Abiding and growing deeply in the presence and character of Jesus Christ is different from keeping the church organisation running, yet declining. A church’s collective health culture is built on individual health habits. A healthy church is a growing church; hence, a church leader is not the same as a secular module. Bishop John Finney and Professor David Dunn-Wilson, two of my inspiring lecturers at Cliff College, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, warned against a fuzzy church and leadership where membership discipleship is unimportant, and where church care centres on maintenance and leadership rather than on individuals.
The church missional rhythms are about a healthy shepherd leading a healthy church, thereby modelling servant-hearted, shepherd-oriented, accountable stewardship that shapes missional episcope- the ability to handle power. Church health determines church growth. Bishop Finney and Professor Dun-Wilson explained that, to understand leadership, for example, beyond episcopacy transplanted from the despotic power of Europe, we must recover the past: Jesus’ servant-hearted guidance, willingness to serve sacrificially, biblical grounding, thereby feeding the flock with sound doctrine, treating Scripture as the foundation for life and faith.
Healthy leaders remain open to correction and mutual submission rather than wallowing in doctrinal error for worldly gain and pride. Healthy leaders sustain missional long-term ministry by maintaining personal spiritual health, prayer, and rest rather than carrying every burden alone. Just as a healthy church is about Jesus at the centre, it empowers discipleship, producing mature Christians rather than dependent followers or a vague community shaped by Sunday services lacking authentic care, transparency and mutual support.
A healthy church rhythm is about Jesus shaping and determining the church’s meaning and mission. Arise, be a part of a healthy church and healthy leaders, knowing Christ personally, fulfilling the mission of working out your own salvation and telling others what your relationship with Jesus Christ does to continue transforming you and your leadership. Proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom; confess Jesus before men and women.
