How To Build a Great Congregation

In our Summer Series this year we are considering the theme, “How to Build a Great
Congregation.” A few moments’ reflection brings to mind a number of components which must be
present and carefully cultivated in order to result in a strong, healthy congregation moving forward
in its service to God.
The unity of the Spirit is absolutely necessary for any congregation to effectively march
together. “Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” (Ephesians 4:3).
No congregation can become great, and effectively fulfill its mission, if its members are divided,
“doing their own thing.” We must be united in our goals and activities, and further, that unity must
be based upon the word of God. The word is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, thus the unity
which results from following that word is truly a unity of the Spirit. The beautiful description of
the early, growing church includes the observation that “they took their food with gladness and
singleness of heart,” (Acts 2:46). They were all seeing things the same way, because they were
standing firmly together, on the word of God. That is the mark of a great congregation!
Great congregations understand the work of their preachers, elders, and deacons, and they
are experts at encouraging these men in their work. The members perceive the value of what these
men are doing, and they are constantly finding ways to encourage them as they do it. They know
that preachers, elders, and deacons can easily become discouraged. Their work is sometimes lonely
and difficult. So they consider how to effectively hold them up and support them. With the support
of God’s people, these men thrive and advance in their respective works. This in turn results in a
great congregation!
Great congregations also understand that the church is composed of strong, healthy families.
No congregation can become great if it’s families are weak and dysfunctional. Therefore, every
effort is made to strengthen families. Husbands, wives, parents, children are encouraged in their
respective roles. There is continual teaching on these roles, and how to maximize their
effectiveness in the current culture. The leadership of the church provides the necessary resources
to strengthen and encourage marriages and families within the congregation. As these godly
families become stronger and more solid, the congregation becomes truly great!
Great congregations have also learned how to worship God effectively and acceptably. The
worship in great congregations is not stale or by rote. “Rote” means the mechanical, habitual
repetition of actions, without engaging critical thinking or developing a deeper understanding of
what is actually happening. God’s people have learned to worship Him in spirit and in truth, (John
4:24), which means the worship is scriptural, stirring, and satisfying to God. Visitors and regular
participants can readily observe from such worship that this is truly a great congregation!
Another feature of great congregations is their giving. They are generous beyond description.
When goals are wisely placed before them, they consistently rise to the challenge. They give freely
and cheerfully, not grudgingly or of necessity, (2 Corinthians 9:7). They are able to consistently
do this, because they have learned to first give their own selves to the Lord, (2 Corinthians 8:5).
Great congregations recognize that they are the Lord’s, and everything they have belongs to the
Lord.
Finally, great congregations do not forget their women. They understand the vital role and
work which women play in every church. Like the crowning jewel of God’s creation, the ladies of
the congregation adorn the church, with “the hidden man of the heart” in a “meek and quiet spirit,”
(1 Peter 3:4). Great congregations are always abounding with great women.
These are some of the components of our work together which we are considering this
summer. I hope you will make it a definite point to be present for each lesson, and help us as we
strive to build a great congregation!