Check List of the Health of a Church

This is a checklist to use in evaluating the structure, general goals, composition, and activities of a group of believers. It is not comprehensive, but it can give an indication of the state of the body. A healthy, mature church both believes and implements Biblical truth and principles.

An area of essential importance that is mentioned but not detailed here, is the teachings of the church. This area cannot be overlooked; incorrect beliefs will affect the actions, fellowship, and worship. Correct beliefs will give guidance and protection. Likewise, incorrect actions will affect the beliefs, fellowship, and worship.

Doctrine

• Salvation is only by grace through faith alone in Christ alone.
• The church adheres to Scripture as the only perfect source of truth so that only God receives glory.
• The church believes, teaches, models, and protects historic Christian beliefs.

Structure / Leadership

• Leadership and ministry are shared by a group of equals, rather than possessed by an individual.
• Those who lead (give direction and oversight), teach doctrine, and make policy decisions are male.
• Leaders are servants who take care of the spiritual needs of the church.
• Leadership is pastoral; it feeds, nurtures, and protects the spiritual well-being of the church.
• Leaders are qualified, trained, capable, and reliable in fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Leadership is by example, not by fiat. Leaders exercise Biblical authority, but they are not authoritarian.

Worship

• Corporate worship is God-centered; it is directed toward God and adheres to His instructions, and corresponds to His nature.
• Corporate worship is effective in facilitating proper praise, thanks, service, and dependence on God.
• Those who participate in corporate worship are sincere believers committed to Christ.
• The purpose for worship is for believers to honor and glorify God, not to make nonbelievers feel comfortable.
• Participants worship God by living in purity.
• Church members earnestly and eagerly desire to worship together.
• Music used in worship teaches as well as giving praise to God. Music used in worship speaks to the spirit and mind, not to the physical body.

Fellowship

• The church is composed of believers.
• Fellowship in the church is based on the sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The church is known for the working love and devotion to each other. They take care of each other's needs.
• Relationships between believers are characterized by mutual humility toward each other.
• The purity of the fellowship is protected by loving church discipline.

Priorities

• The church fulfills its objectives by teaching and preaching the Word of God.
• The church supports and encourages Biblical families who advance the Kingdom of God.
• The church models and teaches leadership of the family by loving husbands and submissive godly wives.
• The church guards and warns against spiritual harm and deception.
  
  • All aspects of the church are founded solely on Biblical instructions, principles, and methods.
    
  • The church rejects worldly ideas about organization, leadership, programs, growth, and success.
• Believers, understand that they are the 'house' of God; a physical building is not God's temple.

Living

• The persons and families of the church are known for living in obedience to God.
• They do not compromise with the views or life-styles of the world.
• They are known for living sacrificially for others in love.
• They are righteous - at peace with God and people.

Purposes

• The church meets together to fulfill their commitment to build up the saints in Christian maturity.
• They are actively engaged in going out into the world to evangelize nonbelievers.
• The church is committed to advancing Christ's kingdom according to Biblical principles and instructions through their own lives, their families, and the church.
• Through prayer, the church asks for God's help and guidance.

L.D. Hammons © 1999 This article may be freely copied and distributed without charge if it is copied in its entirety (without editing) along with this notice - including the author's name and copyright notice.

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