Six Encouragements as an Empowered Church

The New Testament presents Christ followers as a people empowered by God for His purposes—not relying on human strength, but on the power of the Holy Spirit.

This past week, I along with two pastors and one of our SBCV staff, traveled to the United Kingdom - to encourage a small group of pastors and churches seeking to form and forge ahead with a network and partnership of churches. Like us, they are seeing the value of not being alone. Praise the Lord, as His people we are not alone, as the Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower His people. Ministry is tough in the U.K. Ministry can be tough anywhere. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit empowers the Body of Christ. Here are few encouragements as you minister…

1. We are Empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The foundation of the church’s strength is the Spirit Himself. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). “…strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).

2. We are Empowered for Gospel Mission.

The church is empowered not for comfort, but for witness and mission. “Our gospel came… in power and in the Holy Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

3. We are Empowered in Unity as One Body.

God’s power is seen as the church functions together in love and unity. “When each part is working properly… builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). “…any participation in the Spirit… be of the same mind” (Philippians 2:1–2).

4. We are Empowered for Holy Living.

The Spirit enables believers to live transformed lives. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

5. We are Empowered with Gifts for the Common Good.

Every believer is equipped to contribute to the life and growth of the church. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

6. We are Empowered with Boldness and Confidence.

God’s power produces courage and dependence on Him. “To proclaim boldly the mystery of the gospel…” (Ephesians 6:19).

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).