Nine habits or characteristics of healthy and fruitful churches
- Thriving churches, though often outwardly unique, share
some characteristics that are foundational to their health and fruitfulness.
- Effective churches are usually characterized by such things as strategic leadership,
relationship development, service to the poor, deliberate evangelism, systematic theological
growth, holistic stewardship, and family-focused ministry.
What do thriving churches have in common with each other?
George Barna is a researcher who studies the religious beliefs and behavior of
Americans, including the intersection of faith and culture. He was the executive director of the
American Culture & Faith Institute. He also served as the president of Metaformation, a
faith development organization.
Barna has written more than 50 books, mostly addressing cultural trends, leadership, spiritual
development, and the dynamics affecting local churches. After graduating from Boston College,
Barna earned two Master's degrees from Rutgers University and has a doctorate from Dallas
Baptist University. Here is what he had to say about the things that characterize many effective
churches:
- Highly effective churches rely upon strategic leadership.
- Highly effective churches are organized to facilitate highly effective ministry.
- Highly effective churches emphasize developing significant relationships within the
congregation.
- Highly effective churches invest themselves in genuine worship.
- Highly effective churches engage in strategic evangelism.
- Highly effective churches get people involved in systematic
theological growth.
- Highly effective churches promote and utilize holistic stewardship practices.
- Highly effective churches serve the needy people in their
community.
- Highly effective churches equip families to minister to themselves. Healthy families provide
the context for church health.
George Barna. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches: How to Have
a Ministry That Transforms Lives.
-- Howard Culbertson,
Afterword
Healthy and fruitful church congregations usually exhibit characteristics like:
- Biblical Teaching and Preaching: The congregation
is grounded in sound biblical teaching and preaching that is relevant, clear, and applicable to
daily life.
- Authentic Community: There is a sense of genuine
fellowship and community among members, characterized by love, care, support, and
accountability. People feel valued, accepted, and encouraged to grow in their faith.
- Worship: The congregation engages in vibrant,
Spirit-led worship that honors God, fosters intimacy with Him, and connects people with His
presence.
- Outreach and Evangelism:: The church is actively
involved in reaching out to the local community and beyond, sharing the love of Christ through
practical acts of service, evangelism, and social justice initiatives.
- Discipleship: There is intentional discipleship,
where members are equipped and empowered to mature in their faith, develop their spiritual
gifts, and become Christlike in character. Small groups, mentoring relationships, and Bible
studies often facilitate this
- Prayer: Prayer is prioritized as a central aspect of church life. There is regular corporate prayer as well as an emphasis on personal prayer, which has the power to transform lives and circumstances.
- Leadership: The church is led by godly leaders who
demonstrate humility, integrity, and a servant's heart. They provide vision, direction, and pastoral
care, empowering others to fulfill their God-given purposes.
- Stewardship: Members are encouraged to steward
their time, talents, and resources wisely for the Kingdom of God. Financial matters are
transparent, and there is a commitment to using resources effectively for ministry and
mission.
- Unity in Diversity: The congregation celebrates
diversity, embracing people from various backgrounds, cultures, and generations. Unity amidst
diversity is fostered through a shared commitment to Christ and His mission.
- Adaptability and Relevance: The church is
responsive to the changing needs and contexts of society while remaining faithful to the
unchanging truths of the Gospel. It seeks innovative ways to communicate the message of Christ
effectively in contemporary culture.
- Fruitfulness and Growth: The congregation
experiences spiritual growth, both numerically and in-depth, as evidenced by transformed lives,
increased discipleship and its impact on the community.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit: The church recognizes the indispensable role of the
Holy Spirit in all aspects of its life and ministry. It seeks
His guidance, empowerment, and presence in everything it does.
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