In a book by H.B. London titled Pastors At Greater Risk, the author writes on page 60 about a three year survey that examined 311 congregations to determine what made an excellent church. The things that follow are what made a church “excellent” in the eyes of the author…
1. Evidence of a joyful spirit…
2. Awareness of member’s diversity…
3. A welcoming attitude toward all in the church community…
4. An emphasis on true spirituality and a deep relationship with God…
5. Innovative and thoughtful worship…
6. Collaborative decision making among Pastor, leaders, and decision makers…
7. An awareness of Christian tradition…
8. Scripture based teaching and preaching…
9. Confrontation of real problems with members and the church’s community. How we we match up with these?
Is your church improving, moving forward, growing, and facing the challenges that confront us? May we all be told when we stand before the Lord, “Well done good and faithful servant… !” For that to happen we must not maintain the status quo, but be working to grow, improve, and be the kind of people (And church) God would have us be.