Becoming a Healthy Church: Ten Traits of a Vital Ministry

by Stephen A. Macchia, Haddon Robinson (Foreword by), Gordon MacDonald (Afterword)

Overview

"A wonderful tool that I recommend to every church that is serious about being purpose-driven." -Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Church

Now available in trade paper, Becoming a Healthy Church illustrates the ten most important characteristics of church health. Based on extensive surveys, this helpful volume is designed to encourage the creation of a healthy climate for your church and its ministry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801065033
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/01/2003
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Stephen A. Macchia is founding president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. ( www.leadershiptransformations.org), a ministry serving the spiritual formation needs of leaders and teams in churches and ministries nationwide. He is also the director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he serves on the teaching team in the Doctor of Ministry department. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Phoenix Seminary. A pastoral teacher, conference speaker, ministry leader, and spiritual director, Steve is the author of Becoming a Healthy Church ( www.healthychurch.net), Becoming a Healthy Church Workbook, Becoming a Healthy Disciple, and Becoming a Healthy Team. He and his wife, Ruth, have two children and make their home in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	9
	Acknowledgments	11
	Preface	13
1.	Essential Ingredients of a Healthy Ministry	17
2.	God's Empowering Presence	27
	Characteristic 1
3.	God-Exalting Worship	41
	Characteristic 2
4.	Spiritual Disciplines	59
	Characteristic 3
5.	Learning and Growing in Community	7
	Characteristic 4
6.	A Commitment to Loving and Caring Relationships	95
	Characteristic 5
7.	Servant-Leadership Development	115
	Characteristic 6
8.	An Outward Focus	135
	Characteristic 7
9.	Wise Administration and Accountability	157
	Characteristic 8
10.	Networking with the Body of Christ	179
	Characteristic 9
11.	Stewardship and Generosity	197
	Characteristic 10
12.	The Process of Becoming a Healthy Church	215
	Afterword	223
Appendix	Ministry Platform of Vision New England	226
	Notes	232
	Selected Bibliography and Strategic Planning Resources	235