An Effective Church

Proverbs 31 praises the virtuous woman. It seems like it can also be applied to the Bride of Christ – the Church.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.

A wise and effective church does not presume on the future. The church is to be a source of strength to its members and community. An effective church is not forced to beg for what it needs.

She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

The teachings of a virtuous church will be filled with God’s wisdom and will promote kindness and giving. She will be known for her hospitality. The effective church will be a living example of the value of following God's ways.

She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

An effective church will be well organized. The leaders are actively aware of and involved in the needs, challenges and opportunities of its members. But, not just the leaders are working and praying. In an effective church, most of the members are not idle consumers but active givers.

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”

Individuals, families and marriages will find new birth, wisdom, support and healing. The spiritual children of an effective church will praise her and give her unasked for blessings. There is no fear that certain important members will be offended, because the praise an effective church especially desires is the praise of the Lord Jesus.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

A “successful” church may have the earthly beauty of beautiful buildings, large crowds or artistic sermons. But, these things are totally vain unless the church genuinely reveres its Head, fears the Lord and seeks the goals of the Lord Jesus.

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

A successful church is concerned with appearances, income and drawing bigger crowds. But, an effective church does not need to advertise. The news of a truly effective church's genuine love, sacrificial giving, and Godly wisdom will surprise the world and will even be spread by nonbelievers.

Project:
Pray for an effective church.
Let's pray about how to be personally effective.
Let's commit to making our part of our church truly effective.