The church, including the leaders and congregants, as a charismatic community.

July 23, 2013 - Acts 6:1-7

    ^1 1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”

   ^5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

   Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
Philip,
Procorus,
Nicanor,
Timon,
Parmenas,
Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

   Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

   ⁷ The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

Division among God's people may become a great crisis in a church's community. The Hellenists complained against the Hebrew-speaking brothers and sisters as their widows were ignored by the daily provisions. The Spirit-filled church asked for the Holy Spirit's discernment in them. The apostles kept their faithfulness in their preaching and praying ministry, while at the same time, delegating the responsibility to new deacons whom were chosen by the church. The church, led by the Holy Spirit, chose the deacons, while the deacons, including Stephen and Philip, etc, were also full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom in carrying out God's ministry. The word of God continued to prosper and people were converted in faith. 

Dear Holy Spirit, the church absolutely needs the wisdom and discernment from You as the church has to decide on the issues for the church's life and your kingdom. The church is called to be a charismatic community, filled up with the Holy Spirit for all ministries. The leaders and all the laymen alike are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. No matter how the pastors/elders/deacons decide, and the congregation responds to God's will in the church, the discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit is the only indispensable factor for making decisions, and causing the advancement of God's Kingdom.