Nine Traits or Characteristics of Healthy and Fruitful Churches
TL;DR: George Barna identified some key traits of flourishing churches. He noted that they combine strong leadership, strategic organization, relational depth, authentic worship, purposeful evangelism, theological growth, wise stewardship, community service, and family ministry. The page also includes an acrostic based on the word “church,” describing flourishing congregations as Christ-centered, united in heart, uplifting, reaching outward, committed, and hope-filled.
- Churches that are flourishing, though often outwardly unique, share some characteristics that seem foundational to their health and fruitfulness.
- The traits of fruitful churches often include mentoring relationships, transformed lives, service to the poor, deliberate evangelism, unity within diversity, adaptability and relevance, and passionate Spirit-led worship.
What Do Flourishing Churches Have in Common?
George Barna is a researcher who studies the religious beliefs and behaviors of Americans, including the intersection of faith and culture. He is Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. He is also the founder of Metaformation, a faith development organization.
Barna has written more than 50 books, many of which address cultural trends, leadership, spiritual development, and the dynamics affecting local churches. Here is what he had to say about the things that characterize flourishing churches:
- Highly effective churches rely upon strategic leadership.
- Highly effective churches are organized to aid highly effective ministry.
- Highly effective churches prioritize the development of 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 people in need within their communities.
- Highly effective churches equip families to minister effectively within their homes. Healthy families provide the context for church health.
George Barna. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches: How to Have a Ministry That Transforms Lives.
Afterword: A Dozen More Things to Look For in a Fruitful Congregation
Healthy and fruitful congregations often exhibit additional characteristics such as the following:
- 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, characterized by love, care, support, and accountability. People feel valued, accepted, and supported as they 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 actively engages its local community and people beyond it, sharing the love of Christ through practical 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. The church practices regular corporate prayer and emphasizes personal prayer, which can 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 called on to steward their time, talents, and resources wisely for the kingdom of God. Financial matters are transparent, and the congregation is committed 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 Christ's message effectively in contemporary culture.
- Fruitfulness and Growth: The congregation experiences both numerical and spiritual growth, as evidenced by transformed lives, deeper discipleship, and a growing 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.
Acrostic: Church
C — Christ is the cornerstone of our common faith.
H — Hearts united in love and grace.
U — Uplifting one another in prayer and service.
R — Reaching the world with the gospel message.
C — Committed to living out God's Word.
H — Hope shining bright in a broken world.
Like acrostics? Here are more of them
— Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu
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