#6 – 8 Universal Principles for Natural Church Growth Mike Mazzalongo

Copying “systems” from growing churches rarely works

Growing Churches (regardless of type or location) all share 8 specific qualities at a high level.

Model: Based on “systems” used in various churches Models vs. principles Model: Based on “systems” used in various churches Principle: Something that applies to every church

The point… We should apply the principles and develop the characteristics of successful churches, not copy the models.

Quality characteristics Not simply a characteristic but a “Qualified” characteristic. IE. Not just a skater… a figure skater.

Quality Characteristic #1 Empowering Leadership

Example A leader visits members… An empowering leader brings a member along to train them in visitation.

Research also showed… More formal Theological training had a negative effect on church growth.

Research also showed… A positive relationship exists between the willingness of leaders to receive training from outside their congregation.

Quality Characteristic #2 Gift Oriented Ministry

Helping Christians identify and use their gifts contributes to church growth more than any other ministry.

Quality Characteristic #3 Passionate Spirituality

True spirituality requires that we not only get the “forms” right - we also have to get our “lives” right with Christ.

Quality Characteristic #4 Functional Structures

Biblical Structure (Organization) for ministry works best.

Acts 2:1-47 - N.T. Structure for Ministry Evangelism - Acts 2:1-41 Education - Acts 2:42 Fellowship - Acts 2:42 Worship - Acts 2:42 Service - Acts 2:43-46

When all ministries are working properly and simultaneously the Lord adds to the church. Acts 2:47

Quality Characteristic #5 Inspiring Worship Services

Changing your “style” of worship will not impact your growth in one way or another.

The Holy Spirit draws (inspires) worshippers to God on the Lord’s Day, when worshippers draw closer to God throughout the week.

Quality Characteristic #6 Holistic Small Groups

“Holistic” small groups are designed to help members use their gifts; share their lives; minister to one another; pray and support each other – not just eat together

“…There is an enormous difference between church leaders discussing evangelism, loving relationships, or gift oriented ministry in its staff meetings, and having Christians integrated into a small group…

“…and go through a process in which he or she actually experiences the meaning of these things in real terms within the confines of the group.” - C. Schwartz Natural Church Development, Page 33

Quality Characteristic #7 Need Oriented Evangelism

Not everyone has a gift for evangelism but each person has 8- 9 natural contacts.

Key to Successful Evangelism Identify & Equip the Gifted Concentrate on Natural Contacts

Quality Characteristic #8 Loving Relationships

A God of Love is worshipped by a church of Love

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. - I Timothy 1:5

People enter the church by the gospel. People stay in the church because of love.

All Growing churches have: Empowering Leadership Gift oriented ministry Passionate Spirituality Fundamental Structures Inspiring Worship Holistic Small Groups Need Oriented Evangelism Loving Relationships