One of the most pressing concerns for pastors, church leaders, and board members is how to measure the spiritual health of their congregation. We know it’s important. We know that spiritual health is at the core of meaningful ministry. But how do we measure something that isn’t as simple as counting attendance or tracking giving trends?

Spiritual health, much like personal transformation, doesn’t come with an easy scorecard. It’s far easier to track the number of people in Sunday service, the size of the church budget, or the participation in small groups. These metrics give us something tangible, but they don’t tell the whole story. Just because someone attends doesn’t mean they are growing. Just because someone gives doesn’t mean they are spiritually mature. And just because someone raises their hands in worship doesn’t necessarily mean their heart is fully engaged in surrender to Christ.

So, how do we know if our church is spiritually healthy? If traditional surveys and attendance reports fall short, what indicators can we rely on?

The Challenge of Measuring Spiritual Health

Spiritual health assessments are often limited in their effectiveness because they tend to focus on external behaviors rather than internal transformation. Asking someone if they read their Bible daily doesn’t confirm spiritual maturity—it simply confirms a habit. Likewise, asking if they attend church regularly doesn’t prove they are growing in faith—it just tells us they are present.

The reality is, transformation isn’t always outwardly visible in a way that can be easily categorized. Some people express their faith through exuberant worship, while others express it through quiet contemplation. Some dive deeply into theological study, while others pour their energy into serving. The challenge for church leaders is finding a way to assess spiritual health that acknowledges these nuances.

A Better Indicator: Communication and Fruit

One of the strongest indicators of spiritual health in a church isn’t found in a survey—it’s found in the way people communicate with one another. When we look at Scripture, spiritual growth is often revealed in how believers treat each other and how they reflect Christ in their relationships. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

How people love, encourage, challenge, and support one another in the church is a direct reflection of spiritual health. Are relationships marked by grace and patience? Is there a culture of honesty, accountability, and encouragement? Or are there patterns of gossip, division, and pride?

Beyond the church walls, another key indicator is how the congregation impacts the community. A spiritually healthy church is not just one that is internally strong, but one that is externally influential. Does your church actively meet needs in your city? Are people outside the church experiencing the love of Christ through the actions of your congregation?

Unfortunately, studies conducted by researchers like David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons have shown that many outside the church view Christians as judgmental, hypocritical, and arrogant. If our churches are to change that perception, we must focus on cultivating genuine, Christlike love and humility within our communities.

A Practical Approach: 12 Key Questions to Ask

If you want to take an honest look at the spiritual health of your church, consider asking these 12 questions among your leadership, congregation, and even members of your community. These questions will help paint a picture of where your church stands:

1. Do our members feel deeply connected to one another beyond Sunday services?
2. Are people being discipled in a way that leads to visible transformation?
3. Is our church known for love, grace, and humility within our community?
4. Are people finding it easy to be open about their struggles, or is there a culture of hiding and shame?
5. Are conflicts handled with biblical wisdom, reconciliation, and grace?
6. Do our sermons and teachings lead people toward personal application and growth, or just intellectual knowledge?
7. Do we have a strong culture of prayer, not just in services, but in everyday life?
8. Are our members actively using their gifts to serve both inside and outside the church?
9. Is there a strong sense of generosity in both time and resources among our people?
10. How do people outside our church perceive our congregation? Are we known for love and service or for being inward-focused?
11. Do our ministries equip people to live out their faith in the workplace, at home, and in their neighborhoods?
12. Are new believers being welcomed, discipled, and integrated into the life of the church?

Implementing Change for Spiritual Growth

Once you have gathered responses, the next step is to take action. Here are three key ways to respond effectively:

1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

Look for patterns in the responses. What are the areas of strength in your church? Where do you see room for improvement? If people feel connected and supported, that’s a strong foundation. If there’s a lack of transparency and accountability, that’s a red flag that needs addressing.

2. Foster a Culture of Authentic Communication

Encourage leaders and members to practice open, grace-filled conversations. The more people feel safe to share their spiritual struggles, the more opportunities there are for growth. Create spaces where people can ask questions, wrestle with faith, and encourage one another.

3. Engage in Active Discipleship

True spiritual growth happens through intentional discipleship. Beyond Sunday sermons, create environments where people can experience transformation through small groups, mentoring relationships, and one-on-one discipleship. Encourage leaders to model transparency, humility, and a passion for Christ.

Final Thoughts: A Shift in Perspective

Spiritual health isn’t about checking the right boxes. It’s about transformation. It’s about people becoming more like Christ in their love, service, humility, and impact. Instead of trying to measure faith like a statistic, let’s measure it in changed lives, restored relationships, and communities transformed by the Gospel.

As you lead your church forward, ask yourself: What kind of fruit is being produced in our congregation? If the evidence of spiritual health is in how people love God and others, then perhaps the best measure of success is not how many people are in the pews, but how many lives are being changed.

At Keenly, we are passionate about helping churches navigate these challenges and implement meaningful strategies for growth. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your church assess and strengthen its spiritual health, reach out to us today. Let’s build a church culture that truly reflects the heart of Christ.