Church Health means Quality

By now I hope you have got these 8 quality characteristics of the healthy churches learned by heart and memorized. Right?

• Inspiring WORSHIP
  
• Empowering LEADERSHIP.
  
• Need oriented EVANGELISM.
  
• Loving RELATIONSHIPS.
  
• Passionate SPIRITUALITY.
  
• Functional STRUCTURES.
  
• Gift oriented MINISTRIES.
  
• Holistic COMMUNITY GROUPS.
  

High quality results in increased quantity. But first things is quality. Quality is deeply embedded in the very psyche of Adventism. From our beginnings we have deliberately attempted to do whatever we do in the best possible way. Whether in our personal spiritual life or in the corporate life of the church, quality is essential.
“Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godliness--godlikeness--is the goal to be reached. Before the student there is opened a path of continual progress. He has an object to achieve, a standard to attain, that includes everything good, and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and as far as possible in every branch of true knowledge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” (Ellen G. White, Education, 18-19)
All quality characteristic are important. However, some have a greater impact on others, and on growth. One of such is Holistic Small Groups. This factor affects spirituality, relationships, leadership, ministries and even evangelism.
As you reflect again on these essential characteristics, remember that the descriptive adjective here is the key. We will knowingly move our church to a higher level of quality, becoming better instruments for God’s use in His Kingdom.
“There is a wide field for the elders and the helpers in every church. They are to feed the flock of God with pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from the chaff, the poisonous mixture of error. You who have any part to act in the church of God, be sure that you act wisely in feeding the flock of God; for its prosperity much depends upon the quality of this food.” (Ellen G. White, 7th Volume of the SDA Bible Commentary, 942)
As I read Isaiah 6: 9-10 recently, I began to realize that our unwillingness to change numbs our minds to understand. We won’t understand if we rule out change, for understanding always leads to change. The spirit of True wisdom, knowledge and understanding is from God alone. These are Divine attributes (Isaiah 11:2). Seek God’s Spirit as we go through this process of change, learn and inquire about ways of God.