Nine habits or characteristics of healthy and fruitful churches
- Churfches that are flourishing, though often outwardly unique, share
some characteristics that are foundational to their health and fruitfulness.
- Fruitful churches are marked 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 flourishing 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 speaking to 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 define many effective churches:
- Highly effective churches rely upon strategic leadership.
- Highly effective churches are organized to aid highly effective ministry.
- Highly effective churches reiterate developing meaningful 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 use 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: A Dozen More Things to Look For in a Fruitful Congregation
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, identified by love, care, support, and accountability. People feel valued, accepted, and encouraged to grow in their faith.
- Worship: The congregation engages in passionate, Spirit-led worship that honors God, stresses 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 make this possible.
- 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 within diversity is developed 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 is aware of the 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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