Although I agreed with somewhat with the congregational singing and with the love between the pastor and his congregation, there was no mention of friendliness in the article. When I visit a church that I have never been to before and not one person greets me, that seals the deal for me. On the other hand, as a member of a church, when I see someone new, I make a bee line to welcome and greet the person(s). In my humble opinion, friendliness should be first, then the love between the pastor and the people. I don't think I have ever concerned my self with how strong the people sing.

Zoomer333, check the Word because you are in error. Jesus is building His church and the gates of hell will never prevail against it; also Jesus loved the Church so much He gave His life for her. If Jesus loved it enough to die for it, shouldn't we at least live for it?

Sure there are many problems but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. The Church is still important and much needed in our world today. Don't run from the church, run to the church and let Christ shine through you.

If you are a true believer of God why would anyone want to be in the church right now. Satan has taken his seat in the temple. 1 peter 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God. GET OUt! God Is NOT there!

I think at a healthy church the members interact before and after the service. Do they chat, smile, and welcome each other? To me, that is a sign of a healthy church. At my church the youth will even go out of their way to say "Hi" if they are leaving a youth activity and you see them when you arrive for some class or activity you are going to attend. That to me shows a healthy and growing church. I always thank the choir or singers or instrument players at any special service that we have. I think that shows a healthy church too. One where the members take the time to be thankful for a special performance to assit us in praising our Lord. It is always appreciated, and I think reflects possitively on our church family.

I haven't read any of the other comments yet, so I 'm not sure if this one has already been brought up, but I think a good way to spot a healthy church is that it will be multigenerational. I have visited churches where a majority of the congregation were young people and it had a feeling of misdirection. Not to say that these young people weren't there for the right reasons, but it felt really off balance. I've also been to churches where a majority of the congregation is comprised of a mature generation. There weren't any teen agers, younger couples, young children, or babies. It was clear that this church would not be in existence for very long. A healthy church that represents all ages young to old is a church where each generation can build each other up and learn from each other.

Seeing that I've never been a member of but one church, I can see have this premise would apply. If you have joy then you have a song in your heart (although we should always have one). It's just human nature that when you are happy you sing! And as far as having a good appreciation with the pastor, most churches won't admit that they don't because it's "dangerous" to think of your pastor in anyother way than good. All in all, I agree that these things happen in a heathy church.

I have been to numerous churches on visits, and I have been on staff with college group that functioned like a small church. I would say your points are very insightful and correct. Especially the affection between the pastor and his people. This point is critical and fairly easy to see. I had never considered the singing thing before but upon consideration I find it to be incredibly true.

i always appreciate folks that evaluate churches.i have a request.maybe some sabbath morning you could visit the seven day adventist church.i will watch for a reply. thanks.