Following in Stephen’s Footsteps - August 13

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 105:1-22; PM Psalm 105:23-45 Judges 14:1-19; Acts 6:15-7:16; John 4:27-42

In this, my second week working here at St. Stephen’s, I find myself especially interested in our readings from Acts 6 and 7, in which we begin to hear the story of our church’s namesake, Stephen. One of the first deacons, and ultimately a martyr, we have much to learn from his life as a servant leader.

In Acts 6 (which we read yesterday), we learn that there were some unmet needs in the community. As the early church was growing, the apostles realized that they could not do it all. Important responsibilities, like distributing food to the widows, were falling through the cracks. And so, the apostles ordained seven people, “of good standing, full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” whose chief responsibility would be to ensure that the needs of the community, especially the needs of the most vulnerable, were being met. Stephen, the oldest of the seven, was considered their leader, the archdeacon.

Not only was Stephen a servant leader, but Luke describes how Stephen was “full of grace and power” and “did great wonders and signs among the people.” Stephen, because he was called to care for the tangible, day-to-day needs of the community, became the focus of criticism from those whose faith was more centered on Temple worship. They began to start arguments with Stephen, “But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.” This, not surprisingly, ruffled some feathers, and Stephen was “seized… and brought before the council.”

Defending himself before the council is where we find Stephen as we begin today’s passage, Acts 6:15-7:16. Stephen is facing charges before the high council. At issue was whether Stephen is trying to turn people against the traditions of Judaism. We hear Stephen making the case for how his faith is consistent with the faith of Abraham and Joseph. And as he appeared in this highly contentious situation, defending his work as a servant leader in the early church, the light of Christ shone in and through him—even those sitting in judgment of him could see this: “And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

As I begin to get to know you, the people who comprise St. Stephen’s church here in Birmingham, I am seeing how much this church is carrying on Stephen’s legacy by serving the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. One of my responsibilities is to be a liaison to the Outreach Committee, keeping the important work of community outreach at the forefront of our parish’s attention and priorities. Sitting in on the Outreach Committee’s meeting this week, I had the chance to begin to learn more about the many tangible ways that St. Stephen’s members are the hands and feet of Christ in our community, such as through Avondale Outreach, Family Promise, Laundry Love, Grace Episcopal Food Pantry, and a new pop-up market in North Birmingham.

In these times of social distancing—working and worshipping from home—we may find ourselves focused mainly on just getting through another day, which can make it harder to keep the needs of others on our radar. However, as we hear Jesus telling his disciples in today’s Gospel passage: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting” (John 4:34-35).

While we should be sure to take care of ourselves during this time of pandemic, Jesus is also calling us to continue doing God’s work—not putting it off for another day, but seeing the work that remains to be done in our community today. When we look not just to our own needs, but also to the needs of others, we continue the legacy not only of our church’s namesake, Stephen, but also of 47 years of our church looking out for our neighbors throughout Birmingham.

—Becky+

Questions for Self-Reflection

Why is it important for churches and church people to be involved in community outreach?

What gifts or resources do you or your family have that might be a blessing to someone else in our Birmingham community?

Daily Challenge

Make a point to talk with someone you know who is involved in an outreach ministry. What specific tasks does it entail? How does being involved allow them to use their gifts? Consider committing to get involved just one time to find out if this ministry could be one you continue to be involved with.