7 Essential Characteristics of A Healthy Church

I was in my office one day and whet to one of our key leaders and asked the question, “what are the key characteristics of a healthy church?” As the individual began to share their thoughts they began to identify with words like loving, connected, and outward focused. This led to a great conversation that caused us both to walk away thinking about what kind of soil was suitable for producing a healthy church. 

The words that this individual used to describe the characteristics of a healthy church were just a few of a long list of words that could identify key characteristics of a healthy church. Now we know that there are some churches that are more developed in these areas than others. But that should not stop a local church from wanting to do all that it can to become healthy. I have identified several key characteristics that have the potential to help produce soil suitable for producing a healthy church.

1.     Outward Focused. Healthy churches not only focus inside to those who are attending and call the local church home, but they are also fulfilling the Great Commission by being outward focused. There may be those in the local church who don’t have the gift of evangelism but that should not stop them from “doing the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5).

2.     Practical and Applicable Teaching. Healthy churches take time to gather together to share the Word of God to the church that is not only practical but is applicable to those in attendance. They are able to walk away with the truth having been revealed through the Holy Spirit.

3.     Encouraging People. There are many negatives that press in on an individual daily; especially after a long week and people are needing a word of encouragement. So, as a healthy church every believer should want to raise the confidence of others in a way that inspires hope and courage in this life. Scripture helps us understand the word encourage or encouragement, to come along side in order to teach, comfort, strengthen or push them to act in a certain way. Paul used similar words like exhort, warn, or admonish. 

4.     Disciple-Makers. God has called each of us to be his disciples and to be disciple-makers. To be a disciple is to be a learner. As a healthy church, we should be assisting others to be learners of Jesus and putting those things that we have learned into action. God has called his people to be disciple-makers. But you have to start somewhere. You will not be a disciple-maker overnight. This takes time and allowing God to change you from the inside out.  

5.     Relational. Healthy churches take time to make people feel welcomed and loved. The local church makes hospitality a priority where regular attenders feel safe to invite their unchurched friends as well as in their homes. Our walk with Christ is more caught than taught. John Maxwell says, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Outsiders are wanting to see authenticity through the love of Christ.

6.      Involving People. Healthy churches assist individuals to identify their gifts how to appropriately use their gifts within the local church; to make a difference in the lives of others. By involving people, the leaders are equipping, supporting, motivating, and mentoring individuals as they step out and us their gifts in order bless others. Healthy churches understand that there is no need for “superstars” because the whole purpose is to equip and release people into ministry or active service and allowing people to be all that God wants them to be.  

7.     Prayer and Worship. A healthy church makes prayer and worship a focus which helps put Jesus at the center of our heart, soul, and minds. Worship and prayer also allow the believer being inspired through the song but also be inspired through the prayer experience both individually and corporately. Prayer and worship should be the top priority and not overlooked. Scripture tells us that “the people came together to pray” (Acts 1:14). Prayer is the path way that leads to reaching the lost, encouraging people, involving people, being more relational, and practical and biblical teaching. Prayer is the foundation to every healthy church. 

These seven key characteristics I have shared are essential for a church to be healthy. When applied, the church can go from surviving to thriving. However, none of these key characteristics will happen with man, but when the church is released and developed to do what God has called them to. Are there any areas that you see you are weak in? Take a moment to identify your weakest characteristic and make the adjustments needed to improve the quality of the characteristic.