Do you want to be part of a "noble" church?

This is a guest post from Chris Brauns.

Wouldn't you love for your church to be described by God's Word as "noble"? What church doesn't long to see people converted including those who with great influence?

In my book, When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search, I encourage churches looking for a pastor to follow the Bereans described in Acts 17:11-15. Notice that Luke writes that they "more noble." And because they were more noble, they had a tremendous influence in their culture which included the conversion of key leaders.

11 Now these Jews [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

If you would like for church to be "more noble," then follow the Berean example in 5 areas:

1. Be Zeal-ously Teachable - Luke says they received the word "eagerly" or we might translate it "zealously." The Bereans showed up for church "early," on fire to be taught.
   
2. Be Word Centered - Of course, what the Bereans were zealous to receive was not Paul's slant on life. They were zoned in on God's Word.
   
3. Be Discerning - Only airheads believe everything (Proverbs 14:15). The Bereans didn't blindly follow Paul. They examined the Scriptures for themselves.
   
4. Be Diligent - The Bereans didn't show up every other week. They were in the Word daily. If your church is really going to be noble, then it is going to take a lot of hard work. How are you doing following through on your responsibilities at church?
   
5. Be expert crisis managers - Any time God's people move forward for him, there is conflict. In a fallen world, it is inevitable. Rather than being surprised by opposition, be like the Bereans who quickly made adjustments so that Paul could go on making a difference for Christ in Athens.