CURRENT SERIES
Over the past few years, many of us have arrived at an intersection of skepticism and confusion toward the church. We’ve watched more documentaries, listened to more podcasts, and read more articles about broken churches and fallen leaders than we care to recall. But for those of us still committed to following the way of Jesus as a community, all of this leads to a fog of confusion as to what we should expect from this thing we call the church, its leaders, and even ourselves as part of it?
The first three chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians helps us with questions like these. It’s likely the first letter Paul wrote to a church, and so it provides one of the earliest windows we have on the early Church. But we find the answers to those questions in a surprising way – rather than practical commands or a vision charter for the church – we find instruction through Paul’s gratitude for the Church. By focusing on his celebration, we a path forward through replication.
Over the next seven weeks, we’ll move verse-by-verse through the first half of Paul’s letter, allowing his gratitude and celebration of the church in Thessalonica to direct our own gratitude for Collective Church as we continue in our shared, “work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
Series Practice
The goal is not just information, but transformation. For this reason, with each series we recommend how to put the series into practice in community. Alongside our weekly Bible engagement, we're inviting you to put into practice Paul’s opening line of gratitude and encouragement. (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
Commit to encouraging someone in Collective each week. Ask God to help you see how he’s at work in and through others. Then, be actively observant.
Once you've identified someone, pray about and for them! Thank God for them and ask God to continue what he’s doing.
Find a way to celebrate what you see God doing in and through them. It can be simple, like a heartfelt conversation, or creative, like a hand-written note featuring a scripture you feel they embody, a small gift, or meal.
series resources
READ
Guide to 1 Thessalonians, the BibleProject provides a free(!) simple overview and helpful resources covering the major themes of Paul’s letter.
1-2 Thessalonians, for those looking for a more in-depth study, this commentary of G.K. Beale’s reflections on the letter is a great supplement and guide.
Watch
Overview of 1 Thessalonians, the BibleProject covers the major themes and flow of the letter in this animated view.
Listen
Dwell is a mobile app that helps you immerse yourself in Scripture through audio readings with an selection of readers and background music. Within the app settings, you can have it read the 1 Thessalonians with set pauses between each verse, perfect for prayer walks, meditation at night, or praying while in the car.