Consider Ephesians 4:16. What would happen to the growth and effectiveness of a body if it lost its elbow, wrist, or knee joints? And what does Paul's analogy say about the church as a body of believers who has been given an evangelistic mission?

When that Church does not have all it’s parts it is ineffective and its growth is stunted. The result of a church with all the parts functioning is that it has the ability to grow in love. I like that that the growth is characterized by one of as love. We must be individuals but together in the work of the church.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5–8. What did the Thessalonian church do with the gospel that they had received from Paul?

The text lets us know that they became imitators of Paul and of the Lord. The Thessalonians took what they learned and ran with it. The Thessalonians also shared what they learned in surrounding cities.

In what ways could you work more closely with church members in the effort of reaching out to others? Why is it so easy to get complacent, sleepy, and inward focused?

I believe that by having a plan for evangelism that everyone knows about helps everyone to be on the same page.
To be inward focused is that natural tenancy of our human nature. We do not have to try in order to be selfish it comes easily. It is no wonder that we become complacent, sleepy and inward focused.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, We thank you today for the Gospel which you have given to us. Help us to take what we have been given and share it with others. Help us to do our part as individuals but together. Thank you in Jesus name Amen.

I would like to do my part in ministry