1. HOW CHURCHES MAKE DECISIONS ACTS 6, 15

2. Acts 6 Contributions at apostles’ feet Acts 4:32-37 A situation arose v.1 Apostles called and consulted the church v.2-4 God thru apostles gave the qualifications v.3 Church selected the deacons v.3,5 Apostles appointed them v.5,6 Evangelists appointed elders Titus 1:5-11; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Acts 14:23 Holy Spirit made them overseers Acts 20:28 Same way God chooses the saved Eph. 1:4-5

3. Acts 11 Another situation arose v.27-28 Disciples determined to do what they could to help v.29 Sent it by Barnabas and Saul (Paul) v.30 Sent to the elders v.30 Not to do the work of deacons Acts 6:2-4 Benevolence is spiritual fellowship 2 Cor. 8:4 Elders oversee the flock, know who is a member that can receive fellowship Heb. 13:17 1 Peter 5:1-4

4. Acts 15 Another situation arose v.1 Church sent Paul & Barnabas to the source (Jerusalem) v.2 To confirm truth not to reveal it Gal. 1:11-12 Apostles elders, and church received them v.4 Paul’s private meeting with James, Peter, & John Gal. 2:1-10 Apostles & elders met v.6 “Men and brethren” (all men) v.7 All the multitude was present v.12 James made a suggestion v. 19-21 Apostles, elders, & church agreed v.22-29

5. Acts 15 Apostles, elders, & church chose men to go with the letter v.22 Decrees were from the apostles & elders 16:4 Conclusions If all assembled, only men spoke 1 Cor. 14:34- 35 Any can make a suggestion Opportunities are given to make objections Elders are not businessmen but shepherds Elders make final decisions All is to be done to edify the church