IMAGE OF HEALTHY CHURCH
Healthy churches believe that they are made worthy, not by what they do but by God’s grace.
1. Healthy churches have the courage to be imperfect. They tell an honest story of a people who are willing to live the question without having all the answers. Like Abraham and Sarah, they are on a journey without knowing the final destination but trusting in the God who leads them.
2. They are not defensive about their faults but are willing to explore them honestly so that they might grow from them towards maturity in Christ. They know the biblical story of how God chooses to work through imperfect people–Abraham, David, the Disciples, Saul, and the list continues throughout all of church history.
3. Their practices emphasize a blending of gratitude and joy. They are grateful they have been invited on the journey. Doubt and questions are simply the boundaries on the edge of growth.
4. They trust that being vulnerable to others and God is the birthplace of creativity, compassion, joy, belonging, and love. Therefore, healthy churches are not afraid to fail. They dare to let God use their offerings for great things for the world God loves.
5. They believe in and practice connectivity. Faith well lived is lived in community among imperfect people who choose to exercise their hope in community. After all the doctrinal debates, they know that it boils down to relationships as Jesus declared in the Great Commandment.
Discuss how it feels to be part of a church that reflected those characteristics.
With each of the five characteristics of a healthy church listed, try to give three examples of how a church might reflect that behavior. Begin with an abstract church. Later you can apply it to your particular church. For example, what might a person or church do to reflect the courage to be imperfect? Can you think of other biblical examples of people having the courage to be imperfect?
Excerpt from Being Pastor in an Anxious Society
Risk participating in advocating for healthy clergy and healthy congregations.
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Steve McCutchan www.smccutchan.com
