by Steve Higginbotham
No matter what the undertaking may be, we desire to be successful. That can be no more true than when it comes to the success of the Lord’s church. However, in the minds of many people, a successful church is measured in size, numbers, facilities, and reputation within a community. People often point to the mega-churches within our society as examples of successful churches.
While there is nothing wrong with size, numbers, facilities, and reputation within a community, not a single one of these characteristics is essential to having a successful church.
So, just what does make a church successful? Consider some of these qualities:
Christians who humbly and quietly try to live out the Lordship of Jesus in their lives. Christians who unceasingly pray every day for the strength and stability of the Lord’s
church. Christians who love the truth supremely; who will not allow their own personal desires
or situations to skew their perception of God’s revelation. Christians who are committed to moral living and whose goal is not to fit in with society,
but whose goal is purity and godliness. Christians who love peace more than they do a fight; who love the calmness of unity
more than the rhetoric of a fuss; and who love words of edification more than the allure of gossip. Christians who support the weak, restore the fallen, and who re-affirm their love and commitment to those who have stumbled. Christians who understand the times, and who attempt to reach out to the world in relevant ways, while maintaining the purity of the gospel message.
Now these characteristics would make a successful church! And take note: It’s not about numbers, size, or facilities. It’s about inward transformation, a renewing of the mind, conforming one’s life into the image of Jesus. And here’s the best news – it’s within the grasp of every one of us.