When Paul first came to Thessalonica, the gospel took root quickly and powerfully. In only a few short weeks, this young church became an example of faith, love, and hope to believers everywhere. They weren’t perfect, but they were alive in Christ and moving forward despite hardship. As Pathway Church begins, we have the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same opportunity. This week we’ll explore what made the Thessalonian church remarkable — and how God wants to shape us into a people whose faith rings out far beyond our own walls.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
When Paul thought about the Thessalonians, he immediately began thanking God for them in prayer. Their faith, love, and hope weren’t just ideas; they were visible realities, and Paul celebrated those in the presence of God. Real Christian friendship is rooted in this — carrying each other to the throne of grace. Prayer is not the emergency line we call when we’ve exhausted other options; it’s the starting point for all we do. Find your people who will pray for you, pray with you, and help you see God’s hand in every season. This week, we’ll discover how prayer builds bonds that can’t be broken and how it can shape the culture of our church from day one.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica wasn’t just about delivering a message; it was about giving himself away. He didn’t simply pass on the gospel — he shared his own life with them, like a parent who loves deeply. The gospel is good news, but it’s also personal news, meant to be experienced in relationship. This week, we’ll explore how the hope we have in Jesus moves us toward people — not away from them — and how sharing that hope is both an act of courage and of love. Find your people who will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you as you bring real hope to the hopeless, light to the darkness, and life to those who are spiritually dead.