Can You Guess the One Thing All Growing Churches have in Common?

So they did a study of 39 different denominations to determine what caused some churches to grow while others were leveled off. There was 1 overwhelming factor they discovered. It had nothing to do with size? Or programs? Or Location? It was true across various belief or doctrinal systems. It wasn't the teaching or kids ministry or great music...

When the results were in, churches where the people identified they felt loved and cared for, they were shown to be growing. Yep, it matters most how we treat one another. One of the things Paul says about the Christians in Thessaloniki, in chapter 4 & verse 19-10, is that he doesn't need to say anything to them about loving each other. For they were already considered masters at it. Yep go figure (Read for yourself).

What I love about what Paul does is he commends them, and then if you read in chapter 5 verses 12-18 he gives some very specific and practical ways to put love in action. For that's what it means to love. Love is a verb, a choice that results in us DOING SOMETHING for the one or thing we say we feel partial towards.

Jesus said that our Love for God and for one another is the best thing we can do (Matt. 22:37-39), and it would be our love for one another that convinced people Jesus was who He claimed to be (John 13:35).

So what can we do to put our love in action: Here are 10 ways you could love this week,

• When we take the time to listen
• When we offer our hands to help
• When we do something without having to be asked
• When we encourage something towards doing the next right thing
• When we call or send a note to let another know we're thinking of them
• When we offer our time to coach or mentor
• When we give generously without expecting anything in return
• When we choose not to continue in the gossip or rumor mill
• When we choose purity rather than take advantage of another
• When we choose to be patient rather than snapping back

Paul said this is what a great church looks like- one that is an example of love towards others in their community and in their spheres of influence. I want to be a part of a church like that. A church that really loves, will be a church that is really growing. Be Thankful for a Church Family that loves you!

Join me Sunday Friend!

Pastor Mike

PS- On Sunday we announced our Shine Your Light campaign, to reach 800 homes with the Christmas message and more. We have $17,500 and pledges of $25,000 towards our goal of $32,000. Join my family as we Bring the Love of Jesus to the Lives of People this Christmas.

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