FOUR PRINCIPLES for a
HEALTHY CHURCH
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • November 25. 2022
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25)
There are many ways a church can build and maintain good church health, but here are four vital “principles” to a healthy church. They are based on God’s word. Keep these verses in mind: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt 22:37-40).
1. Focus and TRUST in God’s Word is a must (understanding and commiting to)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Tim 3:16).
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Pro 30:5).
A healthy church must maintain a Biblical foundation. All decisions must be within the guidelines of the Holy Bible backed up Scripture. We must trust God. The teaching and the preaching need to come straight out of the Bible which proclaims God’s truth. The only truth. Then there will come about a transformation of believer’s lives within the congregation. You will see it in their lives, that is the power of God through the Holy Ghost. The pastor, staff, and leaders must be biblically literate. They must have read and digested the entire Bible and must be able to say, ‘that they are continually in God’s word daily' (Acts 17:11). The congregation will be then led to read, study, share, and memorize God’s word with a desire to teach others. The Bible is nourishment for our soul. A healthy church will be a happy, caring and joyful church. You will see continual positive changes in the congregation.
2. Strong emphasis on Discipling, Teaching, and Baptizing
(receiving Christ first - Acts 10:47)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).
A healthy church is required to move toward the Great Commission and make it one of its primary missions. The verses above are the last two commandments of Christ in the Book of Matthew. Jesus left this earth headed to His Heavenly Home with instructions to take the Gospel to all nations. In other words, to “make disciples” as He had made disciples at that time. A healthy church will do this and will also create opportunities for all of the congregation to a: grow spiritually b: use their gifts c: to be able to have discernment d: to give a portion of what God has given to them. And above all, to have charity, or love and compassion.
Worshipping and fellowship is a must. If one is saved, worship and fellowship is not just a suggestion, it is a requirement. They will also have the desire to serve. In a healthy church, its people will have a burning desire to share the gospel, and to stay in prayer for everything.
3. Godly Leadership Required
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim 5:17).
Elders, deacons, bishops, and pastors will never be perfect, none of us will, but they must keep this verse in their minds always. “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) (Lev 20:7). This is to all of us who are followers of Christ. Our goal is to be similar to Him, to please Him, and to glorify His name in all we do. The church belongs to Jesus. It is Jesus. All leaders and servants of the “church” should be devoted to God and live their lives lining up with scripture. Remember: Leaders are to lead by example. Leadership also needs to be transparent with communication lines open to all.
Just as one would perform a periodic health check with their doctor, the Church should perform a periodic health check that includes the entire congregation. My suggestion is a semi-annual survey regarding the church: Where it has been, where its heading, and possible corrections to its course. And when I say possible corrections, they MUST BE BIBLICAL. The Church, which belongs to Jesus, is NOT just another business. It is all about God’s business. Consider yourselves an extension of Christ in this confused and wicked world. Remember, God is not the author of confusion. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Cor 14:33). Here is a warning for churches. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).
4. The Church must be available to all ‘seeking Him’
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).
We must make the church available to all who are seeking Him. Not just speaking about physically handicapped folks, but to sinners needing a place of refuge. We are speaking about people looking for an answer and not those who wish to remain in wicked lifestyle choices looking to have their sins justified. The healthy church must be a place of restoration and peace. As members of the church, we are to show love to the community and invite those to the church with open arms. We must make the church available to all. Remember what Jesus said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Love others, love the lost.
Until we go to be with Jesus, pray for your church continually.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www. iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless God
