Lamentations 3:40 says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” One of the most important elements of the Christian life is self-examination. Taking time to examine our church health is also very important.

I encourage churches to take a church health survey at least once a year. Currently, we are in the process of taking our churches through a congregational survey designed by Church Central. Every church that has taken the church health survey has been more healthy after the survrey process than before.

Why is it so important to diagnose church health? When is the last time you went to the doctor? Most people go to the doctor at least once a year. Regular check-ups are part of mainitaining physical health. We have our cars serviced on a regular basis. Taking a look at our church health on a regular basis, at least once a year, can also be very helpful.

Currently, our church health survey diagnoses six areas: ministry, discipleship, evangelism, worship, fellowship, and prayer. At least 15 percent of the congregation needs to complete the survey in order to obtain accurate results. The results come back in detailed formats and can be easily shared with the leadership of the congregation by e-mail.

Is God leading you to make adjustments in your church? How do you know which ones are the right ones to make? Pray about taking the church health survey in your church. Contact me to set up a time to talk about it more or let me know when you would like to go through the process. For more information, you can go to www.churchcentral.com.