A HAPPY CONGREGATION
The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). There is only one church (Eph. 4:4). Jesus said, “I will build my church…” (Mt. 16:18). The church is made up of all those who have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38) and are saved, therefore are added to the church (Acts 2:47). In this sense it is universal. There is also the “local” church which is made up of Christians in a geographical area. We read in the New Testament of the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:2). A congregation of God’s people are those who have come together in a certain area to form a congregation or a “local church.”
All of us want to be a part of a happy family where Mom, Dad and the Kids love each other. We want to a part of a happy workplace where all work together to accomplish the purpose of the company. The same is true of a local congregation. No one wants to be a part of a feuding, fussing, divided church. Here are some ways a congregation will be happy.
First, a congregation will be happy when it is doing the will of God. It is teaching sound doctrine (Titus 1:2) and is consistent in preaching the word (2 Tim. 4:1-4). False doctrine, the doctrine of the world creates division. Sound doctrine brings people together.
Second, a congregation will be happy when it has a responsive leadership. Leadership (elders/pastors/overseers) can’t sit in ivory towers and simply make decisions. People are happy when they see their leadership guiding the flock, feeding the flock, encouraging the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-3; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:9).
Third, a congregation will be happy when everyone feels a part. There are many members yet one body (1 Cor. 12:20). Every member is important. Everybody is somebody at… (Name your congregation). One of the most dangerous things in a congregation is cliques where groups bind themselves together to the exclusion of others. Never, never, never let people feel, “I am not a part of the group.”
Happy congregations are productive congregations. People want to be a part of a happy, loving active congregation.
Larry