In my previous blog, I listed 10 so let’s look at the first two.
1. Healthy Churches preach and share the Gospel in their community. They are driven by the Great Commission and believe in the power of the Gospel to transform lives and communities. They utilize a variety of different evangelistic methods but the key is not only valuing evangelism but doing evangelism. They train and empower their members to share the Gospel in the marketplace. In their DNA is a deep desire to reach un-churched people. They are on mission.
This is not rocket science. Healthy churches get their people out in their community ministering and sharing the message of Christ. They don’t just talk about how to share their faith they are doing it. As Bill Fay says, “there are two kinds of people in your church, those who talk about lost people, and those who actually talk to lost people.” Which one are you?
Lead your members to have Gospel conversations with other people. Sad to say but the term witnessing (verbalizing the Gospel) scares people to death. Most of our folks know how to talk. We must challenge them to have relaxed conversations where they share about their personal walk with Jesus.
Celebrate sharing! Have some testimonies of folks sharing how the Lord is opening doors for the Gospel in the workplace and the schools. Highlight this in worship. Pastors share your personal testimony of your recent conversations with lost people. If the congregation does not hear it from the pastor then they do not place value on it.
2. Healthy Churches are led by healthy pastors, staff, and lay leaders. Most growing churches are staff led by strong leaders. These leaders are trusted by the congregation, thus they are able to make quick changes to their ministries and programs that reach and disciple people.
This does not mean that the church is not congregational in their polity or that it is run by a few dictators. These churches have a high level of trust that the pastor and other leaders have earned over time. It does not happen immediately nor is it easy.
This health indicator is really about spiritual leadership. You can’t lead if you are not allowed to lead and if you look behind you and no one is following then you are not leading but taking a hike. Note that we said “healthy leaders.” Only spiritually fit leaders can lead a church forward. A leader who is not walking with the Lord cannot impact someone else spiritually. Non spiritual leaders cannot make spiritual decisions!
Never apologize for getting away for a conference or an experience that helps you grow spiritually. Pastors and church leaders give so much that they need to plan times of re-fueling or they will burn out. Healthy leaders not only feed others but they feed themselves and stay accountable to a few trusted mentors.
I would love to hear some of your ideas!
Keep the Son in Your Eyes,
Mike James
is right. Love one another even when stoeicy says not to; don’t be fearful of man. Take time to listen to others’ needs, don’t just fret over your own. Fellowship with other believers. Don’t be afraid to stand out in the crowd, even if there will be mocking. To give when God calls you to. Learn from your mistakes Accept a brothers calling out’ on you if you are in wrong. To work with a diligent and joyful heart.