Luke (the author of Acts) makes it clear that we must be willing to serve in our new family.
Acts 11:19-30 gives us a good example of a diaconal fund and diaconal work. Money is gathered by God’s people in order to help believers who are in need. In this case, to buy food when the prices begin to go up. When we give to a diaconal fund, we are preparing to help one another in these kinds of situations. We are making sure that there is a safety net from which we can draw when we are in trouble. And we are doing so responsibly. Ahead of time, under the supervision of the broad church council, we want to be ready to help one another.
This help can only be given if people ask for it and make their needs known. Often when it comes to diaconal matters, people can feel a sense of shame. As if diaconal help is there for others but not for me. Some of that thinking has a good motive behind it. We want to take responsibility for ourselves and try our best to solve our own problems. But we must be careful that we do not allow pride to stop us from speaking. If you need money for transport to church, if you need food, clothing and accommodation—we must help each other. We have an obligation as God’s church to help each other. Do not take away a brother or sister’s privilege to serve you by staying quiet.
Building on this, let us also make a point of praying for deacons. They have a difficult task, an important task in God’s church.
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.