Chuck Swindoll recently referenced a University of Nebraska study called the Family Strengths Research Project. The study asked, "What makes families strong?"
The researchers found 6 main qualities in strong families:
1. Strong families are committed to the family.
2. Strong families spend time together.
3. Strong families have good family communication.
4. Strong families express appreciation for one another.
5. Strong families have a spiritual commitment.
6. Strong families are able to solve problems in a crisis.
While the study was intended to characterize and inspire personal families, the case could be made that these same characteristics need to be replicated in our church families.
For a church to be strong, mature, and functional (as opposed to dysfunctional), churches also need to:
1. Be committed to one another -- everyone should be there to support each other -- discipleship
2. Spend time with one another -- fellowship -- doing life together -- Koinonia
3. Communicate well -- what is not spoken in the light festers in the dark -- no factions or side discussions -- everything needs to be in the open
4. Express appreciation for each other -- every part of the body is important and needs to be seen as such
5. Have a spiritual commitment -- we're not called to be social clubs, but ambassadors for Christ as His hands and feet in our communities -- remember our purpose and calling
6. Solve problems in a crisis -- conflicts and divisions within a church should be discussed and handled by the church as the Spirit leads -- churches should strive to do what they can to confront larger crises within our communities and nation as God directs
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