The Healthy Church
The healthy church is a friendly church — it’s loving and caring,
Though not self indulgent; nor legalistic and overbearing.
It’s supportive, it’s affirming, and also nurturing,
Utilizing those talents that from converted lives spring.
Its friendliness and loving care is shared with everyone,
For it knows that those of all faiths are children of the Son.
In fact, all are God’s creation, even the non-believer,
Who, when it comes to love, should also be a receiver.
Though concerned about its member’s spiritual well-being,
That’s not the only thing that it’s busy overseeing.
It’s concerned about every need, anything that may impede,
And it goes seeking, doesn’t just wait, ’till it hears someone plead.
It caters for special needs, cries from society heeds,
Caring not just for its own, but for all, thus sowing seeds.
It’s humanitarian, it’s green, its stewardship is seen,
It cares for all God’s creatures, and rights does not contravene.
If a member stops attending because he or she’s upset,
The healthy church takes that seriously, lest it aid and abet.
Regardless of who’s at fault, and without apportioning blame,
It seeks out the upset one, lest all, be engulfed by shame.
It quickly immobilizes, seeks to heal and restore,
Knowing that healthy churches don’t have a swinging back door.
It attempts to right any wrong, surrounds with its safety net,
And should the fault not be its, it’s quick to forgive and forget.
The healthy church has a reconciliation committee,
Where grievances are handled lovingly, impartially.
Where wisdom and sound biblical guidelines are foremost,
And where the best interests of both parties is uppermost.
For the emotionally challenged, anxious, or afraid —
Including the inarticulate — concessions are made.
Such as: Someone can speak on their behalf — that’s, take their place,
Or, simply be there for them, when that committee they face.
The healthy church treats the minority just as thoughtfully,
And considers quality more important than quantity.
Its desire to serve is greater than its desire to lead,
And on behalf of each member it’s quick to intercede.
In the healthy church, class, race, cliques, and ego, play no part,
Nor does nepotism or cronyism church affairs chart.
Its leader doesn’t surround himself with yes men, nor dictate,
But rather, Christ’s humbleness and transparency seeks to emulate.
The healthy church also encourages healthy debate,
And those who hold differing views it doesn't alienate.
Its affairs it invites its members to investigate,
It doesn’t mislead, bear false witness, nor from truth deviate.
It generates security, stability, and respect,
Via loving discipline, order and balance — that seeks to protect.
And also via responsible and worthy leadership,
Rightful worship, sound teaching — that seeks to guide and equip.
It cares for God’s premises — the building — where Christians meet,
Their worship centre, that they take pride in, and not ill-treat.
Thereby, they show their love for God, protecting and respecting
This outward Christian symbol, where they come to meet their King.
This building that’s set apart, is cleaned, repaired, showcased —
Though modestly so — and, its inner sanctum’s never debased.
There — respect for holy things is tangibly, practically, learned,
For the healthy church, has a healthy attitude — where the sacred’s
concerned.
And also where its health is concerned, that being, the body,
For that’s considered God’s temple also — biblically.
Therefore, the healthy church looks after its body also,
Lest it disappoint its Lord, and the seeds of ill health sow.
And because body and mind are linked, it guards the mind too,
Vetting what it allows in, letting the Spirit renew.
It shuns anything that harms both the body and the mind,
Knowing that whatever harms, the devil’s always behind.
The healthy church is one that’s actively committed to
The good, and eternal well-being, of all — member, Gentile, Jew.
It’s a beacon on a hill, a mouthpiece for its Architect,
It’s visible, audible, appeals to the heart and intellect.
Yes, the healthy church has a mission — it’s extroverted,
Informing not just its own, but also, the unconverted.
Its own backyard is tidy — conveys no contradiction,
And via its living connection, it speaks with conviction.
It loves unconditionally, its good deeds are legendary,
It follows God faithfully, obeys and works willingly.
It’s marked by its unity, its witness bears testimony,
Its focus is heavenly, and, its practice in harmony.
The healthy church is not an organization, but a people,
Who simply gather together under an appointed steeple.
Yes, an organized body, not an organization,
Who look to Christ, not man, to grace, not works, for their salvation.
The healthy church doesn’t seek the States support — but trusts its Lord,
Because it knows that any religion that turns to the State is flawed.
The healthy church runs its own affairs — isn’t wedded to the State,
For that’ll make it unwell, and effectively, seal its fate.
The healthy church has God as its head, and never a man;
Putting men in charge is folly, such wasn’t, nor is, God’s plan.
The only kingdom that the healthy church puts its trust in,
Is Christ’s coming kingdom — a divine kingdom — one free of sin.
The healthy church does not turn to Egypt or Babylon,
And a man, or men, nor human plans, does not lean upon.
It’s not a political animal, nor an activist,
It does not legislate, police, push, pull, dictate, insist.
Though a light and a voice, it knows its place — won’t cross the line,
Lest it become intoxicated, besotted, and decline.
The healthy church is healthy because it remains apart,
Just letting the Master Physician its healthiness chart.
