CHARACTERISTICS OF A MINISTERING CHURCH  Acts 20:17-38

Paul is on his farewell tour. As he skirts Ephesus, he invites leaders of the church to come visit with him at Miletus some 20 miles away. In his remarks to the leaders, Paul reminds them of the example which he set which pointed the direction in which every church should go by ...

1          SERVING (17-19) Lifestyle evangelism.

Humilty  

Compassion 

Trials   

Triumphs

2          SHARING (20-21) God’s Word

Proclaiming the truth

Testifying of God’s grace.

Anything less is a sham and a lie

3          SEEKING (22-23) We are bound to Christ through invisible bonds which cannot be severed. Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. (Rom 8:38-39)

God lays before us open doors to enter by faith. Only He knows what is beyond.

1Co 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

4          SINGLENESS (24) Nothing would get Paul off-track. He was determined to travel the path on which God had placed him.

5          STRENGTHENING (25-32)

Tend to the flock.

Teach the Word. 

Warn the sheep. 

Trust in the Lord

6          SHOWING (33-35)

By being a living example. Paul took nothing from anyone lest someone were to claim he was only in it for the money.

7          SUPPLICATION (36-38)

Praying one for another.