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Paul told the Thessalonians he was sending Timothy their way to "encourage" them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3.2). Paul's coworker, Barnabas, was called the "Son of Encouragment" because of his skill in lifting people spirits (Acts 4.36). From these and a multitude of other Bible verses, we are convinced that encouragement is a biblical ministry and a goal of healthy congregations. Our aim is to make our times of worship, study, and fellowship so encouraging that people will say, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord'" (Psalm 122.1).
"Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize."
— Elizabeth Harrison
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