The Characteristics of a Caring and Healthy Church: Day 3

The word “church” comes from a Greek word that means “an assembly of called-out ones.” It denotes that before a church can ever actually gather, the people must first hear the call to do so. As Paul questioned in Romans 10:14–15, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Churches are built through the fervent, faithful proclamation of Christ and Him crucified. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of the local church to be a mouthpiece of Christ, calling all who would come to repentance and new life. But the new believer’s walk doesn’t end when they answer the call. Indeed, it has only just begun. The characteristics of a caring church behave like Christ in their words, thoughts and deeds to one another. "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" Romans 12:9-21 (NKJV).

There is no doubt that God loves the church and cares for it deeply. Unfortunately, just as any family or group, churches will have difficult situations arise, make mistakes, and look a little messy at times. Yet churches should always be aiming toward functioning in healthy ways that bring glory to God. The caring and healty church understands The Great Commission's purpose to the body of Christ. Every church will look different – most churches have their own culture, have a variety of giftings among the congregation, and are led by pastors with their own unique passions and plans from God. What all these churches can have in common is good caring and health. A caring and healthy church will teach from the Bible, have pastors and leaders who are devoted to God and live in line with Scripture, and focus on fulfilling the great commission to share the Gospel and make disciples. A caring and healthy church will be one that shows no partiality, will care for and support its members, be a light in the community, and will work through differences that arise. Ultimately, a caring and healthy church will keep Jesus at the center of everything as the congregation faithfully advances the kingdom of God. It has become quite common in some parts of the world for a believer to move on and find a different church as soon as they do not like something or realize it’s not a “perfect” church. The reality is that no church is perfect, even a total caring and healthy one. Human beings make up the church, therefore, it will never be perfect. The Bible shares great wisdom in how the church should function, how its leaders should conduct themselves, and the importance of keeping God at the foundation of everything a church does to bring glory to God. The point of the church is not to be perfect, but to point others to the one perfect God who loves them. Our responsilbity as believers is to learn how to intercede for our church while bearing one another's burdens. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV).

A caring and healthy church is not simply a church wrapped up in continual introspection and self-purification. It is a church wholly in love with Christ and fully committed to His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). It isn’t a church where members are consumed with their own feelings and preferences, but a church where members are growing individually and as a church family. Not every church is in good health. Some are gravely ill. Some are simply said - toxic. All are certainly in process, but towards what, exactly, is that process meant to move them? How can a sick church heal without first knowing in what direction health lies? What, after all, is a healthy church? Congregations must be actively engaged in making disciples locally and globally. Every member is a disciple maker in the world, in which caring and healthy churches are both organized and administered in such a way that members are motivated, trained, and equipped to make disciples in whatever context God places them. A healthy church, by its very definition, will create other healthy churches. Every major advance of the gospel in the book of Acts comes about as a response to the people of God praying together. If we desire the same, then like the early church, we must devote ourselves to prayer (Acts 2:42), regularly joining with one another with both dedication to and desperation for communion with God. And just like Bible study, private prayer is essential but insufficient. A caring and healthy church not only prays but prays with one another.“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" Acts 2:40-46 (NKJV).