A Picture of Health

Have you ever wondered what a healthy Church looks like?

I have, not only because I am a Pastor and hope to lead a healthy Church, but I also long to see God glorified here on earth.

One of the chief ways He has chose to do this is through His Church.

I am afraid that many of us have heard too many horror stories about Churches splitting and fighting and closing.

I can hear the critics now; saying that the church is dead and is not needed in today's society.

I would have to disagree, the church is needed now more than ever.

The world has lost sight of truth, The church should be a beacon of truth, and a defender of that truth.

The world has lost sight of morals, The church should be an example of how to live a right life in the Spirit under the loving hand of grace.

The world has lost sight of people, We as a church should be known by how we love each other and look on each other with integrity and respect.

So when it comes to thinking about a healthy church, it's easy to see how important this subject is.

Mark Dever has given the church a great gift with his short but powerful book, "What is A Healthy Church?", Crossway books.

Mr. Dever has a great passion for God's church.

He has a ministry called 9marks that focuses on the church and it's needs.

Mr. Dever has given us a great model for a healthy church. He admits that its not an exhaustive model, but I think it's a wonderful one.

He breaks his thoughts down into 9marks of a healthy church...hence the name 9marks.

lets look at these marks:
I. Expositional Preaching
II. Biblical Theology
III. A Biblical Understanding of the Gospel
IV. A Biblical Understanding of Conversion
V. A Biblical understanding of Evangelism
VI. A Biblical understanding of Membership
VII. Biblical Church Discipline
VIII. Biblical Discipleship and Growth
IX. Biblical Church Leadership

If our Churches would set these as our marks, I think that our communities would truly begin to see our God glorified through His church.