1. MY CHURCH 2 Corinthians 9:2-4

2. 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.

3. MY CHURCH Some are thinking – this is wrong. Claiming this is “my church” is WRONG IF: – Ownership – Authority – Control The church belongs to Christ: – Loved it, Purchased it – Died for it, He is the King of this Kingdom

4. MY CHURCH “My church” is proper – Spirit – Excitement – Membership – Participation – Support Similar to – My bank, My school, My sports team, My club, My doctor, etc.

5. PRIDE 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. Pride – bad kind = arrogant, boastful, puffed up Pride – good kind = satisfaction, pleasure in an accomplishment

6. PRIDE Learn to talk in “we” terms, not “they” terms Don’t you have some pride in this church? The PAST accomplishments, growth, programs, ministers, Elders, Deacons The PRESENT programs of work, involvement, support The FUTURE outlook of where this church is headed.

7. PRESENCE We must develop a desire to be here – Sometimes we have to be gone – I understand – I know you might need to get away, vacation, visit relatives, etc. – But don’t WANT to be elsewhere What if your football team had a game and some of the team did not show up?

8. PRESENCE Being out of town hurts: – The numbers on the board – The Bible class – Level of excitement – The visitors who come our way Think about what you miss: – Class study, Singing, Prayers, Communion – Announcements, Fellowship, Support

9. PRESENCE MY SERMON – I know that every sermon is not a gem – Preaching 2 sermons each week is a lot of work But – I have one super, fantastic, amazing, wonderful sermon. I might preach it the week you are gone. Wouldn’t it be tragic to miss that one?

10. PROMOTION 2 Corinthians 9:2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. VBS – Booster, booster, be a booster Remember your school spirit? Do that for the Lord and His church!

11. PROMOTION Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things. When talking about the church – speak ONLY the good stuff.

12. PROMOTION Be a cheerleader – Make others wish they attended here – Express your loyalty to this church This is YOUR church. Give to support, sing, pray, work, talk it up. Have PRIDE, be PRESENT, and be a PROMOTER for this church.