The Thessalonian Church Planting Guide.

The most outstanding thing about the Thessalonian Church is their growth and their reach. When Paul left them, tough seasons arose around the believers, and he was almost sure that the tempter would get the best of them. However, when he received the report from Timo and Sila (not a Kamba 😅), the man was shocked — they were still standing and spreading like wildfire!

This then begs two questions:

How were they reached?

How did they receive it?

Thankfully, Paul tells it all in 1 Thessalonians 1:5–10:

“...because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”

HOW WERE THEY REACHED?

1. Through Words.

Paul states clearly: “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power.” They SPOKE the Word of God to them — faithfully and fearlessly.

2. Through Works.

He reminds them: “You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

They didn’t just preach; they practiced. They weren’t busybodies or burdensome — they lived as examples of the message they proclaimed.

3. Through Wonders.

Paul adds that the gospel came “with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” Only God could have touched those hearts. OUR WORDS ALONE CANNOT do that — the Spirit must move.

These three— words, works, and wonders —are what we should aim to deliver whenever we’re planting a fellowship. Use words, live your words, and let God handle the hearts.

But, even then, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll always get the Thessalonian result. Why? Because the response of the hearers is the final piece of the puzzle.

How Did They Receive the Message?

1. They Were Welcoming.

Paul says: “You welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

They didn’t resist the prophets or try to silence them — they received the Word gladly, even in hardship. Ukilengwa ama waukatae mwito, don't sweat it. Move to the next city, town or village.

2. They Worked It In.

He writes: “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message...”

This imitation wasn’t mere mimicry — it was transformation. God worked in them the desire and power to live like Christ.

If you imitate believers but not God, then it’s worth asking — who’s really working in you? Check and make sure you're gathering a following around Christ and not yourself. What would happen if you left? Would they abandon salvation, service and the ship as a whole?

3. They Worked It Out.

Their faith was evident! Paul says, “You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia... your faith in God has become known everywhere!”

 Everywhere! Their faith echoed far beyond their city. Their turning from idols and serving the living God became the sermon others preached. #Walijituma. We all know ni God aliwatuma na wakatumika.

So there you have it. As a saint with the mandate of establishing the Church among all nations, these are three things you should endeavor to exemplify, and three things to look out for or cultivate in your audience.

Paul’s heart was full when he received that report — and so will yours be, when you see such fruit in those you serve.

Blessings.🌿

Previously on Thessalonians... https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2025/11/how-soon-is-soon-thessalonians.html