10 Traits of a Healthy Church

[TreyM]

I want to be a part of a healthy church not an unhealthy one. God wants me to be a part of a healthy church. So, what are some of the characteristics of the healthy churches? I know there are many, but here are at least 10 traits of a healthy church.

1) Healthy churches talk about Jesus all the time. Their main focus isn't their building, their budget or their bottom line, it's Jesus. They don't have gimmicks, they have Jesus. He's at the center of everything they do and teach.

2) Healthy churches communicate clearly. The key to success in real estate is location, location, location. The key to success in most all the areas of the church is communication, communication, communication. Use bulletins, newsletters, handouts, email and websites to communicate. You cannot over communicate your visions, goals and plans.

3) Healthy churches involve people. Healthy churches don't have 10% of the people doing 90% of the work. You've got to incorporate and involve people. Let them know they are needed.

4) Healthy churches use the Bible. It's the best book ever. It's full of answers for people's lives. To use something other than the bible is stupid. Don't tell me that if you teach from the bible, people won't come - nothing is further from the truth.

5) Healthy churches put a BIG focus on children. Children are the future. You cannot put to much emphasis on the youth and children. VBS, bible classes, youth functions and youth ministers are all valuable assets in reaching, teaching and raising youth.

6 - 10 are on my blog this morning if you'd like to swing by and see the final 5 traits of a healthy church.

Blessings,

Trey

[exrockstar]

good list!

[Vickilynn]

Shalom Trey,

Yes, good list. I appreciate it!

I would like to request though, that since you share with us here, to share the whole list in one post rather than directing us elsewhere.

[AnotherTraveler]

I went to your blog, read your remaining list, and wondered why prayer doesn't make even honorable mention?

[TheoMike]

As usual Trey, you are bang on the money. The only one I would question is number 5, the BIG focus on children. I think every church is different. In smaller churches, where resources may be scarce, they should focus on what they do well. This may be a children's ministry, it may not be. My wife's church is relatively small--maybe 75 members--and they have half a dozen kids. Their focus is primarily on the over 40 crowd, because that is who seems to be attracted to her church, but they do have a Kid's Church (during the main service the kids are dismissed to their own "sanctuary") and nursery facilities are available. They don't actively court young families nor do they ignore them. I hope I am wording this right lol.

[TheoMike]

I went to your blog, read your remaining list, and wondered why prayer doesn't make even honorable mention? The church that is so busy "doing" without "praying" is a church in deep trouble, in my opinion.

From Trey's blog: Here's 10 traits of a healthy church ... What can you think of that I missed? So, tell him!

[AnotherTraveler]

I did. Right here.

[Guest yod]

A healthy "church" is one where everyone is welcome and allowed to participate in whatever way they are gifted. Does this describe a building where everyone sits down for an hour while someone at the front yakks?

The structure we've used for the last 1700 years doesn't really cut it...but are we ready for a change?

[apothanein kerdos]

A healthy "church" is one where everyone is welcome and allowed to participate in whatever way they are gifted. Does this describe a building where everyone sits down for an hour while someone at the front yakks?

The structure we've used for the last 1700 years doesn't really cut it...but are we ready for a change?

Yes, it does include that. We haven't been wrong the last 1,700 years in how we present a church service mate...

[Guest yod]

A healthy "church" is one where everyone is welcome and allowed to participate in whatever way they are gifted. Does this describe a building where everyone sits down for an hour while someone at the front yakks?

The structure we've used for the last 1700 years doesn't really cut it...but are we ready for a change?

Yes, it does include that. We haven't been wrong the last 1,700 years in how we present a church service mate...

I have to disagree with you, bro.

It makes a decent educational system but doesn't (usually) foster community as much as exclusivity and judgementalism against those outside the walls and/or outside of the clerical kingdom