I am frequently asked how the oft-quoted “85% of churches are plateaued or declining” is determined. The answer is numerical data—attendance trends, giving patterns, and membership rolls. While those statistics are helpful, they only tell part of the story. A church can be growing numerically and still be spiritually unhealthy. That’s why we believe the best assessment of church health must extend beyond the numbers. Although not an exhaustive list, here are 11 questions to help you evaluate the health of your church:
1. Is your worship God-centered and God-honoring?
When God is the focus of our worship, there is an unmistakable sense of His presence, marked by reverence, joy, expectancy, and, at times, brokenness. Worship draws people into profound awe of the Lord.
2. Is kingdom-focused prayer a central priority?
Is your church crying out to God for the lost, both by name and with urgency? A healthy church prioritizes prayer beyond personal requests and seeks the advance of God’s kingdom. Do you have a “most-wanted” list of people you’re praying will come to Christ?
3. Is the Bible the foundation of all teaching and discipleship?
God’s Word must shape every sermon, class, and conversation. Are you equipping members to meet with God daily in a personal “quiet time”? Does your church have a process of disciplining members?
4. Do you have an evangelism-equipping strategy?
Are members actively sharing their faith? Are you seeing new believers baptized on a regular basis? A healthy church shares the Gospel boldly and often.
5. Are your small groups or Sunday School classes building authentic community?
Do people know each other beyond the surface? Are they praying, caring, and doing life together? Do people want to socialize with one another and foster a sense of community?
6. Are guests consistently being invited and welcomed?
Do members naturally invite others to church? When guests arrive, do they feel embraced and valued? Healthy churches create a culture of hospitality and invitation.
7. Are members discovering and using their spiritual gifts?
Is your church equipping believers to serve according to their spiritual giftedness? Does your church provide opportunities for every member to have effective ministry and service in the church?
8. Does the joy of giving permeate your church?
Are people giving joyfully and sacrificially? Is missional giving increasing? Are you sending people to serve locally, nationally, and globally? A healthy church gives because it loves.
9. Is your church known for its love?
Do people in your community see the love of Jesus reflected in your congregation? Do you love one another—and those not like you—with the kind of love that turns heads and opens hearts?
10. Are you making a difference in your community?
Does your church reflect the demographic and spiritual makeup of the community where God has planted you? Are you intentionally reaching out to your neighbors and addressing their genuine needs?
11. Are you seeing people called in the Gospel ministry?
Are people being called into full-time ministry or missions? Are you equipping and sending short-term and long-term laborers into the harvest field?
If any of these questions reveal areas of weakness, you are not alone; every church can pursue greater health. Whether your church is struggling or thriving, we would be honored to walk alongside you. Let’s seek the Lord and move toward greater health, vitality, and Gospel impact.
This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.