When I felt compelled to make this our constant prayer for the coming week, I thought it was for the health and growth of individual churches. My husband and I spent several months visiting (nearly) all of the area churches. We were looking for a good fit, but we didn't know what that looked like. We just went into each church with an open mind and an open heart. Our beliefs dictated a lot of our decision but unknowingly, God was directing us to a healthy church. Not to take anything away from the other churches because, like I said, we didn't know what we were looking for. We were also curious as to how other denominations did things, their beliefs, etc. Our community is definitely rich in churches; there aren't enough people in town to fill all of them.
As I was researching the subject for this week's topic of prayer, what I found could be applied to The Church, not just individual churches. "The Church" as a whole is in just as much trouble as the churches are. We are living in an ungodly world. This country was founded on Christian values and those values are in jeopardy.
So, what makes a healthy church?
A belief in what the Bible actually says; not a loose interpretation invented to give everyone a warm, fuzzy feeling. Our Bible is very straightforward. "You need to do this." "Don't do that." "These are the consequences."
A strong leadership structure - not just a Pastor. There need to be others to help and advise, Elders or Deacons or Shepherds. Just as Jethro suggested to Moses, there need to be many levels of responsibility. Not all of the burden can fall on one man. Our government is based on this model, businesses, families, so it only makes sense that our churches should follow the same model.
A healthy church should serve. We should serve each other, our communities, our world. This can be at any level. Each of us is called to serve. When we serve in unity, we can accomplish great deeds; individually, or in masse, we show the image of God when we serve.
These are the main attributes (that I was able to research) of a healthy church, whether it be a small country church or The Church. It doesn't matter if you have a congregation of ten or of hundreds or thousands, what matters is that you are doing what a church should do.
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Submit to God, Resist the Devil
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:1-5
Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying for the health and growth of The Church. Please ask God for guidance as to how to be Christ-like and an image bearer. Ask for guidance as to what you can do to help the Church be healthy. Listen for God's direction. He answers all prayers.
I'll post a daily reminder to pray on:
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7th Hour Prayer Power
