Background to the way in which this leaflet seeks to identify ways in which the health of a church can be improved
In the Dioceses of Durham, Wakefield and Rochester investigations were made into churches whose membership had grown by at least 16% in contrast to the general decline elsewhere.
What has emerged is being called "The Seven Marks of a Healthy Church". On reflection it was realised that these were a good description of the life of Jesus Christ. He was energised by faith, was outward-looking, always sought to find out what God wanted, faced up to change, built a community, made room for others and concentrated on basics.
For this reason the whole project is sub-titled, "Expressing the Life of Christ through the Local Church", ultimately the goal of all churches.
Before taking further action the PCC would welcome the views of members of the congregations of St Paul’s and the Fell Church.
We hope that you will pray for the project, read the 7 statements below and submit your response.
This checklist, based on the ‘Seven Marks of a Healthy Church’, is designed to identify priorities for action in our church in order to help us to ‘express the life of Christ’.
| 1. Energised by faith
- we are helped to grow in faith and to experience God’s
love in worship and sacraments. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
2. Outward-looking - we work with
other faiths and secular groups, and are concerned about justice and
peace in our daily lives. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
3. Seek to find out what God wants
- we are open to the Spirit’s leading rather than our own
preferences and church agenda. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
| 4. Face the cost of change and growth
- rather than resisting change, we respond and dare to take on new ways
and challenges. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
5. Build community
- rather than functioning as a club, we work as a team
that expresses all seven marks of a healthy church. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
6. Make room for others - we seek
to welcome and include newcomers, young people, enquirers and those from
other backgrounds. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
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7. Do a few things and do them well
- we prioritise our work in public worship, pastoral care, stewardship
and administration, being ‘good news’ as a church. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 High |
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