Marks of a Healthy Church

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Acts 1–5 is a picture of a vibrant, healthy church. These events took place within 4–6 months of Christ’s resurrection. Acts 2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit “as of a rushing mighty wind” and “divided tongues, as of fire” that sat on each person, and “they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1–4). The Jews “from every nation” who were dwelling in Jerusalem heard them speak in their own language (Acts 2:5–6). Acts 2 also describes Peter’s sermon and the response to his sermon. In Acts 3, a lame man is healed, and Peter preaches another sermon to explain how this man got healed. Acts 4 begins with Peter and John being arrested by Jewish religious leaders because “they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2). There was a trial, and Peter and John were told that they could no longer speak to anyone in Jesus’ name, but Peter and John responded that they had to speak the things they had heard and seen. The authorities released them, and they went to their companions to report (Acts 4:23). After they gave their report of the trial, the people prayed, and “the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

In Acts 1–5, we see seven marks of a vibrant, healthy church:

1. A healthy church roots its theology, preaching, and beliefs in Scripture, and continues “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42).
2. A vibrant, healthy church practices the ordinances.
3. A vibrant, healthy church “continues steadfastly” in worship and prayer.
4. A vibrant, healthy church fellowships and spends time together.
5. A vibrant, healthy church disciples one another.
6. A vibrant, healthy church encourages the use of gifts and engagement in Kingdom work.
7. A vibrant, healthy church shares Christ and ministers to people’s needs.