The Power of Community in Ministry

Have you ever noticed how the people you surround yourself with make all the difference? Whether you're starting a new job, going through a hard time, or trying to accomplish a big goal—community is key. The same is true in ministry.

Today, we’re diving into a story from Acts 17:5-9 about Jason, a man who didn’t preach, didn’t travel, and didn’t write letters to churches, but he played an important role in advancing the gospel by simply being there for others.

This story gives us a snapshot of what happens when a community steps up and stands together. It’s a story of hospitality, risk, and how the church is more powerful when it supports one another. Because, "Together, we are stronger!"

I. Support One Another with Love and Grace (Acts 17:5-6)

Text: 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.

Context: Paul and Silas have been traveling around, sharing the message of Jesus, and it’s spreading like wildfire. But not everyone is thrilled about it. Some people are really upset and decide to cause trouble. They form a mob and go looking for Paul and Silas. And where do they go? Jason’s house. Jason, knowing the risks, opens his home to Paul and Silas. He’s showing incredible hospitality and support, even when it’s dangerous.

v. 5 "evil men" - “Bad characters” (agoraios) are crude people who hung around the marketplace because they had nothing else to do.

Paul hoped that the salvation of the Gentiles would “provoke” the Jews into studying the Scriptures and discovering their promised Messiah (Rom. 11:13–14), but in this case, it only provoked them into persecuting the infant church.

The Jews wanted to drag the missionaries before their city assembly (“the people,” Acts 17:5; see 19:30), so they manufactured a riot to get the attention of the magistrates. Unable to find the missionaries, the mob seized Jason, host to Paul and his friends, and took him and some of the believers instead. The Jews’ accusations were similar to the ones used at the trial of Jesus: disturbing the peace and promoting treason (Luke 23:2). They said their crime was that of “saying that there is another king, one Jesus.”

v6 - "turned the world upside down." Possibly an exaggeration by Luke, but he may also have been quoting the crowd. Either way, Paul and Silas were making a difference in their world.

And because of that, Jason and some other believers were dragged before the magistrates. Jason took the chance and protected Paul and Silas.

Application: Supporting one another means opening up our lives to others. It’s about sharing life together, especially when things get tough. Who in your life needs encouragement or support right now? Maybe it’s someone new to our church family, a family going through a rough patch, or a leader who’s feeling overwhelmed.

Action Step: This week, find someone who needs a word of encouragement. It could be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or just being there to listen. Open your door, your heart, and your schedule. Let’s be like Jason in Thessalonica and show love and grace to those around us.

As we’ve seen, supporting one another with love and grace is foundational to building a strong community, a strong Faith family. But what happens when the going gets tough? When challenges arise, and standing by each other becomes risky or uncomfortable? That’s when our commitment to one another really shines. Let’s look at how we can stand together when it gets tough.

II. Stand Together When It Gets Tough (Acts 17:6-7)

Text: 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.”

Context: Apparently, Jason had hidden the missionaries. The mob can’t find Paul and Silas, so they grab Jason and some other believers instead. They drag them before the city officials and accuse them of causing trouble. Jason’s act of hospitality leads to his arrest. He’s being accused of supporting these so-called troublemakers. But here’s the thing—Jason doesn’t back down. He stands firm, even when it’s tough.

Jason had to put up the money and guarantee that Paul and Silas would leave the city and not return. But he didn't give them up.

Application: Supporting others in ministry isn’t always easy or safe. Sometimes it costs us—our time, our reputation, maybe even our comfort. But when we stand together, we show the world the strength of a united church. It’s easy to support someone when things are going well, but what about when it gets tough? That’s when our true commitment to each other is tested. "Together, we are stronger!"

Action Step: This week, think of one person in our church or community who might be facing opposition or challenges. Reach out to them, offer your support, and let them know they’re not alone. Spend 15 minutes writing a note or email to them. Acknowledge their efforts and offer your support. This small gesture can strengthen our faith relationships and build a supportive environment.

We’ve seen how standing firm in the face of adversity strengthens our bonds and demonstrates our unity. But our journey doesn’t stop there. To advance the church's mission, we need to go a step further. It’s not just about standing together; it’s about investing in the mission together. Let’s take a look at how we can all contribute to the work God has called us to.

III. Invest in the Mission Together (Acts 17:8-9)

Text: 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Context: Jason and the other believers are released after posting a peace bond. Jason was willing to invest his resources, even financially, to support the mission. This shows us that ministry isn’t a one-man show. It takes a community willing to put their time, money, and energy into the mission.

Application: The early church understood that advancing the gospel required everyone’s participation. Today, that same call applies to us. Whether it’s our finances, time, or talents, God invites us to partner in His work. It’s not just about what the pastor or the church leaders can do; it’s about what we can all do together.

Action Step: This week, ask yourself—what has God entrusted you with that you can use for His kingdom? Your home, your finances, your time, or even your skills? How can you invest those resources to support the ministry and those around you? Maybe it’s volunteering in children’s ministry, helping with yard work, or another way. Every little bit helps.

Conclusion:

Jason didn’t preach like Paul or travel like Silas, but his role was just as vital. He welcomed, stood firm, and invested in the mission. That’s the power of community in ministry.

Through Jason’s story, we’ve learned the power of community in ministry—supporting one another, standing firm, and investing in the mission. These elements are vital, but they’re most powerful when combined. As we wrap up, let’s consider how we can apply these lessons in our own lives and in our church community.

Ultimately, it’s Jesus who empowers us to be this kind of community. He is the one who showed us the ultimate example of love, sacrifice, and investment in others. Through His Spirit, we can be a community that reflects His heart.

As a church, we are called to do the same—support one another, encourage one another, and invest in the work of the gospel. Because, after all, "Together, we are stronger!"

Challenge: This week, let’s each find a way to encourage and support our fellow followers of Jesus. Together, we can advance the gospel and make our community a place of refuge, strength, and hope.

Prayer:

"Lord, help us be a community that welcomes, supports, and invests in one another. Give us the courage to stand firm when it’s hard and the generosity to use what You’ve given us to advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen."