1. Creating the Environment for Growth Introducing Natural Church Development and the 8 Essential Qualities

2. Who Am I? 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 see it grow.

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

4. The 8EQs Approach Origins in Natural Church Development “What church growth principles are true, regardless of culture and theological persuasion?” “What is the difference between growing and declining churches?” “What causes a church to grow?”

5. 3 Ways to Find Answers 1.Study Scripture 2. Observe Nature 3. Research

6. Mark 4:26-29 The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed… the seed sprouts and grows … all by itself the soil produces grain … as soon as the grain is ripe he puts the sickle to it.

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

8. 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

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

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

11. Research 1,000 churches 32 countries 18 languages 5 continents

12. 8 Essential Quality Characteristics Leadership Ministry Spirituality Structures Worship Small Groups Outreach Relationships  Empowering  Gift-based  Passionate  Functional  Inspiring  Holistic  Need-oriented  Loving

13. The 8EQs Approach Origins in Natural Church Development Concerned with Organism and Organisation “All by itself” growth principle Our responsibility: to create the growth environment Principles, not programmes or models

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

16. I prepare myself to participate in the worship service

17. 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 bullet points for action

18. Minimum Factor Principle

19. 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

20. The Role of the Mentor

22. The Mentoring Cycle

23. Six Phases of the Cycle Test Understand Plan Do/Experience Perceive

24. Next Steps Contact: Martin Saxby Healthy Churches Development Mentor E: martin.saxby@covcofe.org M: 07944 670288 W: www.healthychurches.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovDio8EQs