The mark of a healthy church

Who’s in charge?
What is the mark of a thriving, healthy church?

Jesus said “you know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:16 – 17).

How easy it is for a group to embark on the slow journey to self protection and top down control. The members become the hangers on who are never really challenged to grow and participate. We know that leaders are essential to forming, feeding and growing a group. The power and culture of a group are directly influenced by those who present themselves as leaders. So why can church (koinonia) become a strange, cold place of clicky, isolated groups led by the same small group of leaders who are unwilling to entrust people the opportunity to share from their own significant life experiences and maturity? Why does church become a monotonous repetition of precisely practised routines where the spontaneous and unexpected are ruled out in favour of organisational success? Why does church represent a single moment on a single day in a single time slot that is then over and everyone vanishes back to their safe havens to share with well known friends.

Surely this moment needs to be one of the most impacting, significant life changing events of the week where we connect with others in a significant way, share our journey and find comfort and healing through hearing Jesus word. So why are so many turned off this event?

In my experience the health of a thriving fellowship or group can be seen and felt as soon as one enters that group’s environment or space. One can know that Jesus is truly the leader by the way the people of that group surround you, encourage you, accept you and incorporate your life and experience into that group. Group leaders are simply facilitators of the word of God and channels of God who encourage members to fully participate according to their talents. Leaders are not forcing their stamp or mark on the members or enforcing rules to protect the future viability and identity of the group. True leaders have suffered the way of the cross, come out praising God and are able to stand in the face of impossible odds. They know the path and have walked many roads being walked by others. These leaders direct members to the healing power of the word and the power of the holy spirit in a daily relationship with Jesus.

So you know a church by its fruits. Ask these questions? Are you welcomed and given the opportunity to share? Are you connected to others and welcomed into loving relationships? Are there leaders who enquire after you, your interests and life journey, who promote you and your talents for the praise of God? Is the power of the holy spirit present in meetings through healing, convicting and encouraging prophecy, or in the preaching of the word? Is the cross of Jesus, forgiveness of sin, His resurrection power and complete word of God central to all teaching and preaching?

Things to watch for: Is the group identified by the “special understanding” (revelation) or charisma of a few or even one? If it is then the foundations are very shaky and the group is open to conflict and hurt. Are there group and leader behaviours which appear quirky and weird, cultish and oppressive, authoritarian, cold, formal, dead, lacking joy, praise and encouragement? How old is the group? Is there a thriving and bursting young peoples group who are able to express themselves freely, who serve willing and openly declare their faith? How do you feel after meeting with this group? Are you closer to Jesus and others? Do you feel healed and encouraged to stand strong, grow in faith and desire for the word of God? Are you willing and motivated to serve Jesus in whatever calling he has as a life purpose?

ANSWERS to these questions demonstrate the marks or fruits of a strong, thriving and alive church group or otherwise.