Healthy Congregations

The Bishop's Taskforce on Healthy Congregations began its work after the 2006 North Carolina Annual Conference. Clergy and laity from across the conference participated in the process, including individuals from rural, urban, small, and large membership churches.

 

 

The Taskforce was charged with identifying and studying the elements of healthy congregations, regardless of size or location. (Click here for an overview of this process and its recommendations.)

 

 

Church leaders are asked to engage in an annual study of the health of their local church through the use of these suggested tools...

 

1. Bible Study - Church leaders and small groups may engage in a four-week Bible study to provide a scriptural foundation to the Healthy Churches Assessment. This study should be completed before beginning the assessment.  (Click here for a guide you can use for this Bible study.)

2. Healthy Churches Assessment - Every three years, church leaders are asked to complete a comprehensive assessment of the church relative to the characteristics of a healthy congregation. It is recommended this assessment take place in the summer/early fall. (Click here for a copy of the assessment guide.)

3. Ministry Action Plans - The Healthy Churches Assessment will result in a Ministry Action Plan, which is a strategy adopted by the Church/Administrative Council for improving the health and effectiveness of the church. It is recommended that church leadership implement two to four action plans in the years between full assessments. The results of the Ministry Action Plan should be included in Charge Conference information. (Click here for a Ministry Action Plan tool to help leaders in developing goals.)