5 Measures of a Healthy Church

This week I was meeting with a number of talented young leaders in the United Methodist Church.  In our time together some began to ask about how you measure a healthy church. 

This is an interesting discussion because leading a church is an interesting and difficult challenge filled with all kinds of variables both natural and spiritual; it can also be a very difficult thing to measure.  For young aspiring pastors who want to make a difference in this world, I have pulled the following measures for a healthy church.

1.    Worship

The primary goal of the local church is to help people connect with God.  One good measure of this is observing a warming heart to worship in the body of the local church.  This includes corporate worship but is far greater than the moments of song in a weekend service.  If people are not connecting and growing in their relationship with God it is a sure sign of a problem.

We are created to worship our creator and will worship the created if not taught to worship our creator.  As a result, we as leaders in the local church we need to carefully observe teach and lead our people to real and authentic connections and worship with God.

2.    Community

Another sign of health in a local church is growing heart for others in the local community.  A vibrant church community looks to serve and support each other.  The church is created to support and love each other in seasons of struggle and celebration.  Faith has always been intended to be lived out with others.  From Israel in the Old Testament, to the disciples, to the church this as always was a value and community growth sign of a healthy church.

3.    Mission

A healthy church is focused on the needs of those around them.  The church exists to not only meet the needs of the local body but to also be a blessing to the greater community.  A healthy church is focused on reaching out to others with the good news of the gospel and through good works, which model the love of Jesus Christ.  One great question to ask about your church is this:  “If our church shut down next week outside of weekly services and educational programing (i.e. small groups, bible studies, Sunday school) what would our community miss?  What void would we leave?

4.    Numeral Growth

The church is intended to grow.  We are part of a growing movement, not a club.  If the local church is focused on mission to the greater community and teaching the truth in love it will grow.  In many ways this is a by-product of a healthy church but if you are not growing something is not right. 

5.    Generosity

People invest in things they believe in.  This is not limited too but includes financial investment.  A healthy church cultivates a culture of generosity.  Both to meet the needs of the community and in everyday life.  This too is a by-product of a healthy church.  I have found that when a church is healthy, generous leaders step forward and ask where they can give and the needs of the local church.  Generosity needs to be taught in the local church because our hearts are often tied to the things we own but I have found that if a church is healthy and growing people will want to invest.