Successful Church

It is important that we evaluate our people regularly, much like a good doctor would perform regular check ups. Below are some specific questions that pastors can ask themselves in order to gauge the health of their churches. Too often in the church, we keep things vague rather than getting specific. Specific questions are easier to answer and more helpful than general ones- ie: “Are you healthy?” vs. “Can you run a seven minute mile?” In the same way, questions like “do you love God?” tend to be less helpful than “how many hours did you spend praising God and seeking Him this week?”

Some would argue that seeking tangible measurements is legalistic or judgmental, but the biblical authors stressed the importance of concrete evidence. Jesus pointed specifically to the the way the Pharisees took seats of honor as evidence of their pride. Haggai pointed out that the people lived in paneled houses while the temple remained in ruins to prove their neglect of God. Malachi pointed specifically to the diseased animals they offered for sacrifice as proof of their lack of devotion. Paul points to their drunkenness at the Lord’s Table to prove their lack of respect towards communion. The point is that if you are a good tree, you will produce good fruit (Matt 7:17). If you love Jesus, you will obey His commands (John 14:15). In Revelation 2-3, Christ points to specific actions to reveal the condition of their hearts. 

Based upon our five core values, I tried to write five questions that pastors can use to measure the health of their people.  

1. Do her speech and actions show that she is obsessed with knowing and loving the Person of Jesus Christ?

2. Does he give and care for his church family like his biological family?

3. If she lived in a city with no other believers, would she be able to mature in Christ, and make disciples?

4. Does he regularly share the gospel while displaying character that evidences the Holy Spirit?

5. In what ways does she sacrifice, proving her anticipation of eternity with Christ?

It would be great to have a more expanded list that would be even more specific and complete. If you can come up with other measurable questions, please add them to the list.  

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Devoted Worshippers

*Are they obsessed with knowing and loving the Person of Jesus?

Do your people seem to love spending time with the Lord by themselves?

Do your people love reading the Bible and meditating on the word?

Do your people show signs of receiving deep insights and conviction from their own personal time with the Lord that has nothing to do with the pastor’s teaching?

Do your people seem to be changed by their times with Jesus on their own?

Do your people love praying together for extended periods of time? 

Do your people love to gather together regardless of who’s leading in teaching or worship?

Do your people love singing out to God regardless of if it’s led by a gifted worship band or a deep lover of Jesus with limited singing ability?

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Loving Families

*Do they give and care for their church family like their biological family?

Do they spend more time thinking about themselves or others?

Do they effectively use their spiritual gifts to build up the others?

Do your people regularly meet each other’s needs, physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

Do your people love being together outside of regular church functions?

Do your people feel confident enough in the loving relationships to the extent that they can be honest about sin, fears, and needs?

Do your people sacrifice for each other in various ways?

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Equipped Disciple Makers

*If they lived in a city with no other believers, would they be able to mature in Christ, and make disciples?

Do your people each have someone who is taking responsibility for their spiritual care and development?

Do your people each actively seek to take responsibility for discipling others (either of believers or non-believers)?

Do your people see themselves as being trained to become leaders who can train others?

Do your people desire to care for and lead others spiritually?

Do your people view themselves as the main catalyst for evangelism and discipleship?

Do your people (including leaders) each see themselves as just as valuable a part of the church as anyone else? 

Do your people exercise their spiritual gifts for the building up of the body?

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Spirit-Filled Missionaries

* Do they regularly share the gospel while displaying character that evidences the Holy Spirit?

Do your people show a deep concern for lost people?

Do your people regularly share the gospel with non-believers?

Do your people embrace the idea of moving out of their comfort zone for the sake of the gospel?

Do your people display a desire for the Holy Spirit to fill them with power to impact those around them?

Do your people’s decisions seem to be motivated more by God’s will/desires for their life or by their will/desires for their life?

Do your people display the fruit of the Spirit in a manner that separates them from those who don’t have the Spirit?

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Suffering Sojourners

*In what ways do they sacrifice, proving their anticipation of eternity with Christ?

Do your people display an excitement about Heaven?

Do your people care a lot about money, career, sports, possessions, entertainment, etc.? 

Do your people display deep, abiding joy in the middle of conflict and suffering?

Do your people fearlessly make faithful decisions (i.e. fostering, adoption, simple living, moving into harder areas, gospel proclamation) even though it may result in hardship to them, or do they instead typically play it safe?

Do your people show a willingness to jeopardize their job or social status for the gospel?

Do your people make daily sacrifices because of the hope they have in Jesus’ return?

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