CHARACTERISTICS OF A MATURE CHURCH

Ephesians 4:11-16

Unity of the Faith

4:13: Unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God

7 fold unity called for: one body and one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father

Jude 1:3: The faith once for all delivered to us

3 Areas that Jude deals with: Authority of the Revealed Word of God The Person of Jesus Christ Faith in Christ Expressed through Holy Living

Not Children

Eph. 4:14: Children tossed about by all winds of doctrine

Heb. 6:1-2: Always concerned about Elementary Doctrines

1 Cor. 3:1-3: Carnal Marked by Envy, Strife and Divisions

Good Interpersonal Relationship

Eph. 4:15: Speaking the truth in love Phil. 2:2-5: How to maintain good

relationship Thinking also of the interest of others Respecting the other person whether we

agree with him/her or not

All Members Functioning Well

All members of the body are equally important All are gifted, but differently All know their gifts/ responsible and

accountable All equipped to do their part in the church and

outside Elders responsibility to help develop all Personal Responsibility to develop one’s gifts

and take up responsibilities in the church Need the power of the Holy Spirit in a church

growing in maturity