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Champions Fax Archiveby Steve Macchia Volume 4, Number 8, April 19, 1999 We started searching for an answer to that question several years ago. We had no idea we'd discover such commonality of agreement among pastors and ministry leaders from churches of all shapes and sizes, denominations and ethnic backgrounds. Our process of exploration brought us in touch with hundreds of churches throughout our region. We surveyed nearly 4,000 individuals. We spent large blocks of time with leaders in over 100 ministry settings. This compilation of research findings, church visits, and strategic focus groups became the catalyst for writing Becoming A Healthy Church (Baker Book House, January, 1999). Initially we thought that a healthy church is one that fulfills the Great Commission, "making disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:18-20). Others suggested the Great Commandment, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). When all was said and done, we concluded it was both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission – in that order! When men and women of God understand and live out their love for God and one another, this more naturally leads to the making of disciples of all nations. The process of becoming a healthy church requires an understanding of basic principles for meaningful church life and experience. It means that we are first and foremost a people who have a profound appreciation for the central role of God's Word as the primary informant for all of our decision-making. It also means that we are dependent upon God – through a lifestyle of fervent prayer – for His enrichment, empowerment, and edification. Out of that solid foundation of biblical orientation and prayerful God-dependence, we found that churches which exhibited health and vitality expressed the following ten characteristics in their daily life and service together: 1. God's empowering presence – actively seeking the Holy Spirit's direction and empowerment for its daily life and ministry; 2. God-exalting worship – gathering regularly as the local expression of the Body of Christ to worship God in ways that engage the heart, mind, soul, and strength of the people; 3. Spiritual disciplines – providing training, models, and resources for members of all ages to develop their daily spiritual disciplines; 4. Learning and growing in community – encouraging believers to grow in their walks with God and with one another in the context of a safe, affirming environment; 5. A commitment to loving and caring relationships – intentionally building loving, caring relationships within families, between members and within the community they serve; Part II of this series will complete the characteristics of church health as well as describe how these can be used in moving your church towards health. In addition to the book mentioned above, Vision New England has published Becoming a Healthy Church - Leadership Team Discussion Tool. Check online at www.vision4ne.org for more information.
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