I found this list in a book by Robert C. Girard, “The Book of Acts- the Smart Guide to the Bible.” It caught my attention because I see this church fitting into the list and it made me appreciate all the work you all do.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches
Results: People are pleased, hungry are fed, Word is spread, numbers increase, and priests believe. 1
Charles (Chuck) Colson stated “Harmony and oneness in spirit can be achieved only when Christians put aside their personal agendas and submit themselves to the authority of the Holy Spirit… When the people of God, united in His name, proclaim the word of God, they can turn their world upside down.” 2
Habit #1 – Luke 5:15 NIV
Yet the news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
Psalm 49:1-3 NIV
Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.
Habit #2 – 1 John 5:2 NIV
This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands.
1 John 4:7,21 NIV
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God…And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Hebrews 13:1-3 NIV
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Romans 12:13-16 NIV
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud. But be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Galatians 5:14 NIV
The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Habit #3 – Mark 16:17-18 NIV 17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Romans 15:17-19 NIV 17
Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
Habit #4 – Luke 10:34-35 NIV 34
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Habit #5 – Mark 16:15 NIV
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Habit #6 – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
16 Be joyful always,
17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV 18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Habit #7 – Acts 6:6-7 NIV
6 They presented these men to the Apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches! We are working on all seven habits right now. Can we improve – yes! Do we want to become the most effective church for God – I am praying so! Please seek God’s plan for you to be a part of this quest. Let us be God’s church to this community.
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