In recent months I have had the interesting privilege to help LifeWay Research conduct some research on characteristics of a healthy church. I, along with twenty other consultants, have interviewed selected churches of differing denominations some questions concerning what these churches did that promoted a sense of health and well being in their church. Dr. Rainer and Dr. Stetzer plan to take the information gleaned from these interviews and compiled the results and their insights into book form sometime next year. Participating in these interviews has caused me to wonder, how would the ministers I meet with throughout the state of Georgia answer the question. So I invite you to respond to the question below by posting it on this blog site so I, along with the many others that see it, can begin to get a sense of what it takes to help a church maintain it's spiritual health.
"What are your top 3 - 5 characteristics of what makes a church healthy?"
I look forward to reading what you have to say.
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3 comments:
The characteristics of a healthy church:
1. Jesus Christ is the centerpiece not the missing piece (Rev. 2:1; Rev. 3:20) 2. The Members work hard to promote the name of Jesus by maintaining doctrinal purity (Rev. 2:2-3) 3. The Church is more in love with Jesus than they are their church (Rev. 2:4) 4. The Church recognizes that good stuff is the wrong substitute for a Great Savior (Rev. 2:5)
Mike Sinyard, from FBC/Lithia Springs offered his insight:
My top characteristics of a healthy church include 1)
A leadership team that is committed to the Lord's agenda 2) A leadership
team that is committed to each other 3) Church members who think more about
the needs of people outside the church than inside.
Scott McDade, from FBC/Sandersville offered these thoughts:
1) Pastoral Staff has a healthy abiding walk with Christ. One may say that
is obvious but it is probably one of our biggest problems.
2) A strong work ethic - we work for Him!
3) Priority of the Great Commandment - Love God love others
4) Be about the Great Commission - Make Disciples
Just me keeping it simple!
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