Characteristics of a Healthy Church
Dr. Valson Abraham
We have heard about the famous Preacher C.H.Spurgen. God used him in a mighty way about 100 years ago. Nearly 23000 of his sermons are published. In his Church in London 6000 believers used to gather every Sunday during his time. But now there are only very less members. What happened to the church?
Over the past 100 years London changed considerably. People changed. But the church continued the same old style. Over the past 150 years the world has witnessed great changes from agriculture revolution to industrial revolution and now to amazing information technology.
God used Spurgen effectively because he ministered knowing the needs of the people. As people changes our style of ministry also has to be changed. But there is no change for the Word of God. Someone has said, “ principles are more but methods are less, principles never change but methods change always.
There is a saying among the tribal groups “ when you find out that the horse upon which you are riding is dead, better to step down from the horse’s back soon.
The fact that a church can continue for many years with traditional methods which are not Bible based is very surprising.
Church growth is one of the results of a spiritually healthy Christian community. It is not tactics or practices that grow the church.
Following are the eight character traits.
Strong leadership
Nothing happens without good leadership. God will use a person or a leader who is not afraid to trust God. A good leader always has a deep-rooted vision. Leadership is not a position, it is action and influence. A leader is someone who takes on challenges without fear of failure. The goal of the church leader is the growth of the church. Jesus said I will build my church. A true leader never backs down. He will have a long term plan with clear goals. Servant leadership is essential to the growth of a healthy church.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Healthy churches recognize the various gifts, encourage people to acquire them, teach them to develop them, and give people opportunities to use the gifts. For each task in the church, those who have a special gift of grace will be appointed. Each of them will be assigned subjects in which they are more proficient.
Emphasize high spiritual life and discipline
Healthy churches emphasize study, regular attendance at meetings, prayer, giving, and simplicity.
Thirst for souls
Reaching people through need-based evangelism is a sign of healthy churches. They will have a great burden for souls as well as a great desire. Church growth is an outcome, not a goal.
Efficient structure
A healthy church’s organizational structure will be simple and functional. They will also be modern.
Inspirational worship
Worship in the church should increase the vision of divine supremacy. All eternity belongs to a child of God. A healthy church emphasizes inspiring worship. A healthy church emphasizes inspiring worship. The church should give only importance to the history and traditions of the church but should not be enslaved to the traditions.
Small groups
All healthy churches have small groups where each member of the congregation receives undivided attention, helps in spiritual growth, and nurtures and strengthens loving relationships. A case in point is the small groups in Yoo Yong-cho’s church in Korea.
Love and unity
Healthy churches place great emphasis on nurturing loving relationships both inside and outside the church.
Churches with all these qualities are greatly needed today. The early church was dedicated and focused on God, teaching practical issues, helping methods, and evangelism.
This is how the Holy Spirit recorded about the church in the first century, which had such characteristics, that the Lord was adding those who were saved to the church daily.
Growth is a natural outcome of health. Focusing on health can help you move from a state of constant repair work to one of mission and see God building His church.
