Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
Colossians 1:17-18
When I don’t feel well, sick with a cold or flu, I can’t think about anything else.
In contrast, I rarely think about my health when I’m feeling good.
Isn’t that the irony when it comes to the human body? Problems dominate our thinking, while we take good health for granted.
Jesus says the church is like the human body and God’s desire is for a healthy church.
So, what should we be looking for if we want to build or maintain a healthy church?
- Rock Solid Foundation – Anyone in construction knows that if the foundation is not right, the building will not stand. Christ is the foundation of the church, the Rock. Jesus is Christianity. Christianity is Jesus.
- Leaders who Lead – A healthy church has spiritual leaders who constantly seek Christ. They constantly point people to Him.
- Supports its Leaders – Those involved in the ministry look to their leaders for support in their walk with Christ, trusting and submitting to their leadership.
- Unique Gifts – Just as each part of the body has unique strengths and roles, each church member has unique gifts. A healthy church sees each body member using those gifts, whether teaching, serving, or leading a group of high school guys. Every member is a minister.
- Mission Minded – Healthy churches send people out. They are focused on the main mission given by Christ, to go and make disciples of all nations.
- A United Church – Christ-centered churches are focused and devoted to their mission. They will usually experience incredible unity as a by-product of that mindset.
- Accepts Discipline – Church discipline is not about being mean, harsh, or judgmental. Church discipline is about love. It’s tough love, but the whole motive is love. And the whole reason is for restoration, for an unrepentant sinner to be restored to a right relationship with God and their fellow man.
So, what’s the diagnosis – how healthy is your church? Start today by praying for your church and its leaders. Don’t stop there; join in and participate. Find ways to use your unique skills and be an engaged, mission-minded minister in your local church.
There are always many ways you can support and strengthen your place of worship.
So, what are you waiting for?
DIG DEEPER
Read “Spiritual Gifts” also by Bryant Wright
