I.    Introduction
       A.  This lesson came from Steve Higginbotham’s wonderful PreachingHelp.org site.
       B.  Some churches are effective in their service to our Lord, and some are not so effective.
            1.  Effective churches are true to their duty.
            2.  Ineffective churches are a disappointment in accomplishing their purpose.
       C.  What makes for an effective congregation?
            1.  What should we consider to be essential to effectiveness?
            2.  How do we measure up – as individuals who are a part of it, and as a collective family?
II.   An Effective Church Is Christ Centered
       A.  Made up of individuals centered on Christ (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:22-23)
       B.  Made up of those whose hope is fixed on His salvation.
       C.  Have a desire to share His good news (Luke 19:10)
III.  An Effective Church Is Bound By Scripture
       A.  Jesus stated the importance of His words, the word of God (John 12:48-50)
       B.  The church remains effective when it remains in the word (I Corinthians 4:6)
       C.  Effective churches profit from study of God’s word (II Timothy 3:16-17)
IV.  An Effective Church Respects Diversity in Matters of Opinion
       A.  The New Testament makes clear that differing views are possible (Romans 14:1-5;13)
            1.  They will not agree on every point as they seek to be obedient to God (Romans 14:5-6)
            2.  They will respect individual accountability to God (Romans 14:10)
            3.  And they seek peace, mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19; 15:2)
       B.  But these differences do not prevent unity, harmony (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:2-3)
       C.  Distinction and discrimination must be made concerning types of error.
            1.  Errors that deter one from faithfully serving God.
            2.  Errors that do not deter one from faithfully serving God.
V.   An Effective Church has Visionary Leadership
       A.  Leadership in the church is not equivalent to what the world practices (Matthew 20:25-28)
            1.  The world has its own version of leadership, brand of leaders (Matthew 20:25)
            2.  The church follows Christ, who modeled His own style of leading (Matthew 20:28)
       B.  Leaders in the church must lead like Christ in their style of leadership.
            1.  A variety of leadership methods are possible, but not all are effective in the church.
            2.  Elders are to lead with vision (Hebrews 13:17 – “as those who will have to give an account”)
VI.  An Effective Church Brings About Lives That Are Changed
       A.  The church is more like an emergency room than a sterile laboratory.
       B.  We are to look after the spiritual healing of one another. (James 5:16; I John 5:14-16)
       C.  In order to do that, we must be “beam-free” (Matthew 7:1-5)
       D.  Our ministry is fulfilled, when we are involved in reconciling others (II Corinthians 5:18-19)
VII. Conclusion
       A.  Rather than the size, wealth, etc., it is commitment to Jesus that makes a church effective.
       B.  For each of us, making this church effective begins in our own lives.

Glenn Record
June 28, 2009