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

A church that will not empower will have DRAMA (verses 1-4).

• It will have gaps.
• It will have misunderstandings.
• It will have burnout.
• It will not be able to handle multiplication.
• It will miss the joy of fulfilling its purpose.
• It will not measure up to the full stature of Christ.

An empowering church will empower the right PEOPLE (verse 3).

• Well respected (faithful and fruitful)
• Full of the Spirit (devoted and surrendered)
• Full of wisdom (taught and coached)

An empowering church is a FATHERING church.

• Fathering through the acronym P.A.D.R.E.
• Patience - A true father is long-suffering.
• Affirmation - Affirmation confirms identity.
• Discipline - A true father will discipline those he loves.
• Respect - When a father gives respect, it validates growth.
• Empowerment - A true father knows how to transfer weight.

The doctrine of the laying on of hands (verse 6).

• It is a transfer of identity.
• It is a transfer of spirit.
• It is a transfer of blessing.
• It is a confirmation of calling.