​Exalting Christ

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• John 12:32 (NRSVue)—“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

• Lifting Christ is the most essential obligation of the church.

• We must exalt Christ through our words and deeds.  

Equipping Congregations
 

• Ephesians 4:11-13 (NRSVue)—“He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”

• The connectional church is only as strong as local congregations.

• Local congregations need to be equipped to share the Christian faith and address the concerns of our neighbors.

Expanding Community
 

• Jeremiah 29:7 (NRSVue)—“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

• The church and community connection is essential for survival and strength.

• We need to expand our connections to the community so that we can increase the church's relevance in people's lives.

Earnest Communication

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• Ephesians 4:15-16 (NRSVue)—“…But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”

• Communication is vital in every relationship, and the church is no exception.

• We must be able to have open communication to identify and address concerns that we have in our church.