We wrapped up our Together series with a sermon rooted in Paul’s vision of what it means to be a “remarkable” church. While much of the service was devoted to important family business regarding our capital campaign, we also spent time soaking in God’s Word and looking at a portrait of radical generosity.

A definition of remarkable: “Unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning.” (Cambridge Dictionary Online)

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 8 point to the churches in Macedonia—Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea—as stunning examples of generosity and spiritual vitality. These were communities under pressure, but their faith made them stand out. They were “worth mentioning.”

Paul held up these churches as a model for the Corinthian believers—and for us.

3 Traits of Remarkable Churches

1. Steeped in God’s Grace

“We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.” —2 Corinthians 8:1

Paul repeatedly refers to giving as an act of grace—not just something we do, but something God does in us. The grace of God initiates a generous spirit in his people.

Generosity isn’t about guilt or obligation—it’s a response to the grace we’ve received. As David Garland puts it, “The grace that is given to us is always on its way to another.”

Takeaway: Before we dig into our pockets, we must first dig deeper into grace.

2. Surrendered to God

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” —2 Corinthians 8:5

Remarkable churches are full of people who don’t just give money—they give themselves to God. Paul commends the Macedonians for their wholehearted surrender.

Kent Hughes said it well: “It’s easy to surrender part when we’ve already given the whole.”

Takeaway: Grow deeper in commitment and love for God. Surrender always starts with the heart.

3. Sacrificial in Suffering

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” —2 Corinthians 8:2

What makes this so stunning is that Paul didn’t even ask them to give—they begged to be included. Despite suffering themselves, they responded with joy and generosity.

Paul’s “crazy-quilt logic” of the gospel (as David Garland calls it) shines here:

Joy + Affliction + Poverty = Wealth of Generosity

The real-life story of Eddie Ogan, a young girl from a financially poor family who gave sacrificially, learned (in a roundabout way) that they were rich. She closed her story by saying,

“I’ve never been poor again. I’ve always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus.”

Takeaway: Begin where you are and grow from there.

Let’s be the kind of church that’s worth talking about—not for our buildings or programs, but because we are steeped in grace, surrendered to God, and sacrificial in our love.

Campaign Reminder:

This is our moment to leave a legacy—not just for today, but for generations to come.

“Legacy is what others accomplish because of you.” —Mark Batterson

Let’s do this—together.

Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash