Church Health :: Vision Abiding Walk   The characteristics of a healthy church, and all aspects of the vision, must originate in the context of our vital “abiding walk” with Him. God can and will work “in spite of” us, but fruit will result from discovering His mission, not contriving our own. Biblical Core Values   It is impossible to discern the will of God for ourselves or our church apart from a comprehensive understanding of Scripture, including the nature of God, nature of the Church, nature of Culture, the significance of relationships, etc. Mission / Vision   Some elements of God’s eternal purpose for our church are common to all other Christian churches and ministries, and some elements are unique to us, our time, and our location, taking into consideration whom God has called and gifted to participate. Function over Form / Purpose over Programs   This biblical foundation must be the basis for all strategic or implementation decisions. As issues arise in forms / programs, wise leaders will guide the dialogue to function / purpose asking, “Why are we doing [form X]?” Philosophy of Ministry   Collectively determining a church’s philosophy of ministry can prevent the inevitable “whiplashes” of leadership changes and individual agendas. Ministry Model   However it is depicted graphically (ball diamonds, wedding cakes, etc.), a biblical ministry model must include glorifying God by … winning the lost building up the believers equipping the laborers multiplying leaders reproducing ministry Ministry Initiatives   As stated in Function over Form above, all ministry will be initiated, focused, and evaluated by a healthy church’s agreed-on purpose, not by what works elsewhere. For a more comprehensive treatise on Church Health, go to the Church Health section of www.efca.org.