I Love it When a Plan Comes Together!

Re-Form Your Church’s Health

...when a plan comes together!

Everyone wants to be a part of a healthy church. And being a part of a healthy church begins by looking to our own hearts and spiritual lives. We need to each be healthy for our church to be healthy. 

As we all strive together to have a healthy church, you’ll see listed here 10 characteristics that we should each have in order to be a healthy part of a healthy church. 

These principles are based on Mark Dever’s Nine Marks of a Healthy Church as written by Thabiti M. Anyabwile. If you haven’t read his book, "What is a Healthy Church Member?" (Kindle version), get a copy ASAP and start reading it. It's very easy to read and just over 100 pages. 

If it’s not written down, it’s not a plan. So print this out and write down at least one plan/goal in each of the 10 areas. And when you’re doing that, remember the principles of a good plan:

Principles of a Good Plan:

• Specific - 

“I’m going to be a better Christian...” While this sounds good, it’s very vague. What do we really mean by “better?” Be    specific.  

• Measurable - 

“I’m going to read the Bible more” How do you really measure “more?” This goes along with specific. The less specific you are, the harder it will be to measure your progress. 

• Achievable - 

“Read the entire Bible by Friday” While it’s good to be bold in setting goals, make sure it’s something you can achieve. Don’t set yourself up for failure from the beginning. 

Set at least one goal in each category. Work through this list regularly & consistently. Spiritual Growth is something we should continually strive for our entire lives. While we will never “arrive” there is certainly a joy in the journey as together we participate in this group project called “sanctification.”

(If you weren’t able to join us for all five of the Equipping Hours, you can check out the lessons from the church library or get in touch with Rob to download them.)

Each of the 10 areas is listed along with some thoughts to consider as you put a plan in place. Remember: if it’s not written down, it’s not a plan! You can print this out and write on it, copy and paste it into a document with your goals, or just ask Rob for one and he’ll get you a printout. 

• An Expositional Listener

This is cultivating a hunger for God’s Word

Meditate on the sermon passages during your devotion time. Think through the questions Rob asks at the end of Sunday’s sermon throughout the week. 

Talk about the sermon with friends after church: (write down someone to ask this Sunday)

• How did the Scripture challenge you today?

• What about God’s character stood out?

• How did you grow in your understanding of the Gospel?

How will you strengthen your listening ability?

• A Biblical Theologian

This is knowing the themes and the big picture of the Bible

Reading good theology books (check out the church library)

Know our church’s Doctrinal Statement - themes, categories, 

Use a catechism for both yourself and your children, etc. 

How easily can you spot doctrinal error? (Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, etc.)

• Gospel Saturated

Do you know the Gospel? Cold?

Can you answer the question “What is the Gospel?” in:

Seven words

One minute

30 Minutes... longer?

Do you have a clear structure for knowing, understanding, and sharing the gospel?

Do you need one? Download a “Gospel Learning Kit” from the church website.

• Genuinely Converted

Important Question: How do you know you’re saved? On what do you base your salvation?

Is it obvious you’re a believer? Are you basing this on Scripture?

• A Biblical Evangelist

Who are you praying for?

Are you praying for opportunities to share the gospel?

Are you Gospel Saturated?

Who have you invited to church recently? Who will you invite this week?

Do you know how to turn a conversation to the gospel? Are you trying to do it?
The best way to learn to share the gospel is to go do it!

• A Committed Member

Are you a member of the church?

Who do you know that isn’t a member? (they might call themself an “attender”)

Have you asked them why they haven’t joined? Have you encouraged them to join?

Are you growing in your commitment to Fellowship? (the Trees)

How are you fostering unity in the body?

• Seek Discipline

Are you engaged in Formative Discipline?

(personal study, being taught, right attitude toward Scripture)

How will you respond when/if corrected?

How will you remain determined to respond correctly?

Will you lovingly correct others when necessary? (sin = sin)

What is your Plan for Formative Discipline? 

What elements should be a part of this plan?

  Three Purposes: • Exaltation

• Edification

• Evangelism

• A Growing Disciple

Are you growing spiritually? How? How do you know?

How should you be growing? What does Scripture say?

What else do you need to be doing?
Discipline, Effort, Intentionality

• A Humble Follower

What are you doing to foster unity in following the leadership of the church?

Are you being intentional in following the leadership?

Are you praying for and encouraging your leaders?

• A Prayer Warrior

Is prayer a joy?

Do you pray constantly and in the Spirit?

Is there a biblical structure to your prayer life? (discipline)

As always, if you have any questions about this, or would like help in thinking through these issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. 

Soil Deo Gloria!

Rob
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