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Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.
-- Colossians 1:6

Paul's strategy in approaching a church may be instructive for anyone who wishes to address a church. With a few exceptions, he always began by giving thanks for what they were doing well. "In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints...." He also made a connection between what God was doing in the whole world and what God was doing in their particular community. "Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves...."

All churches like to be affirmed for what they are doing well, and there is dignity in seeing a connection between what is taking place in a particular place and what is happening on a larger scale. Having emphasized those two points, Paul then expressed his concern for them and his prayers that their faith would be more than just an abstraction. For Paul, the truth of faith had to be embodied in how people related to each other. He urged them to "lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." All churches need to know that their efforts are recognized and affirmed, but no church can rest on its past achievements. There are always challenges that lie in the future of all churches.

Paul prayed, "May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father...." Perhaps the key to any church's life is the ability to face the challenges while continuing to give thanks to God in all circumstances.