Vantage point

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Qualities of a good church

 

I have had the opportunity to be in many good churches, in the U.S. and abroad. Some time back, based on these, I made a list of qualities that I believe a church needs to have.

Praise — Praise fills a good church … from the people to the platform. The music, while excellent, is not a performance; it is anointed.

Prayer — Thriving churches are praying churches. They do not have designated prayer warriors. Everyone in the congregation recognizes the responsibility and privilege of prayer … in public and private.

Jesus —  Jesus is lifted up. The church is not about the pastor or the music program; it’s about Jesus. A good church makes this clear. (See John 3:30.)

Involvement — Everyone is involved. People are using their gifts,  both spiritual and natural, for the benefit of others.

Dependability — The people of the church are faithful and reliable.

Faith — All churches should be faith churches, believing God for great things.

Spiritual warfare — The saints are in the battle (Ephesians 6:11-13).

The Word of God — The Bible is preached, taught, learned and memorized (Psalm 119:11).

Teachable — The people are humble, and even the oldest saints are eager to learn (James 4:10).

Forthrightness — The truth is spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). Problems are dealt with face to face. War is not waged via the
rumor mill.

Generosity — The people, the leadership and the church as a whole are examples of good stewardship.

Holiness — The lives of the people have a marked difference from those in the world … not because of pride or legalism, but because of their relationship with Jesus.

Responsibility — The people take responsibility. They don’t depend on the pastors to create all these good qualities in their church.

Ken Horn

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.