Why is the Healthy Church Program needed?
Anyone who has ever been on an aeroplane is grateful for the incredible quality control that goes into building an aircraft. Every part of the airframe, every nut, bolt, rivet and washer is meticulously checked to ensure that nothing fails so that all travellers may reach their destination safely. Not only that, but all aircraft are subject to regular ongoing examinations to ensure that components remain fit for purpose and to identify any metal fatigue as soon as it appears. Planes that do not observe these examinations can be bound to remain on the tarmac at best, and at worst, suffer failure in flight that causes terrible danger, pain and damage.
No one would want to fly on an aeroplane with a poor quality control record.
Churches are part of God’s plan. They also carry thousands of souls who rely on them to keep them safe and help them reach their God-given destination. Like aeroplanes, they need to ensure they have robust quality controls that keep the people in them safe and that they also reach their God-given destination safely.
The Healthy Church Program is the equivalent of an airworthiness test for churches. It is a quality control structure that highlights areas of church health to celebrate and reveal areas that may need attention.
Examination as a biblical imperative.
There are literally dozens of scriptures about the need to examine. Either ourselves (2 Cor 13:5, “Examine yourselves…”) or our churches (Proverbs 27:23-24, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks…”), understanding our current state is vital to charting a route to our future. Consider David in 1 Chronicles 12. Among the great warriors who joined him, with their tens of thousands, we note that there were also 200 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. In David’s strategy for victory, he saw the importance of intelligence.
The Healthy Church Program.
The program consists of two modules. Pulse and 360 Matrix. Both can be run independently or together, dovetailing with around 20 matrix questions. Larger churches (those with over 200 members or those with large teams) should consider both modules. The program takes place generally over eight days; the rationale is as follows:
Scores are recorded “Out of six”
- Scores of 0-3 = Red. Urgent action is needed.
- Scores of 3.1-5 = Amber. Action is needed.
- Scores of 5-6 = Green. Healthy score.
Benefits
The data runs through several sophisticated programs, including AI, and is analysed by a facilitator/Consultant. Reports are generated, showing areas of celebration and those that may require attention, and the report is then presented to the SLT.
It is anticipated that eventually, churches that complete the program will be issued a Healthy Church logo for their website, which will direct prospective attendees to an HC website outlining the Quality Control elements to which the church has subscribed. (In process)
An Action Plan is generated, outlining all key results and suggested pathways/discussion points. A Facilitator/Consultant reviews the results and adds commentary. It is geared toward bringing about change and action.
Safeguarding is a key element. Within the Pulse, there is an opportunity for participants to seek advice from Safeguarding organisations if needed. This is important because churches are seen as proactive in Safeguarding rather than reactive.