During my years of ministry I have traveled and lived around this great country of ours. I do not consider myself a fan of architecture but I do love to look at and explore a cool looking building. Walking around the capital building was a thrill; there was so much to see. The statues, the murals, just the way the building was shaped. The Supreme Court building was amazing. I was walking through the halls of history. It was awesome.
I love to look at churches old and new. I have seen some magnificent cathedrals that could sit thousands, some were made of marble and some were very modern. I remember standing in one and thinking what a great Church. Immediately I felt the Holy Spirit say to me “this is a wonderful building but it is not the building that makes this place great”. He went on to say to me “there are many magnificent buildings that are not great churches.” I knew immediately what He was trying to tell me. What makes a great church are the people.
2 Corinthians 6:16- For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
When the apostle John was writing the book of Revelation he specifically addressed the churches in each city, some were great churches, others not so nifty. Each church is different because the people are different. Through my years of pastoring I have lived and visited in many cities and have been a part of many churches. Some have been great churches and like John I have found that some were not so nifty.
What makes a great church? - THE PEOPLE and their God who has changed them and lives in them. Let me just say how thankful I am to pastor this great church here in Jupiter. It is a joy each week to be with people who I know love God and enjoy worshiping and sharing life together. This year we are growing and abounding in our love for God in our SINCERITY in every area of our spiritual walk. When I read about the churches in Revelation I can’t help but think that at one point they were on fire for God and were getting things right. The Spirit was moving and then something happened. Around the world there are buildings that were once used to assemble vibrant, healthy churches that are now sitting empty because the people did not hold on to and treasure what God was doing in their midst.
May that never be us! Right now we are in a season of great blessing. We are unified, we are growing, lives are being changed, we support foreign and home missionaries, we are in the initial stages of a new building program, and our current facilities are debt free and newly renovated. We have a great staff, truly spiritual deacons, dedicated musicians, fantastic ushers and greeters and the best children’s teachers and nursery workers in the city. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
So what characterizes a great church? What qualities exemplify that fact? I believe that there are ten major qualities. We are going to examine them this month on the second Sunday. Let me give you a quick preview before I preach the message “A Sincere Church”.
*Sincerity- (I know that was hard to see coming). This is really one very large four letter word. LOVE
*Kindness and consideration. -- *Energy. For those who are a little more spiritual- Fervency. -- *Praying with Faith.
*Compassion and empathy. -- *A distinct difference in our behavior. -- *Understanding. -- *Unity.
*Welcoming of the presence and moving of the Holy Spirit. -- *Fulfilling the mission of our GREAT commission.
All of these are fundamentals of a great church. They are non-negotiable. If these are happening you have a great church. It does not matter the size of the building, the number of attendees, the scope of the budgets or the location. These characteristics in a group of people who love God will make an impact in the world.
I also want to challenge all our men to meet here at the church on Friday the 25th at 7:00pm. We are going to have a cookout and watch the movie “Courageous.” Men bring your son’s with you. This is a guy’s night out. We are purposing in the coming year to make sure we have a more dynamic Men’s Ministry. I believe you will enjoy and be challenged.
May the Lord bless you and your family this month. Keep up the good work.
Remember you are what makes this a great church!
Pastor Marvin and Dawn
