1. The church is most effective when the body ministers to the body, not when the pastor gets worn out and flames out and is always in a bad mood behind the scenes because he is trying to be all things to all people. God designed His church to function on the basis of a pleurity of spiritual gifts working through people available to Him.

The task of Sanctuary is to train people to do the work of the ministry. (Eph. 4:11-16) This way tons of people get the incredible honor of advancing God’s kingdom and seeing God build His church. We are looking to raise people up to the work of the ministry instead of having a handful worn out people trying to do it all.

2. The church is most effective when we do not try to please EVERYBODY.
One challenge of a new church is entertaining the expectations of others that want to dictate the direction of the church. People come from everywhere and all kinds of backgrounds and have ideas of what church is supposed to be, look like, and smell like.

Jesus did not allow the expectations of others to dictate and define the direction of His ministry. On a personal level, let us be encouraged to not let the expectation of others crowd out the expectations and calling of God upon your life.

3. The church is most effective when we PRAY! Prayer works! I have seen God answer prayer after prayer after prayer this past year at Sanctuary. He has brought some amazing people and resource.

Prayer is not something we tack on to the end of what we do so we feel better. .. since we prayed. Prayer is central to what we do. Prayer is the breath we breathe. God guides us as we pray. He provides for us as we pray. Prayer is the ONLY way.

We see the early church was rocking because of prayer. In Acts 1, they prayed and 3,000 people come to Christ. No build up for the meeting, no radio adds, cool computer graphics, christian bands, or loud speakers. Just God and prayer. Prayer works.