12 Findings from Church Health Surveys

More than 15 years ago, Dr. Rainer and I developed a Church Health Survey to assess the condition of local congregations. A 160-question survey that focuses on the six purposes of the church (worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, prayer, and fellowship), the questionnaire reveals a church’s perception of itself.

Over the years, hundreds of churches in North America have completed the survey as they work with my church consulting group. Here are some general conclusions these surveyed churches have told us about themselves.

Expectant Churches vs. Reactive Churches

The Bible is a story of expectations: an expected Messiah who would crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15), an expected people from Abram (Gen. 12:1-3), an expected new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34), an expected return of Christ (Matt. 24:29-30), and an expected new creation (Rev. 21). Faith, in fact, is about expectation – the “reality of what is hoped for” (Heb. 11:1, HCSB).

Many churches, though, live in reactive mode rather than expectant mode. In my book, Discipled Warriors, I compare these churches.

Six surprising traits of effective pastors

This blog has looked at characteristics of effective pastors from different perspectives over the past few years. But this information may prove to be a bit surprising.

A couple of caveats are in order. First, the idea of “surprising” can vary from person to person. I think you might be surprised at some of these traits, but you might not be. Second, the term “effective” is nebulous. I am not speaking of size of church or level of fame. I have subjectively noted several dozen pastors whose ministries have been consistent and whose impact in their churches and communities has been positive.

Counterintuitive Discipleship Values

1. Go slow to go fast!

2. Outsiders raise up insiders – an inexperienced insider is more effective than a highly trained outsider.

3. Focus on a few to reach many.

Seven Sure Ways to Grow as a Leader

Do you want to grow as a leader? Do you want to keep growing?

Here are seven sure ways to grow as a leader:

1. Desire growth
Sounds simple, but we tend to seek what we desire most. If you truly want to grow as a leader you will continually find ways to do so. Check your heart. Do you really desire to grow as a leader?

11 ways to pursue a relationship with God

A few months ago, my family left dear friends and family and moved to a place where we are literally starting from scratch on friendships and community. We’re excited to be here, but it’s not easy to be surrounded by new faces and to start every conversation with questions that really amount to, “Who are you and where do you come from?”

We trust that someday the faces here will be as known and dear to us as those we left, but getting to that place takes time and effort. Most good relationships are built from many encounters over a long period of time. Early encounters can be awkward and draining, and sometimes it’s tempting to just give up. But there is no other way to gain old and well-worn friendships, and there are few things more beautiful and refreshing.

Do you want to know God?

Seven Prayers for Jesus’ Church

Jesus is building his church.

Jesus’ church knows no borders. It is not confined by time, language, culture, or politics.

Jesus’ church has stood the test of time. It cannot be stopped by force, political pressure, or even political correctness. It has weathered tumultuous years and lived through multiple heretical diseases.

Jesus has been building his church, is building his church, and will continue to build his church (Matt. 16:18) until he returns in glory to redeem his bride. And absolutely nothing and no one can get in his way.