{"id":21778,"date":"1997-07-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"1997-07-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/1997\/07\/01\/what-does-healthy-church-look-like-part-2\/"},"modified":"1997-07-01T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"1997-07-01T00:00:00","slug":"what-does-healthy-church-look-like-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/content\/what-does-healthy-church-look-like-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Healthy Church Look Like? (part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>(Second of two parts; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/le\/1997\/summer\/7l334a.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">click here to read Part 1)<\/a><\/em><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\">Eight Qualities of Healthy Churches<\/h2><p>Christian A. Schwarz, head of the Institute for Church Development in Germany, conducted reportedly the most comprehensive church-growth study ever, drawn from more than one thousand churches in thirty-two countries. His study revealed eight qualities in healthy churches.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">1. Empowering leadership<\/h2><p> Leaders of growing churches. &hellip; do not use lay workers as &#8220;helpers&#8221; in attaining their goals and fullfilling their visions. Rather, leaders invert the pyramid of authority so they assist Christians to attain the spiritual potential God has for them.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">2. Gift-oriented ministry<\/h2><p> When Christians serve in their area of giftedness, they generally function less in their own strength and more in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary!<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">3. Passionate spirituality<\/h2><p> The concept of spiritual passion and the widespread notion of the walk of faith as &#8220;performing one&#8217;s duty&#8221; seem to be mutually exclusive.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">4. Functional structures<\/h2><p> Anyone who accepts this perspective will continually evaluate to what extent church structures improve the self-organization of the church. Elements not meeting this standard (such as discouraging leadership structures, inconvenient worship-service times, demotivating financial concepts) will be changed or eliminated.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">5. Inspiring worship service<\/h2><p> Services may target Christians or non-Christians, the style may be liturgical or free, the language may be &#8220;churchy&#8221; or secular&mdash;it makes no difference. . &hellip; Whenever the Holy Spirit is truly at work (and his presence is not merely presumed), he will have a concrete effect upon the way a worship service is conducted.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">6. Holistic small groups<\/h2><p> [These groups] go beyond just discussing Bible passages to applying its message to daily life. In these groups, members are able to bring up issues and questions that are immediate personal concerns.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">7. Need-oriented evangelism<\/h2><p> The key. &hellip; is for the local congregation to focus its evangelistic efforts on the questions and needs of non-Christians. This &#8220;need-oriented&#8221; approach is different from &#8220;manipulative programs.&#8221;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">8. Loving relationships<\/h2><p> Unfeigned, practical love has a divinely generated magnetic power far more effective than evangelistic programs, which depend almost entirely on verbal communication. People do not want to hear us talk about love, they want to experience how Christian love really works.<\/p><p class=\"is-style-article-source\">-Natural Church Development \n(ChurchSmart, 1996)\n(To order: 800-253-4276)<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\">Growing a Healthy Church<\/h2><p>\nSix foundational aspects of ministry are crucial to creating an environment\nfor (healthy) growth.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">1. Create an atmosphere of love.<\/h2><p>\nJesus&#8217; insight, &#8220;By this will all men know that [we] love one another,&#8221; (John 13:35) has never been more true.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">2. Build a relational ministry.<\/h2><p>\nBuilding relationships with people was an intentional, aggressive agenda for Christ. &#8220;He spent time with his disciples&#8221; (John 3:22). He lived by the principle that people respond when we reach out to them.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">3. Communicate Christ clearly.<\/h2><p>\nIn a world that knows only caricatures of Christ, people need to know him as he really is. We must present him and his message of life and grace as he gave it, so that people might build a real relationship with the living Savior.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">4. Build a healthy ministry image.<\/h2><p>\nWhat kind of vision do the people in your ministry have for the work to which God has called them? How confident are they in his ability to accomplish the task he has entrusted to them? Cohesiveness, commitment to the cause, receptivity to change, and teachability are all related to a healthy group image.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">5. Mobilize a prayer base.<\/h2><p>\nOur task is to effect spiritual life change. This kind of spiritual work is not accomplished by human means. As we move into the arena of prayer, God moves into the arena of our lives.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">6. Communicate the Word.<\/h2><p>\nResearch has shown that even our most regular churchgoers have some biblical illiteracy. We continually need to evaluate our teaching to insure God&#8217;s Word is being taught accurately.<\/p><p class=\"is-style-article-source\">&mdash;Dann Spader and Gary Mayes\nGrowing a Healthy Church\n(Moody Press, 1991)<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\">Nine Church Diseases<\/h2><p>\nHealthy churches build an immune system to resist disease. It is much more advisable to prevent an illness than to contract one and then have to cure it. Here are the most common diseases that infect churches.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Ethnikitis<\/h2><p>\nEthnikitis is caused by contextual factors, usually revolving around a static church in an ethnically transitioning neighborhood.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Ghost-Town Disease<\/h2><p>\nAnother contextual illness, found in communities where old residents are moving out, and no one is moving in.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">People-Blindness<\/h2><p>\nThis malady is directly related to a lack of understanding of the significant differences between diverse people groups within the community, and how those differences impede evangelism.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Hyper-Cooperativism<\/h2><p>\nWhen everyone is responsible for evangelism, no one is responsible for evangelism. Local-church evangelism is much more effective than city-wide cooperative efforts.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Koinonitis<\/h2><p>\nWhen interpersonal relationships within the church become so deep and mutually absorbing that we ignore the world around us, church programs tend to become centripetal rather than centrifugal.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Sociological Strangulation<\/h2><p>\nThis is a slowdown in the rate of church growth caused when the flow of people into a church begins to exceed the capacity of the facilities to accommodate it.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Arrested Spiritual Development<\/h2><p>\nWhen people in the church are not growing in the things of God or in their relationships with one another, the total health of the church deteriorates, and the church cannot grow.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">St. John&#8217;s Syndrome<\/h2><p>\nWhen Christians become Christians in name only; feel that their faith is only routine; when church involvement is largely going through the motions, and belonging to church is nothing more than a family tradition or social nicety, St. John&#8217;s Syndrome is likely at work.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">Hypopneumia<\/h2><p>\nHypopneumia is a church disease caused by a subnormal level of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the church.<\/p><p class=\"is-style-article-source\">&mdash;C. Peter Wagner\nThe Healthy Church\n(Regal, 1996)<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\">20 Questions to Determine Your Church&#8217;s Health<\/h2><p>\nHere&#8217;s a tool to help you think about your church&#8217;s health. For each question, circle the number that best applies to your church&mdash;with 1 meaning, &#8220;We haven&#8217;t thought about it yet,&#8221; and 5 meaning, &#8220;We are in excellent shape in this area.&#8221;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">1. Do we have a clear and common vision?<\/h2><p>\nBiblical, widely known, and owned by our people, articulated with clarity and redundancy by leadership.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">2. Is there purposeful direction in our activities?<\/h2><p>\nOur leadership concentrates on focused and purposeful programming rather than &#8220;We&#8217;ve always done it  this way.&#8221; \n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">3. Is the Word of God seen as the basis of authority?<\/h2><p>\nThere is an attempt to get beyond our local prejudices and traditions to biblical truth. Our classes and groups have the Bible as the center of our curriculum.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">4. Do our public celebrations inspire true worship?<\/h2><p>\nThe music and sermons glorify Christ. The emphasis is more on content than style. The cross and life in Christ are emphasized. There is a sense of reverence for God in his holiness.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">5. Does our church present a positive gospel message?<\/h2><p>\nSin is faced squarely, but there is an emphasis on grace and forgiveness. Our corporate times leave people with something to help them face the week ahead.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">6. Is there a balance between evangelism and edification?<\/h2><p>\nSpiritual maturation is as important as numerical growth. People are being added to the church by  conversion growth, then discipled in doctrine, spiritual formation, and ministry skills.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">7. Does corporate prayer saturate the life of our church?<\/h2><p>\nPrayers that include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession are modeled in public  services by the leadership. Special corporate prayer services are called for during the year.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">8. Is there concerted effort to bring individuals to maturity? <\/h2><p>\nThe overall thrust of the public services, classes, and groups is to help people become mature in Christ.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">9. Do we really reach out to people who visit?<\/h2><p>\nOur people work to make guests feel at home. There are systems whereby people are led into a group or class.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">10. Is our church aware of the world at its door?<\/h2><p>\nWe are having a positive impact on our neighborhood and city.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">11. Are we actively pursuing fulfillment of the Great Commission?<\/h2><p>\nOur services reflect concern for the unreached peoples of the world. Missions has a high public profile.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">12. Do we develop leaders?<\/h2><p>\nWe involve people in training, both formal and informal. There are structures for discipling existing leaders.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">13. Do our leaders take their responsibilities seriously?<\/h2><p>\nOur leaders hold themselves responsible when asked about current or past wrongs. Leaders are elected on the basis of character first and giftedness second. \n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">14. Does our church have appropriate structures and exercise wise administration?<\/h2><p>\nThere is a clear understanding of the role of the pastor, the board, the staff, the congregation, and the denomination. We think strategically.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">15. Do our congregants have a sense of community?<\/h2><p>\nDespite personal differences there is an undergirding sense of unity. We are family. Many  linger after a service in order to visit.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">16. Do we practice accountability and exercise integrity?<\/h2><p>\nBelievers understand that commitment to membership demands accountability. The practice of discipline is spelled out in writing.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">17. Do we practice redemptive love?<\/h2><p>\nWe follow Jesus&#8217; teaching in Matt. 18:15-18 in attempting to free people who are ensnared  in sin, with the goal of restoration.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">18. Is confession openly practiced?<\/h2><p>\nMost people seem willing to confess wrongs to God and to one another in an appropriate way. This is a safe place to confess our sins.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">19. Do we network with other congregations?<\/h2><p>\nWe work in harmony and participate with our denomination on a district and national basis.  We share our resources with local congregations.\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead2\">20. Do we live as people of hope and expectation?<\/h2><p>\nWe are convinced we are making a difference in our community. We communicate to people their ultimate hope is not in the now but in the return of Christ.\n\n1 2 3 4 5<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\">Scoring<\/h2><p>\nTotal your circled numbers following the twenty categories.<\/p><blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>   85-100 You are a healthy church.   <br>   70-84 You are well on the road to health.   <br>   55-69 Don&#8217;t stop now; you have things working for you.   <br>   40-54 You need some work, but you&#8217;ve begun&mdash;what will be your next step?   <br>   Below 40 Yours is not a very healthy church. Don&#8217;t give in to despair.   It&#8217;s time for the leaders to humble themselves before God and seek renewed   direction for this church. <\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote><p class=\"is-style-article-source\"><strong>&mdash;Donald Bubna<\/strong> is pastor-at-large for the Christian &amp; Missionary Alliance.<strong>Keith Walker <\/strong>is an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan.<strong>Jim VanYperen <\/strong>is president of Metanoia Ministries in East Washington, New Hampshire.<\/p><p class=\"is-style-article-copyright\">1997 by the author or Christianity Today\/<em>Leadership<\/em> Journal. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or <a href=\"\/pastors\/help\/contactus.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"copyright\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Second of two parts; click here to read Part 1)Eight Qualities of Healthy ChurchesChristian A. Schwarz, head of the Institute for Church Development in Germany, conducted reportedly the most comprehensive church-growth study ever, drawn from more than one thousand churches in thirty-two countries. His study revealed eight qualities in healthy churches.1. Empowering leadership Leaders of <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/content\/what-does-healthy-church-look-like-part-2\/\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"tax_ctp_authors":[],"tax_ctp_books":[],"tax_ctp_categories":[160],"tax_ctp_field_guide_subcategory":[],"tax_ctp_field_guides":[],"tax_ctp_format":[131],"tax_ctp_multimedia":[],"tax_ctp_point_editor":[],"tax_publications":[653,156,656],"tax_ctp_tags":[3609,3610,4679,4919],"tax_ctp_topics":[],"class_list":["post-21778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tax_publications-1997-leadership-journal","tax_publications-leadership-journal","tax_publications-summer_1997-leadership-journal","tax_ctp_tags-church-growth","tax_ctp_tags-church-health","tax_ctp_tags-prayer","tax_ctp_tags-self-examination"],"acf":{"scripture_references":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Does a Healthy Church Look Like? 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