What Will Build a Strong Church?
Vacations are now over, the kids are back in school and it’s time to buckle down and get back to work before we’re hit with the craziness of the holiday season.
But what kind of work is needed to build a strong church? Not sensationalism! Not gimmicks! Nor more committees, nor mere programs, nor a “fun and games” emphasis! Those things may be right for civic clubs, social clubs, and country clubs, but not for the Lord’s church!
So what does it take to build a strong church?
1. STRONG BIBLE PREACHING AND TEACHING!
God’s word, when disseminated plainly, forcefully, uncompromisingly, and yet gently, will build up! Paul said, “I commend you unto God, and to the WORD of his grace, which is also able to building you up” (Acts 20:32).
2. EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP!
We need leaders who are “examples to the flock” and who are careful in tending it (1 Peter 5:2-3). To grow, the church must have quality leadership people who know how to lead and will do so! (Let’s thank God for our leaders!)
3. HOLY LIVING ON THE PART OF EVERY MEMBER!
Unimpeachable conduct clearly evidenced in the lives of Christians will illuminate the way for many in the realm of darkness. Read Matthew 5:16 and Philippians 2:15.
4. CONGREGATIONAL WARMTH AND LOVE!
The fellowship of the Lord’s church should be so sweet and precious that the whole community takes notice and observes, “See how they love each other!” Without this, a congregation will never be what God would have it be! Read John 13:35.
5. COMPASSIONATE HEARTS!
The church of Christ needs to be known as the most tenderhearted bunch of people in all the world…ready and willing to help all, and especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10).
6. EVANGELISTIC FERVOR!
The emphasis of the early church was soul winning! The church will grow when we “teach and preach Jesus as the Christ” every day as we have opportunity! Read Acts 5:2.
7. AN “I WANT TO SERVE” ATTITUDE PERMEATING THE CONGREGATION!
People serving the Lord because they love Him, and the find joy in serving, not out of a spirit of drudgery. Read Ephesians 6:6.
8. AN ATMOSPHERE OF HAPPINESS, FRIENDLINESS, CORDIALITY, AND HOSPITALITY!
No stranger should ever come into the midst of the Lord’s church without being graciously welcomed by a happy, friendly membership! We must reach out to others, and not just “visit” with friends only.
In short, it takes just one thing to grow a strong church. People who love Jesus above all else. Let’s strive to be those people!
Loving you in the Lord,
Pastor Bill Linton
Tags: civic clubs, compassionate hearts, exemplary leadership, galatians 6, household of faith, quality leadership, realm of darkness, sensationalism, social clubs, strong church
Filed under: From Our Pastor
