Observation

This question was straightforward and it attracted many candidates. Performances to this question were commendable. Many candidates gave a proper narrative of what transpired in the early church and how the characteristic of communal living was a norm at the beginning of the church. The major challenge candidates encountered in the A part was their inability to list out the names of the seven deacons. The part B was better answered as a greater percentage of the candidates maxed out the scores in this part. They used their everyday experience of how discrimination could adversely affect a community to relate with the question. Notable points candidates pointed out were;

1. A complaint was made to the Apostles about discrimination among believers with regards to the welfare of the widows
2. This problem came up due to the increase in the number of the early church.
3. The Apostles informed the brethren that they could not forgo their main task of preaching the word of God to serve tables.
4. What the Apostles said pleased the whole multitude.
5. They therefore said that competent men should be appointed to be in charge of the daily distribution.
6. And they would have time to engage in evangelism.
7. Seven men of good character were to be appointed.
8. They should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
9. These men were also to have wisdom.
10. Among them was Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
11. Others were Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicola.
12. They were brought before the Apostles who laid their hands on them and prayed for them.
13. This was to signify that they had been commissioned to cater for the welfare of the widows in the early church.

2. EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY

1. It greatly affects team morale and can lead to apathy at the work place.
2. It reduces people’s trust and confidence in leadership.
3. It creates a feeling of exclusion or rejection in people.
4. Employees who are discriminated against may feel unappreciated by their employers.
5. It affects loyalty, commitment and sense of ownership at the workplace.
6. It breeds resentment and conflict.
7. It leads to social vices.
8. It stifles initiative/innovation.