Standards for Successful Church

"But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love." 1 Thessalonians 3:6a

What makes a church successful?  What makes them stand apart from other churches?  Is it outstanding programs and ministries?  Tremendous growth trends?  Increases in pledges and monetary giving? Professions of faith and baptisms? Missional activity? Paul sent one of his finest, Timothy, to check in on the church at Thessalonica.  It was an audit of sorts.  He was worried that the fellowship there may have faltered a bit due to all of the difficult times.  Thankfully, Timothy came back with a wonderful report! Membership had increased 10% since Paul was last there!  Adult baptisms were way up from the previous year!  To cap it off, the Thessalonians were starting a new building program that would house new youth ministries! No. There were two things Paul was hoping he would find in the church in Thessalonica in order to deam his mission there a success.  Faith and Love.  Thats it.  These are the two things that led Paul to name this church his "glory" and "crown of boasting" (2:19).  Above all things they displayed faith in God and love for God and one another.  If this is what the scripture clearly tells us is the highest calling of the Church of Jesus Christ, why are we spending our energy, resources, and time doing anything else?  Could it be that God has priorities for His church that we have deemed too simple for our ambitions?  Are we after something other than His desires?  The time has come (and has always been) for those who call themselves the Church to focus on what really matters: The heart of Christ that commands us to love God and one another through faith in him.  If we do not occupy ourselves on this first thing, than we can never expect to have "all these things given to you as well" (Matt 6:33).  Once again, we've got it backward.  We think that if we "get them in the door, get them involved, and get them to give" we'll have a lasting church!  Yet it seems all people like the Apostle Paul seem to care about is that our faith would become famous among neighboring countries and that our love for God and one another would sound forth to the edge of planet (1:8).  Want more from church?  Share faith and love with someone today.

"Oh God, I have spent so much time and energy on the wrong things.  I've modeled my christian life after the world's aims and methods rather than learning from your word.  Call me again to the simple truth of your gospel.  It was love that rescued me and love that the world needs.  Help be to live with such faith in this moment.  Amen."