Vital Signs of a Thriving Church Community

Devotional

Day 1: Personal Ownership of Spiritual Growth

Description: Taking personal responsibility for your spiritual journey is crucial. Utilize resources like the YouVersion Bible app and participate in Journey Teams to grow daily in your faith. Relying solely on Sunday services will stunt your spiritual growth. [50:34]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to take ownership of your spiritual growth? Consider setting a daily reminder to engage with a Bible app or join a Journey Team.

Day 2: Contributors, Not Consumers

Description: A healthy church is filled with contributors who use their gifts, strengths, and resources to serve others. This mindset shift from consuming to contributing is essential for personal and communal growth. [47:11]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45 ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can contribute to your church community this week. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others rather than just consuming what the church offers?

Day 3: Unique and Indispensable Gifts

Description: Each member of the church has unique gifts that are indispensable to the body of Christ. Even small acts of service, done in Jesus' name, can have a profound impact. Recognize and utilize your gifts to serve the church and others. [56:43]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you? How can you use these gifts to serve your church and community this week?

Day 4: Humility and Service

Description: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a powerful example of humility and service. We are called to follow His example by serving others selflessly, which unlocks blessings in our lives and advances God's mission. [01:05:31]

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." (John 13:14-15 ESV)

Reflection: Think of a humble act of service you can perform for someone today. How can you follow Jesus' example of humility in your daily interactions?

Day 5: Partnership Over Membership

Description: Viewing church as a partnership rather than a membership emphasizes collaboration and mutual support. This approach aligns with the New Testament vision of a healthy church, where everyone plays a crucial role in the community's spiritual health. [48:40]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your mindset from being a member to being a partner in your church community? What steps can you take to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual support within your church?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of vital signs for a healthy church, drawing parallels between the physical indicators of health and the spiritual markers that define a thriving church community. We began by celebrating the vibrancy and growth within our congregation, emphasizing the importance of relationships and outward focus. These are foundational to our mission of serving and living in peace, as demonstrated by the numerous baptisms and first-time guests we've welcomed.

We delved into the third vital sign of a healthy church: being filled with contributors, not consumers. This means that each member takes personal ownership of their spiritual growth and uses their strengths, resources, and energy to serve others. We reflected on the early church described in Acts 2, where believers shared everything, worshiped together, and supported one another. This dynamic, inspiring, and relevant community is what we aim to emulate.

We discussed the importance of personal ownership in spiritual growth, highlighting tools like the YouVersion Bible app and Journey Teams as resources to help us grow daily. We also introduced the concept of partnership over membership, emphasizing that church is a collaborative effort where everyone plays a crucial role.

Furthermore, we examined the idea of using our gifts to serve others, as taught by Paul in Romans 12. Each of us has unique gifts that are indispensable to the body of Christ. Whether it's teaching, encouraging, or showing kindness, every contribution matters. We must avoid the pitfalls of thinking too little or too much of ourselves, recognizing that even small acts of service can have a significant impact.

Finally, we were reminded of Jesus' example of humility and service, particularly when He washed His disciples' feet. This act of servitude is a powerful reminder that we are called to serve others selflessly. By doing so, we unlock blessings in our lives and advance God's mission in the world.

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Key Takeaways

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2. Contributors, Not Consumers: A healthy church is filled with contributors who use their gifts, strengths, and resources to serve others. This mindset shift from consuming to contributing is essential for personal and communal growth.

3. Unique and Indispensable Gifts: Each member of the church has unique gifts that are indispensable to the body of Christ. Even small acts of service, done in Jesus' name, can have a profound impact. Recognize and utilize your gifts to serve the church and others.

4. Humility and Service: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a powerful example of humility and service. We are called to follow His example by serving others selflessly, which unlocks blessings in our lives and advances God's mission.

5. Partnership Over Membership: Viewing church as a partnership rather than a membership emphasizes collaboration and mutual support. This approach aligns with the New Testament vision of a healthy church, where everyone plays a crucial role in the community's spiritual health.

### [50:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:03] - Church as a Vibrant Community
[31:47] - Mission to Serve
[33:12] - Vital Signs of a Healthy Church
[34:17] - Superficial vs. True Health
[35:14] - Welcoming Newcomers
[36:00] - Personal Spiritual Health
[37:14] - Prioritizing Relationships
[38:13] - Outward Focus
[38:56] - Importance of God's Word
[40:03] - Acts 2: Early Church Model
[43:03] - Contributors, Not Consumers
[47:11] - Personal Ownership of Growth
[50:34] - Spiritual Growth Tools
[56:43] - Unique Gifts in the Body of Christ
[65:31] - Jesus' Example of Service
[72:16] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:44-47 (NIV) — > "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

2. Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)
> "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

3. John 13:14-17 (NIV)
> "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

Observation Questions

What were the believers in Acts 2:44-47 doing that demonstrated their commitment to each other and to God?
According to Romans 12:3-8, what are some of the different gifts that members of the church might have?
In John 13:14-17, what example did Jesus set for His disciples, and what did He expect them to do in return?
How did the early church in Acts 2 reflect the idea of being contributors rather than consumers? [40:03]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for each member of the church to recognize and use their unique gifts, as described in Romans 12:3-8? How does this contribute to the overall health of the church?
How does Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet in John 13:14-17 serve as a model for humility and service within the church community? [01:05:31]
What does it mean to take personal ownership of one's spiritual growth, and why is this crucial for both individual and communal spiritual health? [47:11]
How can the concept of partnership over membership, as discussed in the sermon, change the way we view our role in the church? [48:40]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What steps can you take to take more personal ownership of your spiritual growth this week? Consider using tools like the YouVersion Bible app or joining a Journey Team. [50:34]
Identify one unique gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve others in your church or community this month? [56:43]
Think about a time when you may have had a consumer mindset at church. How can you shift your perspective to become more of a contributor? What specific actions can you take to make this change? [46:09]
Jesus demonstrated humility by washing His disciples' feet. What is one practical way you can show humility and serve someone in your life this week? [01:05:31]
How can you foster a sense of partnership within your church community? What are some ways you can collaborate with others to support the church's mission? [48:40]
Reflect on the idea that even small acts of service can have a significant impact. What small act of kindness or service can you commit to doing this week in Jesus' name? [01:01:21]
Consider the blessings that come from serving others, as mentioned in John 13:17. How have you experienced blessings in your life through acts of service, and how can you encourage others to serve as well? [01:06:10]

Sermon Clips

1. "God wants us to be alive. And so, let's be excited to be here and pray that you will be moving and all that's going on. And I hope you'll come back tonight because the party just keeps on going. And it's a great day." [31:03] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our spiritual health, your spiritual health can also be measured by these vital signs that we've been walking through. And so if you haven't been here, and I realize every week we might get some guests and different people haven't been here, and you've been out for the summer, school has kind of got back, and you're finally getting back here, that's fine." [36:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "A healthy church prioritizes relationships with each. Why? Because Jesus, the Son of God himself, said that the single greatest demonstration that you and me as followers of Jesus in this world, that we as followers of Jesus will be the way as if we can demonstrate that we're followers is if we love each other." [37:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Healthy churches, excuse me, are always outward focused. Because the gravitational pull of any type of organization, not just a church but also of a church, is always, always... It's toward the insider. So we're going to have to fight against that natural pull, that natural pull. So we have to... We're going to be a church that tries new things to reach new people." [38:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The church is described as a group of people who, listen to me, they're not passive observers. They're not ones that just come in the church and just kind of stand there and just look around and, oh, it was good to be here today. There's nothing about that. They weren't on the, as I think about sports a lot, they weren't on the sidelines or they weren't up in the stands. They were engaged in the work of the church." [43:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Contributors take personal ownership over their spiritual growth. We're going to be a church. Hopefully, this is who we are. We want to empower you for you to take ownership in your own spiritual journey." [48:01] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Relying on an hour on Sunday morning here to be the primary source of your spiritual growth will cause your spiritual growth to be stunted. It will. You can't eat once a week and expect to keep growing. What happens on Sundays, I think, and we hope, is creating an environment that's a great starting point. It's a great starting place. But I hope it's when you walk out, it's not an ending place." [50:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Contributors use their strength, their resources, and their energy to serve others. That's what contributors do. And I want to spend the rest of our short time here looking at this right here. You know what consumers do? Consumers look at their gifts. Consumers look at their strengths, their resources, maybe financial resources they've been given. And they look at all of them. And they look at all of them. And they ask, how can it be used? Consumers, I'm talking about consumers. How can it be used for themselves?" [54:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You are indispensable to what God wants you to do around here. You're indispensable. You've been gifted by God with gifts, strength, experiences. Uniquely and exclusively given to you and no one else in this church in order that you would use those gifts to serve the church and serve others so that the mission of God, his mission, it will advance not only in our community, but all across the world." [59:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Jesus promised that there is a blessing waiting for you when you choose to use gifts, strengths, and offer them to serve others. Serving unlocks blessings in our life. It moves the mission of God forward in our world." [01:06:10] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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