There are plenty of ways a church can build and maintain good health, but here are three vital “keys” to a healthy church.
1. Commitment to God’s Word
“But Jesus answered, ‘It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
A healthy church will reflect a biblical foundation. Decisions will be made in line with Scripture. Preaching and teaching will come from the word of God and proclaim God’s truth. There will be an emphasis on the transformative power of God’s word in the lives of believers. The pastor, staff, and leaders will be biblically literate. Congregants will be led to read, study, and memorize God’s word.
The Bible is our nourishment that we cannot live without. A healthy church will not only encourage but create intentional opportunities and culture around engaging Scripture.
2. Emphasis on Discipleship
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
A healthy church will take the great commission to heart by making it their primary mission and that which informs all they do as a church. Jesus left this earth and tasked His believers to take the Gospel to all nations and to disciple new believers, so that they could go and do the same thing. A healthy church creates opportunities for people to grow spiritually, discern and use their gifts, and be good stewards of the financial resources they have been given.
There will be a focus on worshipping together, fellowship, and investing in fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Congregants will be taught to serve others, be a light to their neighbors, and share the Gospel. A healthy church is one that cares for one another and prays for each other. Disciples making disciples is the goal of the church, and a healthy one will participate in this commission with fervor.
3. Good Leadership
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Elders, deacons, and pastors will never be perfect, but having the right leadership in place will help a church be healthy and stay healthy. Scripture includes instructions for church leadership. Their focus should be to care for the church and remember that the church belongs to Jesus. Leadership should be prayerful and make decisions in line with God’s word. Pastors and elders should be devoted to God and live their lives in line with Scripture so that they will lead well and by good example.
Right leadership will be transparent and practice good communication with the congregation. They will support their staff and lay leaders by being open to feedback, ideas, and promoting self-care. Good leadership will know to lead the church as more than just another business because it is the body of believers!
Ultimately, leadership will be wise, usher the flock toward greater faith and devotion to God, and be dedicated to the mission of God.
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