A GREAT CHURCH (1 OF 4)
by Steve Wagers
Scripture: I THESSALONIANS 1:1-10
This content is part of a series.
A Great Church (1 of 4)
Series: Kingdom Great in 2008
Steve N. Wagers
I Thessalonians 1:1-10
January 6, 2008
Sermon Outline
1. A Great Church is Filled with Celebration!
A) The Worship they Sent Up
B) The Word they Soaked Up
2. A Great Church is Founded on Dedication!
A) Concerned About the Lost
B) Committed to the Lord
3. A Great Church is Focused in Anticipation!
A) They Labored in the Work of God
B) They Looked for the Son of God
I have never liked the word "average." Someone has defined average as being, "One step above the worst, and one step below the best." I don't know about you, but I have no desire to be the worst; and, I see no reason why not to be the best.
According to Ed Stetzer in his book "Comeback Churches", 70% of SBC churches are plateaued or declining. He also found that:
The church experienced 10 percent total membership growth over 5 years.
The church baptized at least one person during the last 2 years.
The church needed 35 or fewer members each year to baptize 1 new convert. A member to baptism ratio of 35-1. [1]
Many churches are like the airplane pilot who came on the loudspeaker and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to know that our navigational equipment has malfunctioned. We don't know where we are; and, we don't know where we're going, but we're making excellent time."
The "average" church has no idea where they are, no idea where they're going, but they think everything is just fine. Thus, you should understand why I have no desire to be a part of an "average" church.
Someone has written:
"Some churches are full of members who are as stubborn as a Missouri mule about doing church work, but sly as a fox in their own business deals; as busy as a bee in spreading the latest gossip, but as quiet as a mouse in spreading the Gospel of Christ. Many are as blind as a bat to see the needs of others but have eyes of a hawk to see the faults of a few. Some are as eager as a beaver about a bar ...
Series: Kingdom Great in 2008
Steve N. Wagers
I Thessalonians 1:1-10
January 6, 2008
Sermon Outline
1. A Great Church is Filled with Celebration!
A) The Worship they Sent Up
B) The Word they Soaked Up
2. A Great Church is Founded on Dedication!
A) Concerned About the Lost
B) Committed to the Lord
3. A Great Church is Focused in Anticipation!
A) They Labored in the Work of God
B) They Looked for the Son of God
I have never liked the word "average." Someone has defined average as being, "One step above the worst, and one step below the best." I don't know about you, but I have no desire to be the worst; and, I see no reason why not to be the best.
According to Ed Stetzer in his book "Comeback Churches", 70% of SBC churches are plateaued or declining. He also found that:
The church experienced 10 percent total membership growth over 5 years.
The church baptized at least one person during the last 2 years.
The church needed 35 or fewer members each year to baptize 1 new convert. A member to baptism ratio of 35-1. [1]
Many churches are like the airplane pilot who came on the loudspeaker and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to know that our navigational equipment has malfunctioned. We don't know where we are; and, we don't know where we're going, but we're making excellent time."
The "average" church has no idea where they are, no idea where they're going, but they think everything is just fine. Thus, you should understand why I have no desire to be a part of an "average" church.
Someone has written:
"Some churches are full of members who are as stubborn as a Missouri mule about doing church work, but sly as a fox in their own business deals; as busy as a bee in spreading the latest gossip, but as quiet as a mouse in spreading the Gospel of Christ. Many are as blind as a bat to see the needs of others but have eyes of a hawk to see the faults of a few. Some are as eager as a beaver about a bar ...
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