A Healthy Church
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Virginia to participate in the ordination of two pastors. Though it was a short time, I was very encouraged spending time with the pastors, elders, and worshipping and having fellowship with the church on Sunday. It was great to see almost the whole church (both KM and EM), come together to rejoice in the Lord and celebrate their two EM pastors being ordained. Though no church is perfect, I had many meaningful conversations to hear about the history of this church as well as where God is leading them now. As I was back in my hotel room, I started to think about what makes a healthy church.
Now, 9Marks Ministries provides nine marks of a Biblical church (Have a read!). Now, they mention that these are not the only important marks of a healthy church. But what I was thinking about were indicators or characteristics of a spiritually, healthy church. I read an article by Paul Chappell and he addresses ten indicators. I just want to share them here (with Scripture verses I encourage you to look up and read):
Obedience – Luke 6:46; 1 John 2:5
Humility – Philippians 2:3-4
Love – 1 John 3:16-18
A Servant’s Heart – Romans 12:4-5
Joy – Philippians 4:4; Romans 14:17
Gratitude – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Accountability – Galatians 6:1-2
Forgiveness – Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32
Vision – 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Sacrifice – Matthew 6:19-21
Chappell mentions that “A healthy church is one where members are wholly in love with Christ and fully committed to His Great Commission. It isn’t a church where members are consumed with their own feelings and preferences, but a church where members are growing individually and as a church family.” He continues by saying, “A healthy church isn’t a perfect church; it is a growing church. It is a church where members are submitted to the Lord and functioning as a church body in the ways He designed the church to function. And it is a church whose spiritual health enables it to continue reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
I’m thankful for our church and for COAH. I do see many of these characteristics and indicators in our members. I hope and pray that we will continue to grow and become a healthier church!
With blessings,
Pastor Tim