A Good Church

Marks of a Good Church

How many new faces this month?

The more the better.

Not 'how many faces'. The size of a Church is not the point: the point is, is it growing?

How many people have you NOT spoken to this month?

The fewer the better.

Is your Church really ONE Church, or are you a bunch of cliques?

How many churches or chapels does the average person pass to get here?

The fewer the better.

Is your Church really growing, or is it simply poaching people from other Churches?

How many different people lead worship in a month?

The more the better.

Is your Church a Church or an ego trip?

How many stains are there on the carpet?

The more the better.

The building is for USE, not ornament!

How many jobs are being done by the same faces as five years ago?

The fewer the better.

Is everyone simply too uncommitted to bother? Or is the Church run by an inner circle that no one can break into?

How many decisions are taken without thinking of why the Church is here?

The fewer the better.

Church meetings (councils, whatever yours is called) do tend to lose sight of the ball. No decision should be taken without asking how it contributes to preaching Jesus or serving those He loves.

How many people use your church who do NOT come to a service?

The more the better.

Yes, really. We don't just preach Christ crucified, we are also servants for Jesus' sake.

How many times a week do people pray in your church?

The higher the better.

We aren't running a social service. The primary purpose must be the glory of God - in fact, correctly viewed even saving souls has that ultimate purpose.

How many prostitutes attend your Church?

The more the better.

Not ex-prostitutes. Prostitutes. And addicts. And ex-cons. And 'travellers'. All the people who definitely should not expect to be welcome, and who by attending drag down your Church's reputation.