10/01/2026
How have you achieved "success" in your life?
For many people, I would imagine their initial thought has something to do with their work—climbing the corporate ladder, building their financial assets. Others would likely take a different approach and describe their success by pointing towards a loving family, a friendly community, or something along those lines.
We have an idea of what we mean by "success," but if you were to describe a "successful" church, what would that mean to you?
Growing in Sunday morning attendance? Increased budgets, larger facilities, recognition on social media?
Unfortunately, we can all think of churches who are known for each of those traits, but for infamous reasons. The prosperity gospel draws a crowd, while blending ministry with ticket sales and merchandise pads bank accounts. Facilities can be built by taking advantage of those they're supposed to serve, and recognition can come from notoriety.
That's not to say that all of these things are inherently wrong, of course—God can bless faithful ministries as He chooses. However, it challenges our assumptions and invites us to think: How does God define success?
In Revelation 2, Jesus writes letters to seven different churches at various degrees of spiritual health. The first church He writes to is in Ephesus. Take a moment to consider His analysis of them:
"2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people... I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first." (CSB)
Structurally and theologically it seemed that this church was doing everything right! They worked hard, they endured in the faith, they knew their Bibles... but along the way they forgot the reason they did any of this. They "abandoned the love" that initially motivated their ministry.
Christ's design for His church isn't that we grow in pragmatism, financial acumen, and crowds. It's that we hold fast to His teachings, carrying on His mission, motivated by our love for Him... which then motivates us to love one another and reach those He came to save.
Church, the Lord has blessed us far more than we tend to believe and far better than we ever deserved. What will drive our church forward as we carry on Christ's mission for His church?
How will we define the "success" that we're working towards?
- Pastor Michael
