What Is Our Church Peace Index?
In today's reflection, we'll explore the concept of a "Church Peace Index" - a measure of how well we embody Christ's peace within our congregation and extend it to our world. Just as nations can be measured by their commitment to peace, we too can evaluate how effectively we're living out the Gospel's call to be peacemakers.

by Mark Poyner

Understanding the Global Peace Index
The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks 163 countries on their levels of peacefulness using 23 indicators across three domains:
  • Level of societal safety and security
  • Crime rates and political instability
  • Refugee populations and terrorism
  • Civil unrest and other factors
Each indicator is scored and weighted to create a comprehensive peace rating for each nation.
The United States and Global Peace
132
U.S. Global Peace Ranking
Out of 163 nations, down 3 places since 2024
5
Most Peaceful Nations
Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and Austria lead the world in peace
1st
Maine's Ranking
If we break down to state level, Maine ranks as the most peaceful state in the U.S.
From Global to Local: Our Church Peace Index
What would it take for our church to have a strong "Church Peace Index" (CPI)? How might we measure the peace we cultivate within our walls and extend to our community?
A meaningful CPI would reflect how we treat one another, how we welcome strangers, and how we respond to conflict. It would measure not just the absence of strife, but the active presence of Christ's reconciling love.
Three Essential Questions for Our CPI
1
Are we using our freedom to serve or to separate?
Do we use our Christian liberty as an opportunity to build bridges or erect walls? Freedom in Christ is not meant to divide us but to free us for service to one another.
2
Do we retaliate when others disagree—or do we respond with grace?
Our reaction to disagreement reveals the depth of our peace. Christ calls us to turn the other cheek and respond with love, even when it's difficult.
3
Are we willing to go "all in" with Jesus, even when it costs?
Peace often requires sacrifice—of comfort, time, status, or pride. How much are we willing to give up to follow the Prince of Peace?
The Foundation: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1
"What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ."
This foundational confession provides the bedrock for church peace. When we truly understand that we belong to Christ rather than ourselves, it transforms how we relate to one another.
Building a Peaceful Church Through Q&A 1
Cultivate Humility
Reminding each other we are not our own but belong to Christ cultivates a spirit of humility that makes space for others.
Foster Forgiveness
Leaning on Christ's full payment for sin enables us to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that we've received.
Encourage Service
The empowering work of the Holy Spirit equips us to serve one another sacrificially, building up the body of Christ in love.
The Heart of Peace: Heidelberg Q&A 105
"That I do not belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor—not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—and that I do not participate in this with others..."
Question 105 addresses not just external violence, but the inner attitudes and interpersonal actions that either build up or tear down peace within a church community.
The Root of Violence: Anger and Hatred
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:22: "Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."
The root of violence isn't in the physical act, but in our hearts—in envy, hatred, anger, and vindictiveness. When we harbor these feelings toward others, we've already begun to violate God's peace.
The hard question becomes: "Isn't everyone our brother and sister, no matter who they are?"
Who Is Our Neighbor?
Migrants & Refugees
"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as you love yourself." (Leviticus 19:34)
The Homeless
"Share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter." (Isaiah 58:6-7)
The Elderly & Forgotten
"Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." (Psalm 71:9)
The Incarcerated
"I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:36)
More Neighbors We're Called to Love
  • People of Color facing systemic racism
  • LGBTQ+ Community members who fear rejection
  • People with Disabilities often overlooked in ministry
  • Children and Youth in Crisis struggling with mental health
"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
The Path to Church Growth: Radical Peace
Jesus teaches us in the parable of the Good Samaritan that our neighbor is often the one we're least likely to help—the one society, and sometimes even the church, has rejected or taught us to avoid.
Our Church Peace Index rises when we answer Jesus' call to "go and do likewise" by showing mercy to those our culture trains us to fear or exclude.
"The only way we can have growth and revitalization is by having peace, and peace takes a strong price to pay. But we must do it."