26 Signs of a Healthy Church: How to Know If Your Church Is Healthy and Biblical

What are the signs of a healthy church? In this video I will give you 26 signs of a healthy church. A biblical church is well balanced in these areas. No church is perfect, but if your church has these signs it is probably a good and biblical church.
(Book) Basic Transformation: A Small Group Bible Study on the Basics of Christianity and Transformation www.amazon.com/dp/197959063X/
(Church Leaders Article by Mark Ballenger): Signs of a Healthy Church: churchleaders.com/pastors/pas...
FREE eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness: applygodsword.com/christian-si...
PAPERBACK books and small group Bible studies by Mark Ballenger:
The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide...
Intertwined: Our Happiness Is Tied to God’s Glory www.amazon.com/Intertwined-Ha...
Redeemed Like David: How to Overcome Sexual Temptation www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Like-...
Never Quit: A 5 Week Small Group Bible Study on the Power of Prayer www.amazon.com/dp/1979772673/
Basic Transformation: A Small Group Bible Study on the Basics of Christianity and Transformation www.amazon.com/dp/197959063X/
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[@lisas8736]

Thank you for this check-up. I'm thrilled to say that my church passed on all 26 points. So if you are ever in Bowling Green, Kentucky, we would love to see you at Hillvue Heights! Just Google us. We will make you think you're "home". At Hillvue, we love Jesus and want to spread His word and His love. That's what it's all about. Have a blessed day! PS: All ages, races, backgrounds, hurts, habits and hang ups are welcome and embraced. Come as you are!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Nice!

[@ericmwenda6197]

This is awesome. It proves that the 26 points we have been given by our loving pastor are true, Godly and above all practical. I would like to connect with you online. Love from Kenya. Shalom.

[@mariaglover4202]

Notes: 😄 1) Expository preaching. The point of the message is the point of the passage. Teaches how to study the meaning of the word of God 2) Has a clear discipleship path. Teaches how to obey the commands and grow in Christ 3) Seeks to learn/utilize the gifts of others to serve the body and world 4) Gender diversity within leadership/influence 5) Racial diversity 6) Cultural diversity 7) Economic diversity. Reaches out to everyone regardless of how much money they make 8) Age diversity 9) Children emphasized equally as adults 10) Overseas missions (Making disciples of all nations) 11) Emphasis on numerical growth 12) Emphasis on Spiritual development 13) Using thoughtful modern techniques for the glory of God #SocialMedia 14) Doesn't emphasise entertainment 15) Corrects/restores someone off course 16) Has a plurality of Elders 17) Communion and baptism are regularly practiced 18) Original sin and personal sin are talked about 19) Financial integrity. Public financial reports that are accessible 20) Has a Strong theological doctrinal statement that unites not divides. Biblically based core doctrines 21) Partners with other churches 22) Age diversity in Leadership with a culture of mentorship, seeking to raise the next generation of Leaders 23) Addresses those in need: the oppressed aswell as social injustice 24) Makes room for prayer independently as well as corporately in humility 25) Honest self-essement. Knows the flaws and seeks to do better 26) Emphasize the Glory of God. To bring God honor and glory

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Wow! Nice notes!

[@mariaglover4202]

@@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger haha! Thank you! It helps to have a great teacher! 😉😎😄

[@Unicysis]

27) How about acceptance of people with special needs finding it hard to fit in and pursue a fundamental Christian life without being outwardly prejudiced? That could come under love and compassion

[@JDMatthias]

I recently was asked to leave a church that did not pass this list at all I'm working through the emotional pain of believing I was there in God's will. Please pray for me, if anyone sees this comment, I'm in San Antonio, I need friendship and encouragement in this tough time

[@nicolelewis2503]

Sctiptually based, spiritual gifts acknowledged, deliverance services if needed, diversity, age diversity, community outreach and many ways to serve inward and outward

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Nicole Lewis, amen :)

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

Thank you!! This confirmed my choice of church home. My local church hits most if not all of the points you made. Amen! 🙏🏽

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

That's awesome!

[@mademoisellemsc]

You're on fire, Mark! Awesome job!

[@vavessaw.8692]

Actually, we are all one race, but of different ethnicities.

[@kevindavis4709]

I've been watching allot of your videos I can tell you're in it for the Lord ☺️

[@octaviousmckenzie2362]

Thank you for this. This can help me a lot didn't know about this topics

[@mr.d3916]

Based on experienced, one of the problems in a church is gossip. And sometimes, to some members, the more they are mature spiritually, the more unaware they judge other members.

[@MariS1980]

Awesome information, thank you!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

My pleasure Mariluz Sanchez :)

[@sherisebailey2685]

Amen! Thank you God! You say it!

[@rosem.3533]

God's Perfect Timing! Thank you ☺

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

👌

[@ericmwenda6197]

This is so powerful sir. The most insightful message I have gotten this year 2019. It is the different from the crap we have come to get used to hearing from false pastors and prophets. I am blessed.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

I'm so glad this was refreshing to you!

[@joeasuncion7854]

Excellent Topic

[@CotaTracy]

Thank you.

[@annabellewilson1285]

Thank you pastor, now i know my church is not healthy, no wonder , i dont feel like going at all, but im so sad, it well become desolate wilderness

[@rosannadana2922]

This is fantastic...I really like you have put this in video

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

wildcat fan, glad it was helpful :)

[@godswordsaves7673]

when I saw "26!" I was like😯😯😯but the more I listened the more I liked. ..... nice video.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Hahaha, once I started the list I couldn't stop :)

[@godswordsaves7673]

ApplyGodsWord.com/Mark Ballenger 😂

[@cynthiacrosby8748]

Hey thanks, I believe I go to a pretty good Church.

[@jacquelinelopez5667]

This guy looks like Jake Gyllenhaal

[@virginiathornton8480]

Amén!

[@Silvermoon1k]

I went to a church which seems to have done most of these things you mentioned. But my issue with them is that I had a very specific issue that I brought to them, and they invited me to meet. I exchanged a couple emails with the lead pastor, but then he never met with me. And he was actually going to have me meet with his wife because he doesn't pray like she does (per his words). What would you say about a church that fails to know how to educate the people on dealing with demons? Or what would you say about a church that ignores someone? I have been separated pretty swiftly from humans via God bringing me to Himself as well as many spirits like rejection. Is my issue a unique one or does it happen to many others? It'd be nice to go to a real church for once. I miss being able to tithe

[@korondadavis9733]

I have been attending a church for over 12 yrs and I've moved in and out of the state, but before my first move I felt stagnant, there's not much growth and always need financial help, when I lost my job, car and home the church did not help me, only a few members did what they could but no one took me and my child in. What are your views, I'm fixing to move back and not contemplating not going back to that church.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Koronda Myers, nothing wrong with looking for a different church :)

[@patriciaking7892]

Koronda Davis, right choice. The church is suppose to be the back bone of it's members. Most churches aren't though. I pray that you find what your heart desires and recovery everything Satan stole from you💯. Stay Blessed 💘.

[@rosannadana2922]

Hard part is finding church anymore that even does much of this

[@gonzaloenrique8741]

I believe my church does 24 or 25 out of 26 of these! So they’re definitely out there! Keep looking

[@Unicysis]

Especially one that’s wrapped up in their own worldly culture

[@gardenstateshake8238]

Lakewood church meets most of these criteria. I don't know why Joel is heavily criticized. Any comments?

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

From what I’ve heard, sin and repentance etc aren’t really emphasized at Lakewood. He also charges to attend some of his services. 😞

[@purplelove392]

He doesn't teach scripture. He's an apostate. He refused to say that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He's an ear-tickler. There's plenty of documentation of his error out there, you just have to look.

[@emmachancey311]

Hello mark thanks for this link it will help me to know what church is what

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen!

[@ElizahMendoza]

My church hits all the points here but they also hit some of the points of a cult. I'm so confused.

[@danthomas1269]

Good 26 points on a healthy church. Q: why is it that majority of church attendees are married when 52+% of the US is not married? Does it reflect badly on a church that does not openly encourage & assist non-married attendees to prepare for marriage even if they never do? Thanks, Mark. Dan T 904.343.0429

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Dan Thomas, good question. I'm not sure on that one. Could be a variety of factors. But I agree that churches can sometimes make singles feel out of place and over emphasize marriage and not celebrate singleness too. Not all churches, but many do this

[@octaviousmckenzie2362]

Dan Thomas that is a good question that the same question that I have

[@angelflower176]

I have the answers to this as my friend is studying singleness and the church in Australia pm me for more info the answer is complex

[@Strive1324L]

True, as a single i've always felt isolated, even though i get along with people at church, being single does make you feel awkward and out of place.

[@murrayvincent2344]

hi attending a church and i would like the copy of your book on healthy church .12 william bullock close stourport on severn, worcs,dy13 8ug thanks

[@annehopkins2079]

been attending a church, expositry ? teaching, prophecy updates, yet it really shouldn't take over a year to be for example a 60th birthday party where ALL are invited and because I don't have a mobile as I wrk nightshift am not included in things. it is a small church yet a lot turn up AFTER Praise and Worship.

[@colejohnson777]

My church got a new pastor 2 years ago a year later he fired the whole staff and kept the yes man to him. Out of 16 people in the pastoral search team only 2 remain at the church. They hid money in huge financial paper stacks when asked to see and the pastor used church funds for personal use. The pastor also falsely accused by the pastors daughter and was removed for teaching about those who will go to hell in Revelation. The pastor mentioned that he was Gods anointed so listen to him and other people fought against people when they would bring flaws up.. I personally caught him in a lie about sending a curtain to california when we have pictures of Him throwing it away. I never grew from his preaching and was stagnant until I move to a church down the road. I felt the spirit tell me he wasn't good and I could tell by testing the spirits he's not a man of God. He never talks about sin and is always positive. To those of you who have something like this speak out if they dont listen then find a new church.

[@lvandervest8818]

When you are a pastor of a very large congregation and have 50 plus on staff it's very important that the staff feel appreciated and the higher ups don't undermine the leaders of the smaller ministries. Favoritism and the disregard for other staff members is a sign of an unhealthy church

[@adrianortega4303]

What about tithing, is a church healthy for tithing?

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Individual Christians are called to give to the church

[@270infinite]

Is it OK for a church to have gargoyles in the church? And is it OK for a church to have gatherings with alcohol in it? I left a church for these things I've seen, among other things.

[@lentonthedreamer1457]

Gargoyles no, the bible said to not have those kinds of idols even inside your own house.., if it's wine,remember Jesus had some wine but He's not a drunkard cause the bible is clear that drunkeness is sin and we know that Jesus live a sinless life but if they just use that excuse to get themselves drunk then that is a sin, anything not done by faith for a believer is a sin.

[@vlj9013]

Talk about charismatic and evangelical, please

[@_heyimbritt]

I have been attending my church for 2 yrs and I like it. Sometimes I feel that it's not providing me with the teachings that actually help you to walk the Christian life. I do my own studies and seek God for wisdom and knowledge however over the past year Church just does not feel the same. I've asked God should I seek another church and I have even visted another Church but I'm still unsure what to do. I do not take the choice lightly and I don't place my whole growth in my walknon the church but I do think as I spiritually mature the less I am fed there. So idk lol

[@_heyimbritt]

I love being taught, asking questions to gain understanding that sparks something in me. Like I said I do my own teachings amd talk with my mom who is bible based and spirtually more mature than me. Just want to be clear 😊

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Maybe it might be time to lead at your church. Sometimes when we lead or help teach others it causes us to grow even more. Just a thought :)

[@_heyimbritt]

ApplyGodsWord.com/Mark Ballenger Great thought! I have been meeting with a group of very close friends who also attend my church and we get together and have prayer nights and we have also assited with prayer and teaching at a very small local church. So I've been feeling editfied that way lately.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

👍

[@_heyimbritt]

ApplyGodsWord.com/Mark Ballenger Thanks I appreciate your feedback. I comment alot on your videos 😊

[@darrylthompson7509]

14:40 Jw's???

[@lowlyman4christ998]

Original sin? Sin is a transgression not a malady tho. Much love tho bro, I watch often

[@timothyriley3444]

You left one important thing out brother mark !!! We preach Christ crucified , Jesus is the head of the church ( or should be !!! ) The message of the Cross !!! Is the answer to all the Churches problem's because Jesus is our solution to ALL sin's which is Men and women's problem ( the sin nature) and the message of the Cross is the solution !!! Glory to God.

[@patriciaking7892]

#11 the healthy growth of the Church by numbers? There aren't a lot of healthy Christians for starters👌. People are led by example, if they're seeking👍.

[@messengerisrael3817]

This may sound good , but what does the word of the God of Israel , through the Messiah , the prophets and the apostles say ? Genesis 3;16 , " Unto the woman he said , I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception ; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children ; and thy desire shall be to thy husband , and he shall rule over thee " . The God of Israel has appointed the role of the fathers to be the head of the family , and the man is to minister the charge of the congregation of the God of Israel before the people , not the woman . This is in the old testament and the new testament . Please read the book of Numbers , on the role of the priests , and 1st Corinthians 11;3-10 , 1st Corinthians 14;33-35 , 1st Corinthians 5;10 . Women are to minister for the word of God , but in the way it was instructed . We say we have to obey the God of Israel , but we do this by keeping his instructions/words/commandments , not by our own understanding . The God of Israel gave the children of Israel the ten commandments , statutes and judgments ; And this was under the mediator Moses at Mount Sinai , and now under the mediator Jesus Christ . The Strangers/Gentiles who fear God and worketh righteousness are grafted into the covenant of Israel ( Romans 11-11-22 ) , and they must do the same things that he requires of Israel ( Romans 2;11-15 ) . This include the sabbath day , dietary law , ceremonial law and all of the laws he required Israel to keep , except the law he gave the mediator ( Moses ) as a protection , when his laws were transgressed ; which is the law of animal sacrifice , or the law of Moses , or the law of works . The church is the covenant between the God of Israel and the covenant people ( Israel ) , and this was started in the wilderness . The new covenant under the mediator Jesus Christ ( law of faith ) was started , when the Father accepted Christ , after his resurrection and appearing before the Father for our sins in heaven ( Hebrews 9;24 ) . Shalom !

[@thomassispieker]

For a shorter (4 minutes) video, Crosspaint's video on 1 Timothy addresses this topic! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moW7m5VqeLp9gac

[@nicolelewis2503]

Women are not to be Pastors or serve in leadership roles of any Pastor or elders. Higher leadership role are men only as mentioned in Timothy 2:12. I do agree that more churches need racial diversity and not just one race and everyone is the same but that goes for all races. Deff hit on head with community outreach and serving outward since church goers tend to hide in Church

[@rosannadana2922]

Nicole Lewis Women can teach other women..teach Sunday school

[@artisticexpressions8500]

A women pastor lead me very well many of decades

[@sallykimaru953]

i know,right

[@carrie2258]

Leadership in the true Church of Christ is to be male, that is God's directive, not man's/or woman's. 1 Timothy 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. 13. For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. 14. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression.…" When we don't adhere to the Whole of God's Word we are heading for trouble, as we see in many churches today across the world. Women can and do, have ministries to other women, teach women in bible studies and children also, but not Church leadership. "Many in that Day will say "Lord, Lord, we did many miracles in Your Name......" the Lord replies "away from Me I never knew you who practice iniquity..." Just because it looks like someone is doing something right doesn't mean that that person is in the right, concerning the Whole Word of God.

[@LoneWolfRanging]

He has a problem with scripture. His video on proverbs 31 completely contradicts Timothy and Titus. Stay away from this guy