Introduction to Natural Church Development

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

2. ? What’s That NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

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

11. Natural Church Development

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

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

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

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

16. 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

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

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

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

20. 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?

21. 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

22. 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 • www.coachnet.org

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