Strengthening the Church

You do not build the Church. Jesus does.

Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18, ESV). The Church belongs to Him, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Christians cannot take credit for building the universal Church, but God does call us to strengthen it.

That raises a practical question for every believer and every local congregation: How can we use what God has given us to bless the larger body of Christ and help its witness move forward?

Steward what God entrusts

Jesus’ parable of the talents begins with a man leaving on a journey. Before he goes, he entrusts his property to three servants:

“To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:15, ESV)

In this context, a talent was a large sum of money. The broader principle applies to every resource God places in our care. Our wealth, abilities, spiritual gifts, opportunities, and influence all come from His hand. They are not possessions to hoard; they are trusts to manage.

A steward manages someone else’s property in the owner’s best interest. The goal is faithfulness. The servants who wisely used what they received heard the words every follower of Jesus longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21, ESV)

The servant who buried his talent was rebuked because he did nothing with what he had been given. Jesus takes stewardship seriously. One day we will give an account of how we handled our time, families, intellect, abilities, relationships, and finances.

The same principle applies to a church. A faithful church does not spend all its money, time, and influence on itself. It uses those gifts to advance God’s kingdom and strengthen the Church beyond its own walls.

Give

We strengthen the Church through generous giving. Gifts support missionaries, train leaders, plant and restore churches, care for people in crisis, and help congregations carry the gospel into their communities.

Giving also does something in us. It loosens greed’s grip and teaches us to trust God’s provision. When we give, real needs are met and our hearts learn again that everything belongs to Him.

Serve

We also strengthen the Church by serving. Paul writes that Christ gives leaders to equip the saints “for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12, ESV).

Ministry is not reserved for pastors or church staff. Every believer has a place in the body. When you teach, encourage, lead, welcome, pray, give, repair, listen, or care for someone in Jesus’ name, you help the Church become stronger. If you never use the gifts God has given you, you miss part of what He designed your life to do.

Go

We strengthen the Church by going. Mission work may take us across a neighborhood, across the country, or across an ocean. Wherever we go, the purpose is the same: serve people, share the gospel, and support the work God is already doing through local believers.

Not everyone can travel. Some people cannot leave home. But every Christian can take part. We can pray, give, encourage missionaries and pastors, welcome newcomers, and serve the people God has placed nearby. Faithfulness is not measured by distance.

Faithful with what is in your hands

God has entrusted something to you. You may have resources to give, a gift to use, a place to go, or time to pray. The amount is not the point. The question is whether you will faithfully use what is already in your hands.

Give. Serve. Go. Use what God has entrusted to you so that His Church is strengthened and more people can hear the good news of Jesus.

Adapted from a sermon by Jarrett Stephens.