Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Thessalonians 1:1-3

A. Background of the Church in Thessalonica – Acts 17:1-4

B. A Look Inside a First Love Church

1. Characteristics in a first love church
2. Characteristics of Leaders in a first love church

1 Thessalonians 1

– An affirming leadership: 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Prov. 27:23, Phil. 1:3-5

– A praying leadership: 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Acts 6:4

1 Thessalonians 2

– A suffering leadership: 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 2 Cor. 4:8-11

– A Gospel-centered leadership: 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Cor. 2:1-4, John 3:30

– A transparent leadership: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4; 2:9-10

– An affectionate leadership: 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 1 Cor. 13:1-3

– A sacrificial leadership: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:15

1 Thessalonians 3

– A Reminding leadership: 1 Thessalonians 3:4, Jeremiah 6:16, 2 Peter 1:12

– A watchful leadership: 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Acts 20:28-31

1 Thessalonians 4

– An Exhorting leadership: 1 Thessalonians 4:1

– A teaching leadership: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

1 Thessalonians 5

– A Unity-promoting leadership: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, John 17:20-21

– A Prayer –dependent leadership: 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Cor. 1:9-11