WHAT I OWE MY HOME CONGREGATION

Unto the Church of the Lord in every locality, I am under solemn obligation to the extent of my ability, but unto my home congregation, I am under special obligation.

· I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community. Therefore, I owe it the example of a good life.  For it I must “live soberly, righteously and godly” (Matthew 5:13, 16).

· I want the strangers who enter the door of the meeting house to feel at home, to learn to love us, to return from time to time.  They are our guests; I must entertain them.  I owe it to them, and to the church to show myself friendly.  I must not stand back and wait for others to greet them; this I must do (Hebrews 13:2).

· No congregation can make progress without faithful and efficient leaders.  To a certain extent, the members of the church make or break their leaders. To the end that our leaders may be stronger and efficient, I must give them my support. I must pray for them.  As long as they are true men, I must not embarrass them in the work (I Timothy 5:19).

· My home congregation has financial obligations which are due at regular intervals.  Whether I give or do not give, these obligations must be paid.  If it is right for my congregation to pay its obligations each week, it is right for me to give each week.  Though circumstances may force me to be absent at times, my contributions should find their way to the treasury of the church (I Cor. 16:1,2).  

· I know that the very existence of my congregation depends upon the attendance of its members.  In fact, the attendance is the life of the church (Heb. 10:25).  For this reason, I must attend the services ... all services I can.  For all that I have, I would not have said that my congregation perished because I would not attend the meetings.

· I want my home congregation to grow, to multiply in members. Therefore, I must set to the noble work of winning souls for Christ (Luke 19:10).  This I can do by preaching and persuading; this I can do by persistent effort; this I can do by bringing them to our meetings.

· My home congregation cannot thrive in a rigid atmosphere.  I must not by my carelessness allow the church to become a place where hearts are chilled.  I must make it a place where hearts are warmed.  Therefore, I owe it to my heart, the warmth of my life, I must forgive and forget (Mt. 6:14,15).

Wishing to be honest, I must meet my obligations to the best of my ability.  I must with the help that God gives, play my part in the incomparable work of building up the body of
Christ.

—Selected