Lesson Objective:
By the end of this lesson, pastors will be able to identify each element, understand its purpose, and recognize its role in the health and mission of the church in order to get a birds eye view.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
- “When you think about your church, what parts come to mind first? Worship? Leadership? Programs? How do you know if you’re healthy in all the right places?”
- Many churches focus on what’s urgent but overlook what’s essential. Today, we’ll walk through a framework of 7 essential elements that make up a fully functioning, God-honoring church.
1. Organizational Element – Leadership & Clarity
“Without vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18
- Focus: Structure, governance, theology, vision, strategy, leadership development.
- Key Areas: MVV (Mission, Vision, Values), Governance, Staffing, Strategy, Volunteer Integration, Decision-making.
- Guiding Question: “Do we have clarity and alignment around what we believe, where we’re going, and how we’ll get there?”
2. Numinous Element – Spiritual Atmosphere
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
- Focus: Experiencing God’s presence in corporate settings.
- Key Areas: Worship Services, Prayer Gatherings, Creative Ministry, Guest Experience.
- Guiding Question: “Do people encounter the presence of God when we gather?”
3. Regeneration Element – Evangelistic Witness
“You will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8
- Focus: The church’s presence and impact in the broader community.
- Key Areas: Evangelism, Outreach, Missional Living.
- Guiding Question: “Is our church reaching people who are far from God?”
4. Disciple-Making Element – Spiritual Maturity
“Go and make disciples…” – Matthew 28:19
- Focus: Discipleship pathways from birth to spiritual maturity.
- Key Areas: Kids, Youth, Adults, Small Groups, Mentoring.
- Guiding Question: “Are we growing people from spiritual infancy to spiritual parenthood?”
5. People Element – Community & Care
“They will know you are my disciples by your love…” – John 13:35
- Focus: relationships, care, life events, conflict resolution, and unity.
- Key Areas: Building relationships, visitation, counseling
- Guiding Question: “Are people known, loved, and cared for in our church?”
6. Operational Element – Organizational Support
“Let everything be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
- Focus: The behind-the-scenes functions that allow ministry to thrive.
- Key Areas: HR, Finance, Legal, Building, IT, Communications.
- Guiding Question: “Do our systems support ministry, or hinder it?”
7. Advancement Element – Multiplication
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
- Focus: Sending and reproducing churches and ministries.
- Key Areas: Church Planting, Mission Trips, Campus Launches, Partnering with Global Missions.
- Guiding Question: “Are we raising and releasing leaders and churches into the world?”
Activity: The Health Check
- “Which of the 7 elements is strongest in your church? Which needs the most attention?”
- What’s one element you need to invest in this month to bring greater health and balance to your church?”