What Should A Good Church Do?

People argue about what makes a church a "good" church.  One person only wants to attend a church that has a quality music program. Another person wants a church that has an energetic youth program for their kids. These are not wrong preferences in themselves. But in his letter to the Colossian church, the apostle Paul named several of his goals and aspirations for the people he served. Since the Holy Spirit inspired Paul's writing, we should take his words as those of the Lord as well.

First, Paul said that he and the other apostles preached Christ (Colossians 2:28). This was not just any Christ, but the specific Jesus Christ Paul was writing about in the letter. This is the Christ who is the visible image of the invisible God; the creator, master, and maintainer of all creation. This Christ is the head of the Church, the firstborn risen from the dead, and the one who rescues us from Satan's domain.

If a church doesn't get Jesus Christ right, nothing else about that church matters, regardless of beautiful architecture, music, diversity, or assistance for the poor.

Second, Paul wanted every person to be made complete in Christ (2:28). This process begins with people turning from their sins and calling on Christ to be their Savior.  But the completeness process only begins at the first point of saving faith. It is a dynamic, vital process that goes on for the rest of your life.

A good church knows that everyone is alienated from God. We can never become the people God intends for us to be, apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. A bad church will tell people that we're damaged but all is well. A truly Christian church tells people that yes, there is indeed a serious problem (sin), and a serious danger (hell), but Jesus Christ is the answer to both.  

A bad church presents a Jesus as cheerful life-coach. A good church presents the true Jesus, who knows we're sinners but loves us anyway; the Jesus who is eternal Savior and Lord. 

Third, Paul wants Christians to live their daily lives in harmony with Jesus Christ. Paul wants us to "walk" with Christ (3:6).

Toward this goal he tried to encourage Christians, to help them love each other, and to become spiritually wise through Christ (3:1-3). This is why he taught them the Bible, so they would become firmly established (3:6-7). This is also the definition of a good pastor.

These are the basics. Different churches will have different strengths, and also weaknesses. Different people will have different talents, different skills. Different churches will appeal to different sections of the community. But they should all share these basic, core spiritual commitments, no matter what size they are or what programs they can offer.