Is Our Congregation Healthy?

Are we transforming lives? Are we reproducing new Christians? Or, are we just maintaining those already in the fold and thus starting to die? If so, how can we tell and more importantly how do we change?

The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has an online resource about the 8 characteristics of a healthy congregation. The emphasis of this powerpoint is to train pastors and lay leaders to transform congregations. The foundation for this transformation is 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” To accomplish this transformation, we must embrace the mission Christ gave the church (Matthew 28:19), “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.”

According to this presentation, congregations can be placed in one of five categories: Beginning, Transforming, Reproducing, Maintaining and Dying. Churches in the maintaining category either move to the dying category or start anew as a beginning congregation.

To be a healthy, disciple-making congregation, there are 8 essential characteristics.

1. Empowering leadership
2. Gift oriented ministry
3. Passionate spirituality
4. Functional structures
5. Inspiring worship
6. Holistic small groups
7. Need-oriented evangelism
8. Loving relationships

How can we improve on what we already have established to be a vibrant transforming congregation?