The Heart of Serving

by John Tilton on January 30, 2023

Scripture

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’” (Acts 6:1-4 )

Observation

I love the heart and diligence of the disciples as they understood the importance of their call and assignment; and not to get distracted in doing noteworthy things, though noteworthy and needed, not for them to forego their calling and assignment. Hence, they appointed others to serve, and thereby began the heart and action of doing God’s work as a team. We know it as doing church as a team.

Application

New Hope O’ahu is known for the concept of DCAT, or doing church as a team. I am so blessed and thankful for the hundreds of volunteers that put their hearts and hands to the work of the Lord. Consequently, community and relationships are formed and we all grow together in serving the Lord and becoming brothers and sisters in Christ. We learn valuable lessons – sometimes hard, but always insightful. We give of ourselves to others in the name of the Lord. I look forward to seeing more serve the Lord as we distance ourselves from the pandemic, and we look to more relationships with one another, more friends, and more of the Lord as He ministers to us while we serve.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the heart, the joy, and the growth in each and every one of us as we serve you together. Lord, I pray that you would prompt more members to come forth to jump in with their hands and hearts, and that we all would grow and be blessed in fellowship as we serve you, your will, your purpose, and you call on our lives.

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About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College.

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.