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Creating the Environment for Growth. Introducing Natural Church Development and the 8 Essential Qualities. 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
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Creating the Environment for Growth Introducing Natural Church Development and the 8 Essential Qualities
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.
Diocesan Objective To see churches grow as they fulfil the Diocesan purposes of: • Worshipping God • Making New Disciples • Transforming communities by: • Improving our 8EQs
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?”
3 Ways to Find Answers • 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 … 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 Iplanted the seed, Apolloswatered it, but Godmade it grow.
Conclusions from Scripture • We have a part to play • God causes the growth “all-by-itself”
Observing Nature Every organism has “all-by-itself” growth potential. They grow, thrive & multiply when the environment is right.
Research • 1,000 churches • 32 countries • 18 languages • 5 continents
8 Essential Quality Characteristics • Empowering • Gift-based • Passionate • Functional • Inspiring • Holistic • Need-oriented • Loving Leadership Ministry Spirituality Structures Worship Small Groups Outreach Relationships
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
Developing the 8EQs • Regular survey of the 8 Quality Characteristics • objective • detailed
Developing the 8EQs • Regular survey of the 8 quality characteristics • Positive action to improve the qualities (i.e. creating the environment for growth!) • 3 bullet points for action
Developing the 8EQs • Regular survey of the 8 quality characteristics • Positive action to improve the qualities (i.e. creating the environment for growth!) • Mentors working to support the process
Six Phases of the Cycle • Test • Understand • Plan • Do/Experience • Perceive
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