What makes a church actually work? It isn’t just about a building or a weekend service; it’s about the people inside. Pastor Jonathan Hodgins, the Lead Pastor of Life Together Church, shared a clear roadmap for what it takes to be an Effective Local Church. He explained that for a church to be strong, every person needs to be an effective follower of Jesus in their own daily life. To be an Effective Local Church, we have to do more than just show up. We need to be active, be honest with each other, and show our faith to the world around us.
Helping Each Other Stay on Track
The first step Pastor Jonathan talked about is accountability. This sounds like a heavy word, but it really just means looking out for one another. It isn’t about being a “big shot” or talking down to people. Instead, it’s about being humble and helping a friend get back on the right path when they’ve made a mistake. The Bible says:
“Restore such one in a spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
As the Pastor pointed out, nobody likes being spoken down to. If we want people to listen, we have to come from a place of love and humility. True accountability is about “encouraging faithfulness to Jesus Christ” and praying for each other instead of gossiping. When we “confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another” (James 5:16), we help each other find freedom instead of feeling judged.
Don’t Hide Your Faith
For us to be an Effective Local Church, we can’t stay hidden. Our faith shouldn’t be a secret that we only talk about on Sundays. Being “visible” means letting people at the grocery store, your co-workers, and your neighbours know that you follow Jesus. It’s about not being ashamed of who you are.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)
Pastor emphasized that when each of us lives our faith out loud, the whole church becomes a light for the city. He challenged everyone to stand up and say, “Yep, that’s me. I’m visible.” An Effective Local Church is one where the light is bright enough for everyone to see.
Staying Active Together
The early church in the Bible gives us the best example of how to be successful. They didn’t just sit at home on the couch; they were constantly moving and working together. They were active every single day.
The Book of Acts tells us: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
Noted that these early believers were successful because they stayed together “with one accord” (Acts 2:46). They took care of each other’s needs and prayed together constantly. This daily activity and unity is exactly what an Effective Local Church looks like today. When we are active, accountable to each other, and visible to the world, we are following the mission Jesus gave us.
At the end of the day, a church is only as strong as its members. To be an Effective Local Church, we each need to decide to be effective followers of Jesus. This means having the courage to show our faith, the humility to help our friends, and the energy to stay active in God’s work. When we support each other and pray for one another, we become a community where “the Lord added to the church daily.”
We would love for you to join our family and see this in action. Whether you need prayer, you’re looking for a place to belong, or you want to discover your spiritual gifts, there is a spot for you. Come visit us this Sunday at Life Together Church and help us continue to be an Effective Local Church.