A Church Purposed for OthersSample

AN ENVIRONMENT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging their readers that the gathering is a vital part of being OTHERS ORIENTED. And this is what ensures we are strong and steadfast in Christ.

We gather so we can help others. The gathering isn’t something to neglect,and it isn’t something to consume – the gathering of the Church is vital to encourage one another.

This word “encouraging” means:

• Calling to
• Beseeching
• Exhorting
• Winning over
• Comforting

The Church gathered creates an environment of encouragement where we uplift and strengthen one another. Our gathering is mutually beneficial – we encourage, and we leave encouraged. When we meet as the Church, it isn’t about ourselves but about others. When gathering as the Church, it’s no longer about what we get out of it or our personal preferences but about how we can encourage, strengthen, and help others grow. This posture, ironically, causes us to be the most encouraged and strengthened in our walk with Jesus. You grow the most when you help others grow.

What does it look like to gather to encourage others?

1. When we get together, let’s plan for who we’ll bring, who we’ll sit with, and who we’ll be rubbing shoulders with.

A sneak-in and sneak-out experience will never lead to an environment of encouragement. Don’t come alone, don’t sit alone, and don’t let anyone else sit alone. Think about it before you arrive, organize it with your friends or small group, and as a family. Be intentional about who you sit with during services or who you can include in a small group setting.

2. When we gather, ask the Holy Spirit to show you one person you can encourage.

We often feel pressure to know and connect with everybody, but Jesus is all about the one. And the Holy Spirit will use us to encourage and strengthen ’the one’ He has in mind for us. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance toward the 1 or 2 people He has for you to encourage.

3. Gather with the goal to serve others.

Coming to Church with a “what do I get out of this” posture, with our hearts and mind as consumers, we become Christian connoisseurs, consuming and rating services rather than living out God’s call to serve and encourage others. Instead, look around, see others, and bring the mindset of “how can I help someone today?”

Scripture: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25

Prayer Point: Father, thank you for opening my eyes and heart to see others around me through your scriptures and the Holy Spirit. I pray you will show me someone at Church this week whom I can encourage, sit with, and encourage with love and good deeds.