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You Tell Me: the Characteristics of Healthy Churches
Over the past few years I have been very interested in what research, organizations, consultants, and pastors report as the characteristics of healthy churches. As you might well imagine, they report a wide range. I would like to share with you the top 6-10 that I have discovered, but before I do that, I thought that maybe you have a list. It could be:
- something you read (if so please give me the source).
- just something you believe through experience or intuition.
Either way I'd be very interested in seeing your list. So tell me--what are the characteristics of healthy churches?
I will leave office in one month, so don't wait too long!
Been thinking about your question since I read this the other day. I'm not really sure what makes for a healthy church but I know what I am trying to do where I serve. I believe that a healthy church reflects what Jesus says in Mark 10:45, and carries this through as commanded in Matthew 28:16ff. Therefore, my list is short. Healthy churches are activily reaching lost people, bringing them in and teaching them to do the same. This isn't much of a list but it's what I am trying to teach my people to do.
Marvin -
I am also giving much thought to this topic and see many good ideas others with more experience than me have written. The simplicity of your outline is appealing and its basis is soundly biblical. How those things get done may add to the list of "healthy" activities. An important indication of health might be the willingness for church leadership to model dependence on God's leading to accomplish the commands of Christ. Considering how to model this attitude may lead into discussing the prevalence and practice of intercessory prayer (and possibly fasting) as signs of health. I trust God is blessing you with additional insights as you move forward in the areas of clarity.
Sincerely,
Dean Nichols