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At our January MBA Executive Committee there were 29 present representing 15 churches and included 9 pastors. We had a great time fellowshipping and hearing what God did and is doing in our association.
We ended the year with all of our bills having been paid and a little money left in the budget checking account. Praise the Lord! We spent about $8,600 more than contributions, and this deficit was covered with contingency money from surplus in previous years. We thank the 45 churches out of a total of 51 churches and missions who contributed to our budget last year. Wouldn’t it be great if all 51 of our churches contributed on a regular basis? We likely would not have to dip into our surplus funds! With the resources God has given us I believe that we are making an impact for Jesus Christ in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the “uttermost!” I hope that you agree!
You can also praise the Lord with me that we have total assets (not counting land, buildings, or contents of buildings) of almost $100,000. God has been so good to us! Our Administrative Team and staff (that looks at our finances monthly) makes every effort to be good stewards of the resources God has given us.
I received the following list of “25 Signs of a Healthy Church” from The Atlanta Metro Baptist Association in 2009, but it is relevant even today. Is your church a healthy church?
Spiritual Vitality
1. The church seeks to know and follow God’s will.
2. Christian growth is emphasized and facilitated.
3. Church members have an attitude of servanthood, not seeking control, power, or status.
4. Church members are faithful in stewardship of time, talents, and treasures.
5. The church is a place of vibrant, engaging worship.
6. Members model purity and integrity and do not ignore sin in the body.
7. The church is adaptable and flexible—willing to change.
Personal Vitality
8. The church emphasizes the positive and never dwells on the negative.
9. The church practices accountability and maintains high expectations—for themselves and for others.
10. Don’t try to do everything, but what they do, they do well.
11. The church has focus and purpose.
12. The church is proactive, not reactive.
13. People feel accepted, encouraged and included.
14. The church builds families (including singles).
15. Conflict is handled positively and redemptively.
16. The church is forgiving, but not compromising on sin.
17. The church trusts, respects, and supports the pastor.
18. The church has effective, ongoing communication.
Missional Vitality
19. The church has a clear vision, priorities, and plan.
20. The church trains and empowers people for ministry according to their giftedness.
21. The church constantly develops leaders.
22. The church is outward focused.
23. The church finds or creates connecting points with the community.
24. Church members are intentionally evangelistic.
25. The church is producing congregations. |
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