The Faithful Church: Applying Loyalty To God's House

Faithfulness is a key tenet of the Christian faith, and the Bible speaks of it in four ways: as an attribute of God, a positive characteristic of some people, a characteristic that many people lack, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Being faithful means being loyal, steadfast, and dependable. It is about keeping your promises and doing what you are supposed to do. In the context of the church, faithfulness can manifest in several ways, including being attentive and regular in church attendance, welcoming and loving towards outsiders, and witnessing and sharing the gospel with others. Ultimately, being a faithful church member means having a deep trust in God and following His commandments, even when it is difficult.

Faithfulness in marriage and friendship

Faithfulness in Marriage

Faithfulness in marriage means more than just avoiding adultery. It involves fulfilling your duties and obligations as a spouse, being trustworthy, and loyal. Here are some ways to strengthen faithfulness in marriage:

• Open and honest communication: Create a safe and transparent space for both partners to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without holding back.
• Nurture emotional intimacy: Develop a deep emotional connection by actively listening, empathizing, and understanding your spouse's emotions.
• Prioritize quality time together: Make time for regular date nights, weekend getaways, or shared activities to reinforce your emotional connection and commitment.
• Respect boundaries: Honor the boundaries set by your spouse to demonstrate your commitment to honoring their needs and wishes.
• Be mindful of your actions: Recognize the impact of your actions on your spouse and marriage, and avoid behaviors that could compromise trust and commitment.
• Foster a healthy sexual relationship: Prioritize your spouse's needs and desires in this aspect of your relationship.
• Seek professional help when needed: If you encounter significant challenges, consider seeking guidance from a professional marriage counselor.

Faithfulness in Friendship

Friendships are deeply valued in the Bible, with many instances of loyalty between friends. Here are some ways to demonstrate faithfulness in friendship:

• Offer godly counsel: Provide wise and spiritual advice to your friends, helping them navigate life's challenges.
• Carry each other's burdens: Be willing to support and uplift your friends during difficult times, and be there to catch them if they fall.
• Remain loyal through hardships: True friendship endures through life's trials and tribulations, providing unwavering support and commitment.

Benefits of Faithfulness

Faithfulness is a choice that brings numerous benefits, including:

• Reflecting your commitment to God: Faithfulness honors God's plan and demonstrates putting Him first.
• Extending your wedding vows: Faithfulness strengthens the covenant and contract of marriage, building trust and commitment.
• Deepening friendships: Faithful friendships allow for rich history and companionship, creating exclusive witnesses to your life's journey.
• Providing freedom and confidence: Faithfulness eliminates the need for secrets and deceit, allowing for a worry-free and jealousy-free relationship.
• Preventing emotional turmoil: Faithfulness spares individuals from the pain, guilt, separation, and confusion that comes with a split or divorce.
• Building a stable family: Faithful marriages provide a sense of permanence and security for children, contributing to their well-being and development.

Faithfulness in using our time, talent, and treasure

Time

Time is one of the most precious commodities God has given us. We are called to use it wisely and faithfully. Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to "Make the most of our time because the days are evil," and Proverbs 90:12 reminds us to "Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." Being faithful with our time means prioritizing our relationship with God and our service to others. This may include setting aside time for prayer, meditation, worship, and volunteering. It also involves caring for fellow church members, rejoicing with them, and mourning with them (Romans 12:15). As Thomas Watson, a Puritan, said, "Time is a talent to trade with."

Talent

Each of us has unique gifts and talents given by God, both natural and spiritual. Being faithful with our talents means using them for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to discover and develop our talents and use them for the benefit of the Church and others. Peter writes, "As each one has received a special gift, let him employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). Whether it's a professional skill, artistic ability, organizational skill, or a beautiful voice, we can use our talents to serve and build up the body of Christ.

Treasure

When it comes to our treasures or resources, we are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This includes our finances and possessions. Christ's teaching of the widow's mite (Mark 12:41-44) reminds us that giving to the Church and its work is not restricted to the wealthy. We give back to God as an act of recognition and thanksgiving for His provision. The standard for giving is often considered to be a tithe, or ten percent of our income, but any amount given faithfully is a good start. Our giving should not be limited to financial offerings but also include the generous use of our possessions to serve others.

In conclusion, faithfulness in using our time, talent, and treasure involves a commitment to glorify God in all areas of our lives. It requires wisdom, discipline, and trust in God's provision. By being faithful in these areas, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Him and contribute to the growth and well-being of the Church.

Faithfulness in reading and abiding by God's word

Being faithful to God means trusting that He will care for us, following where He leads, and loving Him in return. It is about having faith in God and His word, and acting on that faith. This means following His commandments and seeking Him in prayer, even when life is difficult.

The Bible is full of accounts of God's faithfulness to His people. He saved the Israelites from the Egyptians, He opened Sarah's womb in her old age, and He delivered David in battle. But God's greatest act of faithfulness was when He delivered us from our sins and gave us a way to join Him in Heaven.

• Read and Meditate on God's Word: Spend time reading the Bible regularly and meditating on its teachings. Allow God's Word to transform your thinking and guide your actions.
• Obey God's Commandments: Strive to follow God's commandments, even when it is challenging. Seek to honour God in your daily life and decisions.
• Prayer: Faithfulness to God is also demonstrated through prayer. Seek God in prayer regularly and cultivate a close relationship with Him.
• Produce Fruit: A faithful Christian will often produce spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Use Your Gifts: God has given each of us unique gifts and talents. Be faithful in using these gifts to serve others and advance His kingdom.
• Be a Witness: Share the gospel with others and be a light for Christ. Speak of God's love and salvation to those around you.

Faithfulness in being welcoming to new members

Encourage Current Members to be Welcoming

Involving current members in welcoming new members is crucial. This can be done by putting out a "call to action" for the entire congregation to invite friends and community members to join the church or at least pay a visit. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and people are more likely to trust recommendations from those they know. Additionally, having outgoing members initiate conversations with visitors can help them feel more welcome and included.

Do Community Outreach

Community outreach initiatives, such as charity work and social events, are excellent ways to engage with potential new members. These events show the community that the church is devoted to making a positive impact. They also provide opportunities for newcomers to interact with church members and get involved in volunteer activities, fostering a sense of belonging.

Make the Church Visitor-Friendly

It is essential to ensure that visitors feel comfortable and welcomed when they attend a church service. Adequate signage and clear directions are vital, as they help visitors navigate the church independently. All relevant information about the church, future events, and contact information should be easily accessible and well-organized. A clean and well-maintained church building and grounds also contribute to a positive first impression.

Utilize Greeters and Ushers

Stationing greeters and ushers at all entrances, classroom areas, and the parking lot can make a significant difference in how visitors perceive the church. These individuals should be friendly, outgoing, and gifted with the skill of "hospitality." Regular training for greeters and ushers is essential to help them understand the church from a visitor's perspective and effectively assist newcomers.

Provide Visitor Packets

Visitor packets are a great way to make people feel welcome without putting them on the spot. These packets can include service times, the pastor's name, information about prominent groups and meetings, church events, and other relevant details. If the church caters to children, including a children's packet with activities to keep them engaged during services is a thoughtful touch.

Follow Up with Visitors

Following up with visitors within 24 to 36 hours of their visit is an important show of faithfulness and commitment. This can be done through a letter from the pastor, a phone call, a handwritten note, an email, or even a small gift, such as freshly baked cookies. The key is to communicate friendliness and make visitors feel valued, without pressuring them for a membership commitment.

Make a Good First Impression

First impressions are crucial, as they can significantly influence a visitor's decision to return or become a member. A warm and sincere greeting, clear and informative signage, a clean and orderly space, and a welcoming atmosphere during the service all contribute to a positive first impression. Remembering that visitors may arrive a few minutes late and providing an easy-to-follow order of worship with printed or projected words for prayers, songs, and responses are also important considerations.

Faithfulness in witnessing and evangelising

In the context of witnessing and evangelising, faithfulness can be understood as actively sharing the gospel and one's faith with others. It involves living out one's faith in a way that is visible to those around them. This idea is reflected in the early Christian church, which was evangelistically minded, with Christians speaking of Christ and salvation wherever they went.

A faithful Christian, therefore, actively seeks opportunities to share their faith with others, just as the early Christians did. This can be done through open communication about one's beliefs, answering questions about their faith, and living a life that aligns with Christian values.

Additionally, faithfulness in witnessing and evangelising also entails being a welcoming and loving presence within the church community. Creating an inclusive and compassionate environment for those who are new to the faith or exploring it for the first time is essential. This was emphasised by Jesus, who said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Furthermore, faithfulness in this context also involves using one's God-given gifts and talents to serve others and build God's kingdom. As 1 Peter 4:10 states, "As each one has received a special gift, let him employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

In conclusion, faithfulness in witnessing and evangelising involves actively sharing one's faith, being a welcoming presence in the church, and using one's gifts to serve others and spread the gospel. It is a vital aspect of Christian life and plays a key role in fulfilling the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.

Frequently asked questions