1. The Church at Smithfield
Vision of a future Gospel
SBC Deacon Meeting, 30 Sep 2018

2. The Setting - 1 Thessalonians 1: 4-10 -
Paul wrote his first letter to the believers at Thessalonica in approximately AD 50, about eighteen years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This makes 1 Thessalonians both one of the earliest of Paul’s letters and one of the earliest writings in the New Testament. As such, it provides one of the earliest glimpses of the first-century Christian community, with its emphasis on faith and love.

3. The Word - 1 Thessalonians 1: 4-10
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia— your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead— Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

4. Vision of a future Gospel

5. 1 Thessalonians 1: 4-10 Paul, Silas, and Timothy
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

6. The Vision for the Deacons of SBC
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen us,
5 because our work with you is not simply words but also deeds, led by the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we live among you and serve you for his sake.
6 You become imitators of us and of the Lord, for we welcome his message in the midst of uncertain world and suffered all things with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
Spirituality
Accountability
Intentionality
Leadership

7. The Church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1: 7-10)
7. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9. for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10. and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead— Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

8. The Vision for the Church in Smithfield
7 And so SBC has became a model to all the believers in Smithfield and Isle of Wright.
8 The Lord’s message rings out from you not only locally but throughout the state and in foreign missions —your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9 for everyone reports what kind of reception you give them. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10 and wait faithfully upon his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead— Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

9. Being sent forth by the Holy Sprit – we SAIL
Spirituality – (1) Prayer, (2) A clean heart, (3) A clean slate
Accountability – Listen to the will of God and the will of the Congregation. Work according to their will.
Intentionality – Plan and execute the will of God at SBC
Leadership – Direct, guide, and inspire the fellowship of believers and those who seek his face

10. Focus: A place to Worship – A call to Worship
Communication with God
Communication with the Congregation
Improving Sunday School
Improving Administration
Church
Deacons
Calling a Pastor