In America, there’s this unspoken belief that wealth is bad and poverty is good. The less you have, the closer you are to the Lord. But these ideas reek of a poverty mindset. There’s a big difference between being “poor in spirit” and believing you’re a powerless victim.
Scripture says, “it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” but that doesn’t mean we should retreat from Heaven’s blessings (see Matthew 19:23 NLT).
God wants us to thrive financially, spiritually, and emotionally.
Personally, I see success in these 3 areas as signs of a Prosperous Church. But what does thriving in these areas look like? Is it possible to have all 3 and still maintain integrity? I think so.
1. Spiritual Prosperity
Spiritual prosperity for church members is a strong desire. Yet, so many congregations feel spiritually empty. Why?
A lot of churches have no real connection to the Holy Spirit.
Some leaders are too afraid to get their people connected to God’s presence. Members who “flow in the spirit” act weird. Services run long. Congregants get offended.
But this experience of God’s power is so needed. It’s a sign of spiritual prosperity.
When Bill Johnson first arrived at Bethel Church, he preached a message of “revival at all costs.” He encouraged everyone to seek God with ferocity.
At first, Bill’s message was met with resistance. Over half the church left within a few months.
Today, Bethel is a massive, international movement dedicated to hosting God’s presence.
That’s what a Prosperous Church is: a community of believers who pursue the Lord wholeheartedly and experience His presence on a personal level.
2. Emotional Prosperity
Everyone in a Prosperous Church, leaders and members alike, should work to become healthier people.
This is why inner healing and deliverance ministries like Bethel Sozo are so beneficial. They allow people to meet with God in a safe environment and receive healing from deep personal issues.
I remember when my wife and I ran into an acquaintance from a previous church. Dawna had just started the Bethel Sozo ministry and experienced radical transformation. The acquaintance was so stunned with Dawna’s change. She said, “Wow, you used to be so bitter!”
It was a hilarious moment that caused everyone to laugh. Dawna confessed, “Yes, I definitely had some anger issues.” Point is, inner healing can lead to extreme breakthrough, even to the point of making people unrecognizable (in a good way).
Members of a Prosperous Church seek to heal their issues so that they can become healthier people.
3. Financial Prosperity
Finally, members of a Prosperous Church grow financially. Congregants aren’t afraid to examine their finances and make changes if needed. They see wealth as a tool, and grow it for God’s glory. This mission is demonstrated in Matthew 25:20-22:
“Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much…’”
God not only encourages us to earn wealth, He expects an increase in whatever He gives us. Prosperous Church members recognize that money is an opportunity for growth, and they work hard to steward it.
Conclusion
The church has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate spiritual, emotional, and financial success. We don’t need to look to important figures in culture, politics, or business to be inspired. We can be the inspiration ourselves!
I call this an evangelism of jealousy: where people come to the Bride of Christ because they see us thriving.
If you feel called to build a Prosperous Church or are inspired to join one, ask God how you can increase your health in these 3 areas: spiritual, emotional, and financial. Pray this prayer:
“Lord, help me to steward the riches you’ve given me. Empower me to get healthy on the inside so I can carry the blessings You provide. Teach me how to connect with You on a deeper level, so I can move closer to You and reflect success in every area of my being. I pray this all in Jesus’ Name, amen.”
P.S: For insight on how to develop your strength in these 3 areas, check out my ecourse: Prosperous Soul Online: Foundations.