HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS Dr. Paul D. Borden

Three Assumptions (These Assumptions Form a Theology of the Church)

The First Assumption That which is Healthy Grows and Reproduces

The Second Assumption God Created the Church Primarily to Accomplish the Mission of Making Disciples

The Third Assumption The Gospel Message Never Changes but the Church MUST Change Constantly

Life Cycle Of A Church Adulthood Birth Infancy Childhood Adolescence Maturity Empty Nest Retirement Old Age Death Vrmss vrmS vRMS VRMs VRms vrMS vRMS VRMS V  Vision…………Where are we going? R  Relationship…Who is going with us? M  Ministry………How do we get there? S  Structure……..What do we control?

Lifecycle Upside R V m s

S M r v Lifecycle Downside

Vision Mission (Purpose) Vision (How the Community will be Changed if we do the Mission)

Relationships Connecting People (Legos) Finding Acceptance (Third Places) Groups/Meetings (Their Different Purposes)

Ministries Staff Led Congregations (Responsibility, Authority, Accountability) 8 – 10 Basic Ministries People Expect

Structure Board/Council Governs Pastor Leads Staff Equips Congregation Does Ministry