“The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the communityand used the money to help everyone in need. They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation.” Voice Translation
The Most Important Number
Acts 2:42–47 describes a church marked by unity, devotion to God and his Word, and it saw unstoppable growth. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a vision for the church today. That church was not a passive audience. Everyone prayed, worshipped, shared meals, and met one another’s needs in radical ways. The result? Awe, wonder, favour from the community around them, and daily growth.
How can we can foster a church that not only survives but thrives—accelerating toward God’s promises with unity and purpose? That’s the passion that drives me and those involved in making LAUNCH happen every year.
Rediscovering the Mission of the Church
When Jesus laid the foundation for His church, He didn’t build a building, form an institution, or start a political movement. He gathered a small group of ordinary people, calling and equipping them to:
- Come to Him – Experience forgiveness and find their identity in Him.
- Be with Him – Learn, grow, and do life together in community.
- Go for Him – Live on mission, sharing His love with the world.
This simple, powerful blueprint still holds true. Church is not a place you go; it’s a people you belong to and a mission you live out, changing the world for Jesus.
Measuring What Truly Matters
Church leaders often face pressure to measure success by the numbers: the ABCs of Attendance, Buildings, Cash.
While these numbers can provide insights, the most critical number is ONE.
- ONE Vision: A shared purpose that drives the church forward.
- ONE Community: A unified body of believers working together.
- ONE Mission: Spreading the gospel and making disciples.
In Acts 2, “all the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). Their unity was the catalyst for explosive growth and a testimony to the world.
Guarding Against Division
Unity doesn’t happen by accident—it’s intentional, and it comes by actively fighting disunity. The one thing the enemy fears is a united church so he works tirelessly to divide us. Grudges, gossip, and distractions are tools he uses to break up the ONE.
Church leaders, this is our charge:
- Pray for unity in your congregation.
- Model love and humility in your leadership.
- Create spaces for honest conversations and reconciliation.
Whenever I don’t know what to pray for Ivy and the church in Manchester, I join in with what Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Unity is essential for mission and from that love flows…
Radical Generosity and Commitment
The Acts church was known for its generosity. They gave sacrificially to meet needs and expand the mission. Never apologise or hold back from encouraging those you lead to:
- Invest sacrificially in the Mission: Regular and generous giving supports the existing ministry and opens more doors for impact.
- Join regularly in Community: Small groups are where lives are transformed and deep relationships are formed.
- Serve with Joy: Every believer has gifts to contribute—challenge them to find and use theirs.
In 2025 what does that look like in your church to:
- Dream Bigger: Pray bold prayers and cast vision for what’s possible when God moves.
- Love Stronger: Foster a culture and systems of care, generosity, and inclusion.
- Go Further: Equip your people to share the gospel and make disciples in their communities and beyond.
Let’s commit together to be a church that acts—embracing the mission of Jesus with unity, generosity, and relentless purpose.
Your Turn –
I’m praying your church and mine will be like that first church in unity and in impact. It’s still possible! I’ve seen it as I have travelled around the world and I read it in scripture.
Will you pray this with me today:
“Lord Jesus, I devote myself to You and to my brothers and sisters in Christ. This year I will love passionately, serve joyfully, and give faithfully, help me protect the unity of the church, and give me grace to live on mission for You..”
May this year be a turning point. Together, as ONE, we can see lives changed, communities transformed, and God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.