When I was in seminary, much of the conversation about healthy churches revolved around “noses and nickels”—attendance and giving. I’m grateful we’ve since shifted away from this narrow view of what makes a church healthy. There’s no direct correlation between a congregation’s size and a church’s health. However, I’ve noticed that, in some cases, the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction. While numbers aren’t everything, they are still relevant. Here are some key signs I look for when evaluating the health of a revitalized church:

1. Attendance Accountability

While church health shouldn’t be solely measured by numbers, ignoring attendance trends can be detrimental. I look for how many people gather to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords. While attendance is not the only metric, attendance can indicate how effectively the church is reaching the community. Declining numbers should prompt a deeper evaluation of spiritual vitality and outreach.

2. Evangelistic Engagement

A revitalized church is characterized by a culture of evangelism. There should be a straightforward and ongoing process for equipping members to share their faith. I always ask pastors if they know how many people have come to faith and been baptized through their church’s witness. It’s concerning how many can’t answer this question. A healthy church actively leads people to Christ and celebrates new believers.

3. Purposeful Prayer

A revitalized church is bathed in prayer, especially prayer for the lost and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Is there a strategic prayer ministry focused on these priorities? How many people in the congregation are actively praying for revival, their community, and the spread of the Gospel? The power of prayer cannot be overstated in church revitalization.

4. Christ-Centered Relationships

True revitalization fosters deep, Christ-centered friendships. The church is not just an organization; it is a family. Members of a healthy church enjoy spending time together—whether it’s after services, during meals, or in their everyday lives. This kind of God-honoring fellowship naturally spreads and draws others in.

5. Missional Giving

Generous giving, like attendance, is not the only barometer of health, but it is a significant indicator. When people grow in their relationship with Christ, they become more generous with God’s resources. In a revitalized church, the budget should increasingly focus on advancing the Gospel, locally and globally, rather than merely sustaining internal needs.

6. Disciple-Making Lifestyles

A revitalized church takes the Great Commission seriously. The Word of God is preached boldly from the pulpit, and small-group discipleship is prioritized. It’s often said that to grow larger, a church must grow smaller, fostering close-knit communities where every member is known and cared for. Beyond larger gatherings, the church should invest in equipping believers through smaller discipleship groups or one-on-one mentoring.

7. Missional Engagement

Lastly, a revitalized church is active beyond its walls. How many people are involved in ministries that serve the community? Are people answering God’s call into vocational ministry? Are they participating in short-term mission trips? A healthy church sees its members engaged in serving the needy, both locally and globally, as they live out their faith in practical ways.
 
These are just a few signs I look for when assessing a church’s health and revitalization progress. Each one points to a church that is alive, growing, and making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom of God.

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.