‘Ships’ Needed for Successful Church Sailing

When the people of Judah returned from Babylonian captivity,
they began the work of the rebuilding of the temple. But soon
afterward, the people became lazy and self-centered and stopped
working altogether. The prophet Haggai wrote his little book to
motivate the people to resume the project.
Since the church is the temple of God today (1 Cor. 3:16-17), we
would do well to note the factors that were needed in Haggai’s
day for making the temple as God desired. Utilizing these will
lead to great church success today, as well. From Haggai chapter
1, we can see the three “ships” they needed and we still need
today:

Fellowship (v.1-11). The people had disassociated themselves
from the collective and were living their own selfish, materialistic
lives. They needed to get back together. Let us remember that
fellowship in the church is a vital element for encouragement and
success (Heb. 10:24-25). Other “ships” under this category would
be citizenship (Eph. 2:19) and worship (Phil. 3:3).

Leadership (v.12-14a). Because Zerubbabel, Joshua, and
Haggai stepped up and took charge, they were able to lead the
people forward. A part of their leadership involved being obedient
to God’s plan. No less is needed today in the spiritual leadership
of the church – men leading through the example of following
God (1 Tim. 3:1-16), and the church following them (Heb. 13:17).
This kind of leadership leads to harmony and success. Other
“ships” under this category would be membership (Eph. 5:30) and
discipleship (Acts 14:21-22).

Partnership (v.14-15). The people then did work together,
contributing both resources and talents (see also Haggai 2:1-9).
Because they did this, God promised blessings (Haggai 2:19). It
is the same in the church today – working together and every
member doing their part for productivity and success (Eph. 4:11-
16). Other “ships” under this category would be stewardship (1
Pet. 4:10) and workmanship (Heb. 6:10).

Let us indeed “consider our ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7; 2:15, 18; cf. 2
Cor. 13:5) and do our part in these areas, knowing they will bring
about “smooth sailing” for the Lord’s church.
Edd Sterchi