The Model Church Beginning our study of First Thessalonians, we quickly see that the church in Thessalonica was a model church. The church was young and experiencing tribulation, yet they were sounding out the Gospel to the entire region. Chapter one reveals what their success was rooted in. They succeeded not because they had money or marketing skills, but because they were a receiving, turning, serving, and waiting church. Join as we take a close look at what causes a church to be successful.