The vision of the Free Church is of A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland.
In this video and discussion series we have been looking at seven characteristics of healthy Christians and healthy churches. We have talked about Healthy Preaching, Healthy Worship, Healthy Prayer, Healthy Mission, Healthy Discipleship, Healthy Relationships, and Healthy Leadership.
This model that we have looked at is really just one possible model, but it is a helpful tool for considering the health of our congregations and for starting conversations. There are lots of good ideas out there, and many things that you can share with others throughout the Free Church.
Do please continue to be intentional in thinking about, and working towards, greater spiritual health. Keep these conversations going in your small groups and leadership teams. How can I grow in spiritual health? And how can I help my congregation grow in spiritual health?
Here is one final thought as we conclude this series.
One image or idea that some of us have found helpful is the image of a wooden barrel or bucket, with staves of different heights. The bucket can only hold water up to the lowest point. Similarly, the suggestion is that the local church can only be as healthy as the weakest of these seven areas.
So as we finish this series, we would like to ask you, on your own, or in your discussion group, to think about which of these seven areas needs the most attention in your life, and in the life of your congregation.
Perhaps begin by thinking about which areas are healthy, and give thanks to God for that. And then think about which areas are weaker, and which area, to your mind, needs the most attention.
Is it Healthy Preaching, Healthy Worship, Healthy Prayer, Healthy Mission, Healthy Discipleship, Healthy Relationships, or Healthy Leadership?
The discussion guide, that is available below, also asks us to reflect on what we have learnt from our discussions and what we want to implement.
But more than anything, lets commit ourselves to pray for Healthy Gospel Churches, and to ask that God would strengthen the areas that most need work.
That together we would grow increasingly healthy as Christians, as congregations, and as a denomination. And that we would see A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland.