Creating the Environment for Growth Introducing Natural Church Development and the 8 Essential Qualities 8EQs Defined

Who Am I? Martin Saxby Healthy Churches Development Mentor Previously Vicar of m2o, Rugby St. Matthew’s & St. Oswald’s Supporting work of the Archdeacon Missioner Morris Rodham My passion is for the Church as the Bride of Christ and to work with others to see it grow.

Diocesan Objective To see churches grow as they fulfil the Diocesan purposes of: Worshipping God Making New Disciples Transforming communities by: Improving our 8EQs

Co-operating with God

Origins of NCD “What church growth principles are true, regardless of culture and theological persuasion?” Christian A Schwarz

A A B B B B 6 Models and Principles Model Imitate Universal Growth Principles Abstract Individualize

Identifying the Principles 1.Study Scripture 2. Observe Nature 3. Research

Mark 4:26-29 The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed… the seed sprouts and grows, though he doesn’t know how. All by itself the soil produces grain … as soon as the grain is ripe he puts the sickle to it.

Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to … And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

Conclusions from Scripture We have a part to play God causes the growth “all-by-itself”

Observing Nature Conclusion: Every organism has “all-by-itself” growth potential. They grow, thrive & multiply when the environment is right. 6 Growth Forces

Growth Forces

Research 1,000 churches 32 countries 18 languages 5 continents Conclusion:

Research Conclusion: 8 Essential Quality Characteristics Now 80,000+ churches 70+ countries 30+ languages 6 continents

Quality Characteristics

8EQs Approach

Empowering Leadership

A culture of empowering leadership prevails Empowering leaders empower others to lead and flourish in ministry Empowering leaders don’t do everything themselves They equip, enable and train others Empowering leaders recruit apprentice leaders who they develop and mentor through on-the-job training

Super

Gift-based Ministry

Peoples gifts, passion and personality matched the roles or ministries Members are helped to identify their gifts & passion Joy and fulfilment in serving

Passionate Spirituality

Devotion to God and hunger for Him Being strong in personal spiritual disciplines of prayer, bible reading and giving Growing in holiness and obedience

Passionate Spirituality Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord. CW Collect – 17 th Sunday after Trinity

Effective Structures

But I love our traditions!

Effective Structures Serve the purpose for which they were created Ministries have goals – people know what they are trying to achieve Flexibility, willingness to change, able to adapt Serve the ministries Never say “We’ve always done it this way”

Inspiring Worship

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Inspiring Worship Quality not style! Highpoint of the week Cringe free and accessible

Holistic Small Groups

Church in Miniature

Holistic Small Groups  A group that is small!  Ministering to each other’s felt needs: spiritual, emotional, physical, social  Using spiritual gifts  Bible application  Multiply

Need-oriented Evangelism

Understanding Evangelism 1P resence 2P roclamation 3P ersuasion Effectiveness measured by: How many new disciples are made How many hear and understand How many are helped

Need-oriented Evangelism Aware of the felt needs of the community and meeting the needs of the poor Members effectively sharing their faith in a way natural to them Services accessible to visitors New believers made and discipled

Loving Relationships

Welcoming atmosphere of joy and trust Lots of fun & laughter Forgiving, affirming & encouraging Praying for one another and meeting one another's needs

8 Essential Quality Characteristics Leadership Ministry Spirituality Structures Worship Small Groups Evangelism Relationships  Empowering  Gift-based  Passionate  Effective  Inspiring  Holistic  Need-oriented  Loving

NCD Principles God gives the growth “All by itself” growth principle Our responsibility: to create the growth environment 8EQs are the environment

Developing the 8EQs 1.Regular survey of the 8 Quality Characteristics objective detailed

Survey

I prepare myself to participate in the worship service

Developing the 8EQs 1.Regular survey of the 8 quality characteristics 2.Positive action to improve the qualities (i.e. to improve the environment for growth!) 3 bullet points for action

Minimum Factor Principle

Developing the 8EQs 1.Regular survey of the 8 quality characteristics 2.Positive action to improve the qualities (i.e. creating the environment for growth!) 3.Mentors working to support the process

The Role of the Mentor

Start Introduce to clergy & parishes Appoint Mentor Discern Where should we be? Minimum Factor Vision Goals Act Do it! Put into Practice Monitor Adjust The NCD Cycle Assess Where are we now? NCD Survey Plan How will we get there? Three action bullet points Reflect How did it go? Review Celebrate Prepare

Ephesian 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Next Steps Count the cost: Change in way of thinking Take the long view Time £100 per survey PCC decide & Notify Martin Saxby Agree team of “Key Influencers” - ideally an existing leadership team “KI” Team meet with Mentor

Resources Contact: Martin Saxby Healthy Churches Development Mentor E: M: W: healthychurches.org.uk F: facebook.com/CovDio8EQs