Preaching through the Sermon on the Mount has profoundly affected my thinking about ministry. During this series—The Jesus Agenda—God started working in me with the question, “How do we measure healthy ministry?” In other words, how can you tell a healthy church from an unhealthy one? Even though Jesus doesn’t directly mention the church in the Sermon on the Mount, He gives the framework for growing a healthy church.
The Wrong Strategy
One of the things God showed me is that churches get in trouble when they lack sound strategy. Of course, there are all kinds of church growth strategies out there. But following the wrong strategy leads to taking wrong measurements. Believe me, I’ve done both.
Back in 2016, I was traveling with BKM, speaking at 40 or so churches a year. I kept seeing churches measure their health by their attendance and giving. Consequently, I talked with a lot of frustrated pastors. If numbers are the measuring stick for good health, then many rural churches would have little hope. I firmly believe that even churches in low population areas can have healthy ministries.
A Healthy Strategy
Jesus brings His agenda front and center in the Sermon on the Mount. Healthy church strategy starts where He started—with our attitudes. The Beatitudes describe the nature of Christ, which every believer should display. That’s why I’m not nearly as concerned about the number of people who attend our church as I am about their nature.
Then, in Matthew 5-7, Jesus addresses topics such as marriage, anxiety, money, prayer, and judging; just to name a few. He describes what authentic Christianity looks like. He sets the standard for how His disciples should think and behave in everyday life.
So instead of asking how to grow a church, we should be asking…are our members exhibiting the nature of Jesus? Are they growing in their love and devotion for Christ and then sharing the gospel with other people? What impact are we making in our community? How are we training leaders to grow other Christian disciples?
Healthy Disciples Create Healthy Ministry
Jesus called the original 12 disciples to a personal relationship, in which He was the driving force of their lives. For three years He challenged their thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and actions. Why? He was creating spiritually healthy disciples who would think and act differently than those who were merely religious.
It was a challenging life. They gave up everything to follow Him. But it was also a rewarding life. They watched Jesus heal, teach, minister, and raise people from the dead. Then He sent them out and told them they would do even greater things. I’m not suggesting we all leave our jobs and homes and become traveling evangelists. I’m suggesting that we challenge one another to be disciples, not just churchgoers.
When the main goal is higher attendance and generous giving, there’s a temptation to cater the message so people will feel comfortable. But when the main goal is disciple-making, we craft the message to challenge—just as Jesus did.
Conclusion
I don’t think the health of a church can be determined by its size. There are plenty of large churches that got that way by compromising on the truth of Scripture. A healthy church grows healthy disciples who, in turn, create healthy ministry. Evangelism and discipleship should be the priority.
Of course, the Holy Spirit is central to both the work and the spiritual dynamic of the church. We must be purposeful in seeking His guidance and yielding to His leading. Otherwise, we won’t “exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees” (Matthew 5:20). If we focus on the same agenda Jesus had, we can leave the attendance and budget in His hands.