By Waylon Bailey
Most of the people who read this blog are very much interested in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Most go to church and most want the church to do well. What is it that every church needs? Let me give you some ideas.
First, people who pray. Almost always we look for the wrong things to be first and foremost about the church. We look at power or prestige or money instead of looking at the prayers of the people. The church needs people who pray—fervently, believing, and urgently.
Second, people who serve. Jesus made serving the centerpiece of the church. He gave the church Himself as an example. He did not come to be served but to serve.
Churches are blessed or crippled by the amount of service by the people.
Third, people who give. Most churches give far below their potential. We’ve said it many times before, God has provided all we need if only we will give what He has given to us.
Fourth, people who exalt Christ. The church is about Christ. It is not about us or our desires. Christ is the head of the church, and we are His body.
Fifth, humility. God opposes the proud but exalts the humble. Humility pleases God. Every church needs it. Humility is the recognition that the Lord is God and we are His humble servants.
No matter what we do, we must recognize that at best we are simply “unworthy servants“ (Luke 17:10).
Sixth, Love. Paul said that three areas make up the church. He spoke about faith, hope, and love, but he said, “The greatest of these is love“ (1 Corinthians 13:13).
If we love God and love our neighbors, we fulfill the law and the prophets.
Would you do your part to give the church what it needs?
Waylon Bailey is pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington, and a past Louisiana Baptist Convention president. This editorial first appeared on his blog.
