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Champions Fax ArchiveBecoming a Healthy Church - Part
2 Eds. Note: Steve Macchia is president of Vision New England, a network of churches in New England. He is also a member of the Church Champions Editor's Board. This is part two of a series based on the new book Becoming a Healthy Church (Baker Book House, 1999). Part one listed the first five characteristics. 6. Servant-leadership development - identifying and developing individuals whom God has called and given the gift of leadership and challenging them to become servant-leaders; 7. An outward focus - placing high priority on communicating the truth of Jesus and demonstrating the love of Jesus to those outside the faith by way of evangelism, social concern, and international missions; 8. Wise administration and accountability - utilizing appropriate facilities, equipment, and systems to provide maximum support for the growth and development of its ministries; 9. Networking with the Body of Christ - reaching out to others in the Body of Christ for collaboration, resource sharing, learning opportunities and united celebrations of worship; and 10. Stewardship and generosity - teaching its members that they are stewards of their God-given resources and challenging them to sacrificial generosity in sharing with others. These ten characteristics are not the latest trends or the favorite fads of our generation of church leaders. They are not principles that only work in larger churches, or congregations from a particular denomination. No, in fact, they are tried and true principles of ecclesiology that have assisted churches of many generations in becoming healthy and vital - now packaged in a format that's readily accessible to churches of all shapes and sizes. It's time we mastered some of these basics so that we are ready to turn-on-a-dime in the fast-paced, ever-changing world we inhabit. There is a tremendous need today for your church to become a healthy church. And it's certainly possible to achieve such a goal. There is hope for all churches who pursue these principles and watch them unfold in uniquely beautiful ways in the context of your local congregation. Hold fast to the Word of God, remain dependent upon the Lord in prayer, and nurture the development of each of these principles. Then watch how your church is transformed in the process. "This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones," Proverbs 3:8. Stephen A. Macchia serves as the President of Vision New England, the largest regional church renewal organization in the country. He is the author of Becoming a Healthy Church (Baker Book House, January, 1999). After reading his book, consult the Vision New England web site at www.vision4ne.org for additional resources that will aid you in pursuing health for your church, including the helpful church assessment instrument for pastors and leaders, Becoming a Healthy Church - Leadership Team Discussion Tool published by Vision New England. Steve led a workshop on this topic at
this year's Gathering of Church Champions. To obtain an audio tape call
972.484.8273 ext. 114.
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