Six Things Most Needed in the Church

1. THE CONVERSION OF THE MEMBERS

The new birth consists of more than baptism. One has to be born of the Spirit and water.

So many Christians seem to take a casual approach to Christianity.

Conversion is, in reality, a matter of surrender of one’s life and commitment to Jesus Christ as the Lord of ourselves.

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

2 Peter 1:5–9 ESV

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2. REGULAR ATTENDANCE

Yes, it takes more than attendance to be a Christian, but there is no way to be a Christian and develop the Christ-like life without regular worship and Bible study.

Hebrews 10:25–26 ESV

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

3. SANCTIFICATION

There must be a clear-cut distinction between Christians and the world.

The meshing of the church with the world is one of the greatest problems facing the twenty-first century.

2 Corinthians 6:14–17 ESV

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

John 17:17 ESV

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

4. LIBERALITY

The Lord’s people are learning more and more about sacrifice and generosity.

It is not special contributions that will make liberal givers in the long run. But it is the commitment of regular, weekly, giving-as-prospered contributions that the church needs to develop liberality.

Acts 2:45 ESV

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

5. UNITY

Many congregations are marred by schism, faction, and disharmony.

The church must believe the same thing and work for the same goals.

The work of the church must be so challenging that they require the unity of all to succeed.

1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Romans 16:17 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

John 17:11 ESV

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

6. INFORMED LEADERSHIP

Leaders must be first of all committed to what the Bible says. Leaders must also know the people.

They need to know how to lead and where to go. It is not so much “who’s getting to run the church” as it is seeking to give preeminence to God

Acts 20:28–29 ESV

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;