What do we mean by "wellness"?
Nothing as simple as 98.6 degrees on a thermometer, of course. But we can discern some signs of "wellness" in a faith community.
They include:
- Growth in membership
- Vibrant mission work that makes a discernible difference in the larger community
- Members' lives being transformed
- Congregation capable of taking risks, failing without recrimination, and learning from failure
- Transparency and confidence in dealing with conflict
- Capable of dealing creatively with change
- Open communications
- Members bringing their yearnings and questions to church
- Willing to be guided by outcomes
Wellness is dynamic, not a steady state that a congregation reaches and then maintains.
Wellness lies in how a faith community responds to change, stress, opportunity, people's needs and personalities.