How healthy is your church and how do you diagnose your church’s health? Ps Samuel Gift Stephen sets these questions for us to examine.
Every year I do a comprehensive health screening to find out if I could have developed a particular health condition even though I feel perfectly well, without any symptoms or signs. This is because early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes and lowers the risk of serious complications.
In the same way, the church is the body of Christ. Even though on the outside it may seem that everything is well, we are growing and may be perceived as an active and healthy church, there may be underlying conditions that may lead to serious complications if not addressed immediately.
A healthy church is one that is centered around the uncompromising word of God that holds itself accountable to produce fruit in the lives of believers.
These five questions below would help diagnose your church’s health so that you could build strong and healthy churches:
- Is the Bible the absolute foundation of authority and guidance for my church?
There is a worrying trend in the Church today, many preach a sugar-coated message to entice and simply supply what its members demand—positive vibes, good feelings, and unconditional acceptance. Sound Biblical preaching has been replaced with motivational speeches that keep people rooted in sin.
The Word of God was given for instruction, conviction of sin, correction from disobedience and training in righteousness so that the church could be complete and equipped for every good work. A sinner would never be able to leave a church service convicted to repentance. A healthy church is one that is centered around the uncompromising word of God that holds itself accountable to produce fruit in the lives of believers. 2 Timothy 3:16-17(Amplified Bible) All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. - Is prayer a priority in my church?
It is said that “A church that prays together stays together” and “A church that doesn’t pray will stray”.
Prayer is the heartbeat of the church. The Book of Acts gives about 30 references to prayer. We can see that prayer preceded the in-filling of the Holy Spirit, healing, signs, wonder and miracles, and everything the early church did. The church in the Book of Acts were completely dependent on God.
If prayer is not a priority, the question to ask is, “Are we as a Church truly dependent on God and are we led by His Spirit or has our hearts grown cold and have we strayed from His path?” - Is evangelism one of the highest priorities in your church?
Recently I’ve heard some pastors shared that their churches have grown in numbers. On closer inspection, almost all their growth has been down to movement from one church to another post COVID-19. Very little or almost none are added through baptism.
A recent survey mentioned that only 2% of Christians actively engage in evangelism. Over 60% have never had a conversation about their faith. Less than 20% of churchgoers invite someone to church in a given year. More than 70% of unchurched people have never been invited to church. Only 3% of churches have a plan for intentional evangelism. Less than 10% of Christians feel equipped to share their faith. Over 80% of church growth comes from transfer growth rather than new conversions. Only 1 in 20 Christians regularly share their faith with others. More than 50% of churchgoers have not shared their faith in the past year. Less than 30% of Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commanded His Church to evangelize and make disciples. This is the work of the Church. There is no excuse, this fallen world needs a Savior and Jesus is the only way of salvation.
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” Jesus had an exclusive message that was meant for people who needed a Savior. Jesus died for the sins of the world. There is a reason John 3:16 is the most familiar and most quoted verse in the history of humanity. Jesus died for the world. He is the only way, but He has provided a way for everyone. That is a message that is urgent and worth telling.
Many of times as a church we are inward looking. We are great with our church programs and events, but we are not intentional when it comes to Evangelism. I follow a simple acronym called B.L.E.S.S. for evangelism:
Begin by praying for them. Pray for their well-being, pray for their safety, pray for their health, pray for their families.
Listen to them, to their hearts’ cry.
Eat with them. Have a meal with them, it is a personal experience for them.
Serve them, serve their needs.
Share your testimony. Share what Jesus has done in your life and I believe these seeds sown will bear fruit.
Keep doing this continually, you will see the fruit of your labor. - Is there a clear vision for my church?
A healthy church is one with a clear vision where all its members seek to embody. Knowing where the church is going and the difference it intends to make matters.
In Proverbs 29:18 (English Standard Version) it says, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” If the church’s vision is not clear, the ministry impact is weakened in the lives of its members as well as the community the church has been called to serve.
When we have a clear vision, it invites every member to align spiritually, physically, mentally, financially towards what God has called the church to do. There is a saying “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” - Does my church provide opportunities to serve in church and in the community?
A healthy church encourages and empowers members to serve by creating opportunities. When members do not have an opportunity to serve, they become consumeristic and that leads to them looking to be constantly served.
It takes their needs and desires, and places them in the centre of God’s universe. The Bible mentions that Jesus came to serve and not to be served. A healthy church constantly provides opportunity for members to shine their light.
Matthew 5:14-16 says,“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
When we have a clear vision, it invites every member to align spiritually, physically, mentally, financially towards what God has called the church to do.
These are five questions which allow you to examine and diagnose your church’s health.
Ps Samuel Gift Stephen is the Senior Overseer of Life Centre (formerly Smyrna Assembly). His strong mandate to Shine the light of Christ in the community propelled him to step down as Senior Pastor in 2018 to focus on creating pathways for Churches to serve the disciple the community. Pastor Samuel recently won The President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Award for Organisation of Good and Special Commendation for Leader of Good for his contributions towards the Guest Workers and vulnerable Community here in Singapore during the height of the pandemic. Pastor Samuel’s ministry exemplifies church growth, leadership and discipleship training, church planting, outreach and evangelism. He carries a very strong apostolic grace over his life.
