Introduction WHY HEALTHY CHURCHES MATTER

Key Truth: Churches that focus on spiritual health experience church growth as a natural result of their efforts. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20: 28

Exploring the Principle: All Healthy Organisms GROW

Healthy Churches Grow 1. The Church is a living ORGANISM.

Healthy Churches Grow 2. A healthy church will GROW.

Principles of a Healthy Church 1. Only GOD can grow a church.

Principles of a Healthy Church 2. Leaders should focus on HEALTH, not growth.

Principles of a Healthy Church 3. When leaders create a healthy ENVIRONMENT, God will grow HIS Church.

Healthy Church Growth Follows a PATTERN. Acts 2:42-47: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

10 Common Qualities of Healthy Churches Volume 1: 1. Offer Consistent Bible TRUTH 2. Offer Loving FELLOWSHIP 3. Make PRAYER the Priority 4. Trust God to Do SUPERNATURAL THINGS 5. Maintain UNITY

10 Common Qualities of Healthy Churches Volume 2: 1. Develop a Culture of Generosity 2. Offer Excellent Large Group Worships 3. Create Small Group Relationships 4. Impact Their Community in Positive Ways 5. Welcome New People into Their Church Family

Remember, a HEALTHY church = a GROWING church