Introduction to Natural Church Development Florida Conference United Methodist Church ©2001 CoachNet, Inc.

NATURALCHURCHDEVELOPMENT ? What’s That

What is NCD A different way of thinking about growth A long-term strategic process

Why NCD is Helpful Reminds us that God brings the growth Helps us focus on principles, not programs Provides a regular and accurate snapshot of a church’s health Outlines a process for improving quality Helps us focus on essential growth values Provides input for developing/refining vision Directs limited resource effectively Confirms long-held beliefs through research

What NCD is NOT Silver bullet to guarantee growth Substitute for spiritual leadership Substitute for unique vision Means to bring unity where there is division Short-term solution

Thinking Growth….Naturally God‘s principles for growing living organisms –Principles of nature apply to the church –The church is a living organism Partnering with God to stimulate healthy growth

Mark 4:26-29 A man scatters seed… the seed sprouts and grows… All by itself the soil produces grain...

Thinking Growth….Naturally Natural Church Development helps leaders create an ongoing environment that releases the growth potential in their churches.

Thinking Growth….Naturally God‘s principles for growing living organisms –Principles of nature apply to the church –The church is a living organism Partnering with God to stimulate healthy growth Quality as the foundation for quantity

Thinking Growth….Naturally Natural Church Development helps leaders identify and address the unique health (quality) issues facing their churches.

Natural Church Development

International Research Project International Research Project 1,000 churches 32 countries 18 languages 6 continents

Key Question What church growth principles are true, regardless of culture and theological persuasion?

Quality Characteristics EmpoweringLeadership Gift-oriented Passionate Functional Inspiring Holistic Need-oriented Loving Ministry Spirituality Structures Worship Small Groups Evangelism Relationships The Adjective is the key!

Six Biotic Principles Interdependence Multiplication Energy transformation Multi-usage Symbiosis Functionality

The NCD Survey A diagnostic tool for implementing the NCD paradigm A question of values –Look at the adjective for quality, not the noun The Minimum Factor

Quality Characteristics Quality Characteristics Minimum Factor Minimum Factor Church Attendance Church Attendance The Minimum Barrel Raising the quality of the minimum factor often results in quantitative growth

The NCD Cycle The Quality Growth Cycle is a strategic process that provides a framework for action.

Phase 1: Prepare for Survey Phase 2: Do the Survey Phase 3: Analyze Survey Results Phase 4: Develop Action Plan Phase 5: Implement & monitor Phase 6: Evaluate and Repeat The NCD Cycle

To do an NCD Survey? Is a survey really necessary? Is a survey right for your church now? –Timing –Commitment, unity and a heart for growth –Comings and goings at the top –Demographics, change and expectations –Recent church plant –Size Committed but not big enough yet?

Yes to the Survey Understand the basic NCD concepts Leadership commitment Know your NCD coach Build momentum for change Timing Ordering the survey Going on a journey

Helpful Resources Natural Church Development (Schwarz) –Explanation of NCD basics ABC’s of Natural Church Development (Schwarz) –Abbreviated explanation of NCD Releasing Your Church’s Potential (Logan/Clegg) CoachNet web-based resourcing –

Natural Church Development……......the choice is yours