Characteristics of a Healthy Church.
Acts chapter 2 and verse 42 describe the early church's life: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and the apostles did many wonders and signs. All that believed were together and had all things in common, and they sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man needed. They continued daily with one accord in the temple, broke bread from house to house, ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” The essential ingredients of their church life were simple: Apostles’ doctrine (sound teaching), fellowship, the breaking of bread (the Lord’s Table in Communion), and prayer. Then, they scattered to spread the Word to the world. This is a healthy church, and at its foundation is a reverence and belief in teaching sound doctrine based on the whole counsel of God’s Word. When sound doctrine is prioritized and taught without compromise, all other traits of a healthy church will naturally follow.
“Preaching the Word is the primary task of the church. The primary task of the leaders of the church, the people who are set in this position of authority, we must not allow anything to deflect us from this, however good the cause, however great the need.”
Martin Luther’s 7 Characteristics of the Church (article) - Martin Luther gave a complete statement of his doctrine of the church in his 1539 treatise On the Councils and the Church. He expanded on this basic understanding of the church in answering a most basic question for Christians: “But how will or how can a poor confused person tell where such Christian holy people are to be found in this world?”
The Marks of the Church by Robert Godfrey (article) - Luther declared that “the sole, uninterrupted, infallible mark of the church has always been the Word.” The true church is marked by submission to the Scriptures. The church of Christ has many more characteristics than the three marks. But these characteristics—we might mention prayer, fellowship, and devotion—are challenging to observe.
The Healthy Church by Lawson Harlow (article) - many saints are beginning to see the importance of a healthy church, and when they do, they often leave an unhealthy congregation to join a healthy one. Here are a few thoughts if you go out of an unhealthy church into a healthier context.
Marks of a True Church by Daniel R. Hyde (article) - the Reformers searched the Word of God to answer the question of which churches were churches. Although there was some debate between Lutheran and Reformed theologians, and even among Reformed theologians themselves, the Reformed churches eventually settled on the belief that the Word revealed three essential outward marks by which any discerning person could determine whether any given congregation was indeed a church:
The marks by which the true Church is known are these: If the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein; if it maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ; if church discipline is exercised in punishing sin. (Belgic Confession, Article 29)
The Anatomy of a Church Series by John MacArthur (articles + audio) - How can a church be all God wants it to be? This series answers that question using Paul’s analogy of the church as a body. First, you’ll learn about the skeleton of a church—the foundational things a church must be committed to. Next, you’ll examine the internal organs, which are proper spiritual attitudes. Third, you’ll look at a church's muscles or functions. Last, you’ll learn about the flesh of a church, which is its visible method of ministry.
How to Choose a Good Church by Josh Buice (article) - When searching for a new church home, don’t compromise in the process. You may find a church that meets your needs on many different levels but fails in one non-negotiable area.
Fundamental Priorities of a Good Church by John MacArthur (article + audio) - When you find a place that teaches the Word, you’ll find a place where doctrine is clear. You’ll find a place where holiness is pursued. You’ll find a place of spiritual authority, all very, very essential in your spiritual development and to the glory of God. It doesn’t make sense to be in any place where the Word of God is not proclaimed. It would be best to be where the Scripture is exalted. Not where somebody’s ideas are punctuated with Bible verses.
For Church and Minister by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (audio) - Based on 1 Corinthians 3, his sermon discusses the importance of the church and its pastor and how the two relate to each other. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by laying out three points centered around Paul’s letters to various congregations and his relationship with them. First, an unsupportive church can significantly hinder the pastor and his ministry. Second, a good church can fill a vital role by encouraging its pastor. Finally, as Paul declared in the epistle, his best testimony is a church filled with people seeking the Lord and following the pastor’s instruction. Like an ambassador, pastors are appointed by God to their position to speak on His behalf to His people. They are the shepherd, and their responsibility is not just to be the “nice guy” but rather one who speaks the truth of God’s Word.
Why I Reject Female Pastors by Susan White (article) - the biblical qualification for elders/pastors is clear: this is a position only to be fulfilled by men. We trust the way God has structured His Church is good. In 1 John 5, John proclaims, “…this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” It should not be a burden for a Christian woman to keep this command of Christ of only men fulfilling the pastoral role. If a woman finds it burdensome, I would encourage her to do as I did—search the scriptures, pray, and trust in the authority and sufficiency of God’s word and His design for His church, for all God does is good.
Why Church Membership? by Michael E. Osborne (article) - Why should we insist that a follower of Christ become a committed, active local church member? Here are nine reasons. If you are not a church member, seriously consider the benefits and duty of committing yourself to a body of believers through membership. Every church does it somewhat differently and has its pathway to formal membership. The point is that being an accountable, contributing member of a congregation of God’s people is essential.
Why Should I Go to Church? by Paul Levy (article) - God has promised that as His church gathers, He will bless them in a way distinct from when they are on their own. In the book of Revelation, Jesus tells us that He walks among the lampstands, which are His churches (Rev. 2:1). He still does that Sunday by Sunday as His church gathers. Nothing is more excellent than being part of Christ’s church.
Sanctified People, Sanctified Space by R.C. Sproul (video) - to understand the meaning and mission of the church, we must first define precisely what the church is. Is the church a building, a people, or both? This series helps us understand who and what the church is and the mission she is called to.
Loneliness and the Call to Community by Christina Fox (article) - This community, the church, is being changed and sanctified. Through Christ’s Spirit at work in us, He enables us to love and serve one another. Instead of hiding behind fig leaves, we are learning to be vulnerable with others. We are learning to trust and depend on one another. As the Spirit refines us, we put aside selfishness and put on Christlikeness.
When Should I Leave My Church? by Josh Buice (article) - in most situations, leaving a church should be done with great caution, love, maturity, clear communication with the church's leadership, and a desire to submit to God’s Word. Since we’re placed in a community of Christ followers by God and under spiritual authority, to leave a church outside of straightforward pastoral counsel is to avoid God’s will for your life.
Pastor John MacArthur from Grace Community Church answers: “How does a believer find a healthy church?”
What should Christians look for when they're seeking a good church? Burk Parsons discusses the biblical criteria for a sound and spiritually healthy congregation.
Josh Buice and Virgil Walker discuss the need for healthy churches and why intentionality must be present in the organization and functionality of the entire local church ministry.
In this episode of the G3 Podcast, Josh Buice, Virgil Walker, and Scott Aniol discuss what believers should look for when considering a local church.
7 Factors to examine when considering joining a church by Jon Harris
What happens to you when you go to a local church? Why is attending church and listening to a sermon different (and more critical) than listening to a sermon from years ago? How movie theater churches have changed people's thinking about the church (in a wrong way). The marks of a true church. And saying, "We are the church," is not a reason to stop attending an actual church.
Despite modernity’s trend toward radical individualism, the fact remains that being a Christian is not a solo endeavor. Instead, faithful Christian discipleship involves belonging to the people of God, the church. This book centers on how we can best live out these realities in our own churches, helping new Christians better understand what it means to be part of a church and reminding seasoned believers of their role and responsibility in the family of God.
When the word church is mentioned, many people think of a building. Others think of a denomination. But the church is so much more. Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that the church is a group of people, not a building. These Christians make up the universal family of God and are called to live lives that glorify Him. Beginning with one of the church's earliest statements of faith, Dr. Sproul takes an in-depth look at the "one, holy, catholic, and Apostolic" church.
Many Christians dismiss the need to go to church. It’s just a building, they say. I can worship anywhere. I don’t have to gather with other Christians. In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that the church is not merely a building—it is the people who meet there. Scripture even commands us to gather, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some (Heb. 10:25). It’s dangerous to attempt the Christian life alone. We need one another to live and worship well.
When governments use emergency act edicts to restrict the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors facing the risk of imprisonment take a courageous stand. The documentary incorporates many forgotten accounts of Christian persecution and mentions John Bunyan, a 17th-century preacher and author of the world-famous book The Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan spent twelve years in prison for refusing to deny the true gospel or stop preaching it among the people of England.
Several other accounts like these are beautifully retold in the film. They educate the modern church regarding some of the persecution since Pentecost.
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