What Makes a Healthy Church? Insights from Today’s Research

In an era of shifting cultural landscapes, declining attendance in some regions, and evolving expectations, understanding what makes a church healthy is vital for its mission and impact. A healthy church doesn’t merely endure—it thrives, transforming lives and communities for Christ. Drawing from global research by the Barna Group, Lifeway Research, and Exponential, as well as Canadian-specific insights from organizations like the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and the Canadian Church Trends project, here’s what defines a healthy church in 2025. These elements weave together biblical foundations and contemporary findings—both international and distinctly Canadian—to guide congregations toward vitality.

 Authentic Community: The Heart of Connection

Barna’s State of the Church 2023 report underscores that people long for belonging, a finding echoed in Canada by the EFC’s 2021 Vital Signs study. Healthy churches create authentic relationships where members feel seen and supported. In Canada, where multiculturalism shapes communities, this often means embracing diversity in small groups or fostering intergenerational bonds. The EFC notes that churches excelling in relational depth—like those in urban centers such as Toronto—retain members and attract newcomers by reflecting the Acts 2:42-47 model of shared life.

Scripture-Driven Focus: The Anchor of Truth

Lifeway Research highlights that Scripture-centered churches remain resilient, a principle reinforced by Canadian Church Trends data. In Canada, where secularism challenges faith, healthy churches don’t just quote the Bible—they make it relevant to daily struggles like mental health or societal polarization. Pastors in thriving Canadian congregations, such as those studied in Alberta and British Columbia, prioritize practical application, equipping members to live out their faith in a post-Christian context.

Visionary Leadership: The Compass for Growth

The Church Health Assessment by Exponential emphasizes visionary leadership that inspires and empowers—a trait Canadian research supports. The EFC’s 2023 leadership survey found that healthy Canadian churches, particularly in growing suburbs like Calgary or the Greater Vancouver area, are led by pastors who articulate a clear mission while fostering collaboration. These leaders navigate Canada’s unique challenges—like declining denominational loyalty—by rallying their congregations around a shared, forward-looking purpose.

Multigenerational Engagement: The Strength of Diversity

Barna’s global data shows thriving churches engage all ages. The Canadian Church Trends project, analyzing churches in Ontario and Quebec, found that vibrant congregations offer dynamic ministries for kids, youth, adults, and seniors. In a country with an aging population and a rising Gen Z presence, healthy churches—such as those in Halifax—bridge generational gaps, creating a family-like atmosphere that mirrors God’s diverse kingdom.

Outward Focus Through Service: The Hands of Love

The EFC’s Vital Signs report highlights outreach as a hallmark of health. Canadian churches thrive when they serve locally—think food banks in Winnipeg or refugee support in Montreal. This outward focus aligns with Jesus’ call to love neighbors (Matthew 22:39) and counters Canada’s growing skepticism toward religion by demonstrating tangible care, especially in rural and Indigenous communities.

Adaptive Worship and Innovation: The Voice of Relevance

The Canadian Church Trends project notes that healthy congregations—like those in tech-savvy cities such as Ottawa—blend traditional hymns with contemporary music or offer hybrid services (in-person and online). Excellence matters: the EFC found that churches investing in quality worship experiences retain younger attendees, a critical need in Canada’s increasingly secular culture.

Prayer as a Lifeline: The Breath of Dependence

The National Association of Evangelicals in USA ties prayer to church health, a link Canadian research reinforces. The EFC’s 2021 findings show that prayer-saturated churches—whether in small Maritime towns or bustling urban centers like Edmonton—experience renewal. Prayer guides decisions, sustains momentum, and invites God’s presence. Canadian leaders report that corporate prayer, often paired with fasting, fuels resilience amid cultural headwinds.

Why Church Health Matters

A healthy church fulfills the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) with impact. Barna’s global data and the EFC’s Canadian studies agree: healthy churches see growth in attendance, baptisms, and discipleship. In Canada, where 2021 Census data shows a decline in Christian affiliation (from 67% to 53% over a decade), health is a lifeline—keeping churches relevant and vibrant.

Taking the Next Step

How’s your church measuring up? Start small—deepen community, tweak worship, or serve your neighborhood. Churches, like those in Saskatchewan adapting to rural realities, prove small steps yield big results. Pray for guidance, rally your team, and trust God to lead. Health isn’t accidental—it’s cultivated with faith and flexibility.

In Canada and beyond, healthy churches are beacons of hope. They show that the body of Christ can flourish, even in challenging times. Let’s pursue health together—locally rooted, globally informed, and always pointing to Jesus.