Over the next few weeks, the Lord willing, we will be discussing habits of highly effective churches. When I developed this series a few years ago, it entailed seven habits. It subsequently expanded to eight habits. Who knows? By the time we finish discussing it here, we may come up with a few additional habits of highly effective churches. You should know that I’ve drawn from several sources in putting this series together. I’ll share these as we move forward in our discussions.
Why bother?
There are several reasons why this conversation seems to be needed:
- The church, Christ’s body, the kingdom of God, is His chosen instrument through which His redemptive and sanctifying work continues. (cf. Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:3-6; and Colossians 1:15-23)
- Ineffective churches fall short of their heavenly calling and deny Christ the glory due Him! (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:10; 3:9-10; 3:13-19; 3:20-21 and Revelation 2:1-7)
- There are so many misconceptions, we must be sure we are fulfilling our kingdom calling and walking in step with the Spirit:
- Many have bought into the prevalent “Bigger is Better” philosophy.
- Some believe the way to be effective is to “give the people what they want.”
- Others, choose the counter-course, intimating that cutting-edge churches must surely be doing something wrong.
What is an “effective” church?
First, the word effective might connote unintended ideas. This is not a “how to get the results you want” series. We are not merely questing for quantifiable results, which are reflected by bigger buildings and budgets. Instead, we want to look at this idea qualitatively.
What does the Bible say are some of the identifiable and reproducible practices of God-honoring, life-changing, soul-saving, mission-minded and disciple-making churches?
Two thought provoking examples:
What made these churches “effective”? Obviously, we can’t speak with absolute certainty. But, it does seem there are some observables here. Among them are:
- Vital connectedness with God
- Healthy relationships with one another
- Humble service to others
- Faithful witness to the world
In short, effective churches are characterized by healthy environment which fosters spiritual formation and are continuously cultivating a missional mentality with respect to the world.
Well, that’s a start. Before we dive into the discussion of the habits, we will spend a little time talking about some of our greatest challenges (or obstacles), when it comes to forming highly effective churches. What do you think so far?
© Bill Williams
2008.02.16
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My Names are the way you see written Above I am the found of the church called Oasis of miracles Based in Nairobi Kenya.
I am so interested in
Affiliating my ministry with you and work together.
I am also extending this invitation that you may visit Kenya and see what God is Doing I am Ready to arrange ameeting for and again I am also willing to come to your place please consider my humble Request
Your’s Faithfully
Apostle Tom Chacha
Nairobi Kenya
+254722501110
The healthy church is first and foremost established by the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are lots of “good”, worthwhile things, ministries, events that can be attempted and achieved, but unless the Holy Spirit has specifically called upon the particular church to do these things, chances are they’re unnecessary to accomplish what God has in mind for the specific body. The church in Acts began to realize what, how, and when to do what the Spirit directed. It should be our true model, but as is typical, man thinks he can supplement or reinvent what God intends. Discovering and directing what God intends requires devoted prayer and consequential obedience.
Case in point: Bill Hybels’ apology for his huge “program” for the seeker-friendly trends, etc., which was a man-inspired failure. Not to trash Bill Hybels because we’ve all gone down those roads. The Spirit of Truth will direct and lead if we exercise the patience to listen and follow.
Bill,
Excellent post brother.
I am going to enjoy this series.
They will know we are Christians by our LOVE!
Me too.
I look forward to this series, Bill.