1/27/2026 by Larry Barker
The temptation is to answer this immediately, but first you need to make sure you know who your church is. The answer is not found in opinion, consensus, or through a survey. A church is defined by the Word of God. The greatest potential for kingdom growth is found in local churches, and they are God’s plan to make Himself known to the nations. You can add all kinds of bells and whistles to the church, but while they may be good things, they may not be the best things or essential to making disciples. The two greatest missing ingredients in church planting and church health are prayer and evangelism.
Darrin Patrick offered one of the best definitions of a New Testament church: “The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus as Lord. In obedience to Scripture, they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and worship, observe the biblical ordinances of baptism and communion, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as missionaries to the world for God’s glory and their joy.” Jesus said in Matthew 16:19, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
J.D. Payne offers this description: “Life in the kingdom is meant to be carried out day by day at the local level. It is here that kingdom citizens are able to live out the kingdom ethic in accountability with one another. It is at the local level that the church can rightly preach and teach the scriptures, carry one another’s burdens, hold one another accountable, love one another, encourage one another to good works, celebrate the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper, fellowship, serve one another and their neighbors, and carry out the Great Commission.” Jesus purchased the church with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
Dr John David Smith writes this, “The Old Testament precedent for church is found in the word ‘qahal.” This literally means, ‘those who have heard the call and are following it.’ In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures) ‘qahal’ is translated ‘ekklesia.’ This word is formed from two words: ek- out and kaleo – called. Ekklesia literally means the called-out ones. The word ekklesia is used 114 times in the New Testament. It can mean a secular gathering or an assembly, but it is used 90 times in reference to a local church.” Being a called-out body of baptized believers is not dependent on any sanctioned location.
Dr Smith continues, “About 300 AD, the German word Kirche (Lord’s house), where we get the English word church, was introduced into Christianity. There is no etymological connection between ekklesia and kirche. From this point in Christian history, the church became a location centered around monolithic buildings, cathedrals, structures, and institutions instead of the gatherings that drove the movement of Christ.” Today, that has been expressed with challenges from missiologists, theologians, and pastors, such as, “It is not about seating capacity but sending capacity” and “the Great Commission has become the ‘Great Omission.”
The challenge and reality today is the same as it was in the book of Acts: some will believe and accept the gospel, some will not. Those who did believe became imitators of Paul’s team and of Christ. The unhealthiest churches are those that are inwardly focused. A biblical methodology and strategy for starting and strengthening churches is bringing in the harvest, teaching them, raising up leaders from the harvest, and sending leaders to work in the harvest fields. This is evangelism that results in congregationalism and community. This is what Jesus modeled, and He expected the 12 to imitate it. He also sent out the 72.
Paul told newly planted churches that they should imitate him as he imitated Christ. Peter said that the believers should follow the example of Jesus. This is what we see in the book of Acts by focusing on receptive people to make disciples. Paul told King Agrippa in Acts 26:19, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” There you have it. The greatest measure of a healthy church is obedience to the commands of our Lord and Chief Shepherd. Sometimes it seems many want Christ to be their mascot and come along for the ride by blessing them, but are not as interested in Him being the Monarch (King) of their lives and ministry.
Every church is to be found faithful in making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded. The church is a kingdom community with other kingdom citizens living out the King’s kingdom mandate. Difficult at times? Yes! Complicated? No! The time has come to be obedient to all of the King’s commands. You may need to step back and ask a few questions about yourself and the community of believers you belong to, about how well you are actually obeying. Is your church healthy, and what needs to get healthier? What needs to change, what do you need to begin, and where do you need to repent?
Here are some great evaluating and soul-searching questions to ask yourself and your church that are offered by Clint Clifton. “Does my church teach biblical doctrine? Does my church have godly leaders? Does my church communicate the gospel clearly? Does my church view other churches as competitors or allies? Do the elders and pastors of my church make themselves available for mentorship and discipleship? Would my church attempt to rescue me if I fell into grievous sin? Are the members of my church generally maturing in their relationship with Christ?” If we truly love Jesus, then our hearts will desire to obey Jesus.
The greatest mark of a Christian and a church is obedience. I Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”