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A congregation is a local group of Christians who assemble
and work together.
What are some of the individual elements of a strong congregation,
that set it apart from a weak congregation?
Love God
A strong congregation is composed of Christians who love
God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk.
12:30).
A strong congregation obeys God from the heart, and doesn't
feel that obedience is burdensome, because of their love
and devotion to God.
Love God's Word
A strong congregation is composed of Christians who love
God's word because they love God. One of the key differences
between people who are lost and people who are saved, is
that saved people love the truth (2 Th. 2:10).
A strong congregation bases every decision upon God's
word, which is truth (Jn. 17:17). As a result, the congregation
worships in truth (Jn. 4:24).
A strong congregation also works according to the faith
taught in God's word (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, God performs
His work through them, as they faithfully assemble for worship
and cooperate in the Lord's work (1 Th. 2:13; Rom. 1:16).
Rejoice in the Lord
Christians in a strong congregation rejoice in the Lord,
since they love God and His word.
Life isn't necessarily perfect for the Christians of the
congregation, but they are content, having learned to be
content in every circumstance (Phil. 4:11-13), counting
it all joy when falling into trials, know that the testing
of their faith makes them stronger (Ja. 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5).
Growing and Working
A strong congregation is composed of people who are at different
levels of maturity. Some of the members are strong and mature,
while others are babes in Christ.
There are elders, teachers, and evangelists, equipping
the saints "for the work of service, to the building up
of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12). Therefore the congregation
is growing as each member does his share of the work, in
love (Eph. 4:16).
The members are "steadfast, immovable, always abounding
in the work of the Lord," knowing their "toil is not in
vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).
Elders Leading, and Deacons Serving
A strong congregation has elders who are faithfully leading
the church, and deacons who are faithfully serving in the
performance of their work.
The elders shepherd and oversee the congregation (Acts
20:17, 28) as they lead by example (1 Pet. 5:1-2), watching
over each member (Acts 20:28-29). The deacons serve the
congregation under the leadership of the elders, doing the
things that are necessary, as we work together in service
to God (e.g., Acts 6:1-4).
Of course, some strong congregations do not have qualified
men who serve as elders and deacons. But, faithful men see
that the work is accomplished, although it's more difficult
without men serving in these leadership positions.
Not Satisfied
A strong congregation is composed of Christians who aren't
satisfied with themselves, and their service to God -- they
want to become better Christians and a better congregation.
Because they want to be stronger and serve God more, they
"long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it" they
"may grow in respect to salvation," (1 Pet. 2:2). They are
serious Bible students, at church and in their personal
lives.
What About Our Congregation?
As I write this article, I can't help but think about our
congregation.
Personally, I think we are a strong congregation.
- We love God and His word.
- We rejoice, giving thanks to God for the blessings we
enjoy, while petitioning Him on behalf of our members
experiencing difficulties.
- We are committed to doing the work God ordained in
His word. We're committed to obeying Him as we worship
in truth, and work according to the faith revealed in
His word.
- We have elders and deacons who work very hard to lead
and serve the congregation.
- We aren't satisfied with our work and service to God.
We constantly work to improve, individually and as a congregation.
What do you think about our congregation? Why do you think
it?
But more importantly, when considering everything God
says in His word, what does God think about our congregation?
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