In 1860, Spurgeon spoke to the London Missionary Society and expressed a desire for fruitful missions. He titled his talk “Peace at Home, and Prosperity Abroad.” For Spurgeon, successful missions started with healthy local churches. He asked, “What are the points which constitute the healthiness of the church at home?” His answer:
Purity of life (conversion) confirmed through membership examination; The soundness of the gospel (sound doctrine); The saved bond of brotherhood (unity); Constant activity (devoted to good works); Abounding in prayer.[1]
Perhaps he could have added four or six more, but these points are certainly a good place to start if we want to see a local church become healthier.
1. Purity of Life (Conversion) Confirmed Through Membership Examination
Spurgeon believed saints should be “sufficiently distinguished from the world” and “in our purity—and in our purity alone—we stand.” How is a church “pure” and distinguished from the world?
Conversion. This view was consistent in Spurgeon’s preaching. In another sermon, Spurgeon said, “An unholy, unregenerated church can never be the pillar of the truth. If there be a failure in vital godliness, if humble walking with God be neglected, the church cannot long remain a healthy church of
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