(a) What social problem brought about the appointment of the deacons in the early church? (b) Mention five social problems facing the church today.

(a) The social problem that led to the appointment of deacons (Acts 6:1-7)

As the number of disciples multiplied in the early church, a complaint arose. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jewish Christians) murmured against the Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews) because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and welfare. This was a problem of unfair distribution and the neglect of the needy, threatening the unity of the church.

The twelve apostles gathered the disciples and said it was not right for them to leave the ministry of the word of God to serve tables. They asked the community to choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take charge of this duty, so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The people chose seven, including Stephen and Philip, who were set before the apostles; they prayed and laid hands on them. As a result, the word of God spread, the number of disciples greatly increased, and many priests became obedient to the faith. Thus the office of deacon (servant) was instituted to handle the practical and welfare needs of the church.

(b) Five social problems facing the church today

1. Poverty and neglect of the needy: widows, orphans and the unemployed are often not adequately cared for.
2. Tribalism, ethnicity and discrimination: favouritism and division along tribal, class or language lines, similar to the Hebrew-Hellenist tension.
3. Corruption and mismanagement of funds: misuse of church resources and lack of accountability by leaders.
4. Immorality and indiscipline: fornication, adultery, drunkenness, drug abuse and dishonesty among members.
5. Materialism, greed and love of money: the pursuit of wealth and prosperity preaching that crowds out genuine service; other problems include unemployment, disunity/denominational rivalry, and inadequate care for the sick and aged.