Keys to a Successful Ministry

by Steve Hale

"Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" ( Matthew 20:27-28, NKJV).
Why is it that some churches struggle and others prosper and blossom? What are some keys to success?

1. Faithfulness -- God will bless us when we are loyal to Him. Legalism is self-destructive, while liberalism disregards God's authority. The Lord told the church at Philadelphia: 'I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and not denied My name' ( Revelation 3:8).
Even though the church here was small and struggling, God promised to bless her because of her fidelity. A church must be faithful to her Lord as surely as a bride must be to her husband ( Ephesians 5:22-33).

2. Love -- True Christian love, exhibited by service, will be a powerful key to success ( John 13:33-35). We cannot claim to love the Lord without loving our brethren ( I John 4:19-21). This love must be sacrificial and genuine ( I John 3:16- 18; John 15:12-14; Romans 12:9-21).
Bickering and fussing are symptoms of a lack of love! Like Priscilla and Aquila, we must even be willing to lay down our lives for our brethren ( Romans 16:3-4).

3. Communication -- An informed church will be far more productive and happy. lt is vital to have a lively flow of communication. This communication must flow both ways: from the leadership to the membership and from the membership to the leadership.
Sometimes, this communication will be confrontational ( Matthew 18:15-20). That's okay, because the Lord promised to be with us so long as we try to work out such problems honorably. Consider the purposeful giving in I Corinthians 16:1-3. It was successful because the needs of the saints of Judaea were communicated!

4. Forgiveness and Forbearance -- If Christ is forgiving toward us, so must we be toward our brethren ( Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32). This is an essential element of brotherly love. Cultivate a tenderheartedness willing and ready to forgive!

Church growth comes from God ( 1 Corinthians 3:1-8)! These items are needed for Him to bless a congregation.

March 16, 1997

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Keys to a Successful Ministry by Steve Hale "Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" ( Matthew 20:27-28, NKJV). Why is it that some churches struggle and others prosper and blossom? What are some keys to success? 1. Faithfulness -- God will bless us when we are loyal to Him. Legalism is self-destructive, while liberalism disregards God's authority. The Lord told the church at Philadelphia: 'I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and not denied My name' ( Revelation 3:8). Even though the church here was small and struggling, God promised to bless her because of her fidelity. A church must be faithful to her Lord as surely as a bride must be to her husband ( Ephesians 5:22-33). 2. Love -- True Christian love, exhibited by service, will be a powerful key to success ( John 13:33-35). We cannot claim to love the Lord without loving our brethren ( I John 4:19-21). This love must be sacrificial and genuine ( I John 3:16- 18; John 15:12-14; Romans 12:9-21). Bickering and fussing are symptoms of a lack of love! Like Priscilla and Aquila, we must even be willing to lay down our lives for our brethren ( Romans 16:3-4). 3. Communication -- An informed church will be far more productive and happy. lt is vital to have a lively flow of communication. This communication must flow both ways: from the leadership to the membership and from the membership to the leadership. Sometimes, this communication will be confrontational ( Matthew 18:15-20). That's okay, because the Lord promised to be with us so long as we try to work out such problems honorably. Consider the purposeful giving in I Corinthians 16:1-3. It was successful because the needs of the saints of Judaea were communicated! 4. Forgiveness and Forbearance -- If Christ is forgiving toward us, so must we be toward our brethren ( Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32). This is an essential element of brotherly love. Cultivate a tenderheartedness willing and ready to forgive! Church growth comes from God ( 1 Corinthians 3:1-8)! These items are needed for Him to bless a congregation. March 16, 1997 Related Articles: Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM