“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

Several leaders of various ministries were booked on the same flight. As they sat at the gate, they enjoyed the fellowship they shared in the work of the gospel and the ministry of the Lord. Quietly, away from the growing crowd, these leaders spoke with heavy hearts. As they were participating in the same conference, they knew that many of the churches that were represented by the host of pastors simply were not very healthy.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could return to the situation of Acts 9:31?” one of the leaders said to the others. “Honestly. This progress report is so powerful. Let’s pray that it will be so,” he concluded.

Friends, it is not a light thing for me to ask if this description is true of your local church. I love local churches, and I appreciate the work of every faithful Godly pastor, but the genuine health of the local church is not measured by the pastor alone.

Here’s what I am thinking. The health of your church is a reflection of the walk of the church family. May our walk with the Lord be honoring to Him and strengthening to the body of Christ.