1. Natural Church Development  An introduction to a natural way to realise growth in your church  Drawn from Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development

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3. The perusal of works upon our faith, the reading of arguments from the pens of others, is an excellent and important aid, but this will not give the mind the greatest strength. The Bible is the best book in the world for giving intellectual culture. Its study taxes the mind, strengthens the memory, and sharpens the intellect more than the study of all the subjects that human philosophy embraces. The great themes which it presents, the dignified simplicity with which these themes are handled, the light which is shed upon the great problems of life, bring strength and vigor to the understanding. {GW 99.3} 3

4. The research…  Statistically validated  SDA Church included in international research (Australia one of 32 countries involved)  SDA Church is one of the highest utilizes of the NCD process (Second largest)  Outcome: 8 universal, natural principles—elements a church must have in order to be healthy and growing

5. The “all by itself” principle…  Mark 4:26–29: “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn—first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

6. Our “improvement” on this plan…  “This is what the business of church growth is like. After looking around the world for the best experts, we draw up a plan and refine it. Then we refine it again. Night and day, whether we’re supposed to be sleeping or not, we refine and work the plan as best we can. Finally, exhausted and discouraged, we accept a transfer. By then the harvest is over, the summer is passed; and as far as we can tell, few have been saved.”

7. Oops! Let’s go back to Plan A…  Mark 4:26–29: “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn—first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

8. The “all by itself” principle…  1 Cor. 3:6, 7: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

9. The “all by itself” principle…  God’s invitation is for us to allow the Holy Spirit to build the church through Heaven’s own growth mechanisms— much better than having pastors, elders, etc. “push and shove” a congregation in their own strength!

10. 10 Question: What do you make of this picture?

11. 11 Question: Would this be a tad better?

12. Two kinds of growth…  Growth in numbers (quantity)  Growth in spirituality (quality)  Question: How would you describe these two? Which is more important? What is their relationship?

13. The question of goals  Question: Are numerical goals critical for church growth?  7 out of 10 fast-growing churches do not have numerical growth goals  Quality goals are more important  These goals work best when they are precise, challenging, time-bound, measurable & verifiable

14. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 1. Empowering leadership  Leaders in the congregation are empowered to minister  The pastor leads primarily by relationships, discipleship & delegation  Leadership is not by personal authority or the power of theological training Is this Biblical? Ephesians 4:12 “… to prepare God’s people for works

15. 1. Empowering Leadership Is this Biblical? Ephesians 4:12 “… to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” 15

16. 1. Empowering Leadership Pastors are needed--faithful shepherds--who will not flatter God's people, nor treat them harshly, but who will feed them with the bread of life--men who in their lives feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit and who cherish a strong, unselfish love toward those for whom they labor. {AA 526.1} 16

17. But many pastors fail in not knowing how, or in not trying, to get the full membership of the church actively engaged in the various departments of church work. If pastors would give more attention to getting and keeping their flock actively engaged at work, they would accomplish more good, have more time for study and religious visiting, and also avoid many causes of friction.-- Gospel Workers, pp. 197, 198. 17

18. Addressing the church elders regarding their responsibilities as undershepherds of Christ's flock, the apostle wrote: "Feed the flock of God which is among you..." Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord's flock. This is not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal labor. The church on earth is composed of erring men and women, who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be trained and disciplined to work with acceptance in this life, and in the future life to be crowned with glory and immortality. (AA525.2 – 526.1) 18

19. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 2. Gift-based ministry  Ministry is based on the individual gifts and calling in the congregation  The ministry plan is not a “prescription” from leadership, with a call for “volunteers”  The ministry plan is developed directly from the giftedness and interests of members  A key: “the priesthood of all believers”

20. 2. Gift-based Ministry Is this biblical? 1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 20

21. But let us not forget that those whom God has blessed with the good things of this life are to be His helping hand, to supply the necessities of His needy ones. They are to be labourers together with Him. They are His stewards in trust, and are to use their goods for the advancement of His work, that His name may be glorified. The Lord desires to employ the church as a channel through which to communicate His bounties. If His people would keep the channel open, receiving the spiritual and temporal gifts of His grace, and imparting them to the needy, there would be no sick ones neglected, no orphans crying for food. The hearts of the widow and the fatherless would sing for joy. {BEcho, August 12, 1901 par. 4} 21

22. In the day of final accounts, what will the church give as a reason for her strange indifference to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth? My brethren and sisters, keep the temple of God pure and holy, that He may use it to the glory of His name. God will enlarge His faculties and multiply His gifts to you as you make use of them to gather souls under the bloodstained banner of the Redeemer. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." By yielding to the temptations of the enemy, by losing sight of God, you have lost the sense of what a child of God ought to be. Your powers of perception are clouded. But the way is open for your spiritual life to be reinforced with new power. "Ask, and ye shall receive." {BEcho, August 12, 1901 par. 7} 22

23. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 3. Passionate spirituality  Christians in the congregation are “on fire”  They are gripped by devotion to Jesus … prayerful … enthusiastic … joyful  The congregation’s focus is not on behaviours, obligations, qualifications for membership, or doctrinal correctness

24. 3. Passionate Spirituality Is this Biblical? Romans 12:11-12 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” 24

25. "CHRIST CRUCIFIED, CHRIST RISEN, CHRIST ASCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, CHRIST COMING AGAIN, SHOULD SO SOFTEN, GLADDEN, AND FILL THE MIND OF THE MINISTER THAT HE WILL PRESENT THESE TRUTHS TO THE PEOPLE IN LOVE AND DEEP EARNESTNESS. THE MINISTER WILL THEN BE LOST SIGHT OF, AND JESUS WILL BE MADE MANIFEST. LIFT UP JESUS, YOU THAT TEACH THE PEOPLE, LIFT HIM UP IN SERMON, IN SONG, IN PRAYER. LET ALL YOUR POWERS BE DIRECTED TO POINTING SOULS, CONFUSED, BEWILDERED, LOST, TO THE 'LAMB OF GOD.' LIFT HIM UP, THE RISEN SAVIOUR, AND SAY TO ALL WHO HEAR, COME TO HIM WHO 'HATH LOVED US, AND HATH GIVEN HIMSELF FOR US.' LET THE SCIENCE OF SALVATION BE THE BURDEN OF EVERY SERMON, THE THEME OF EVERY SONG. LET IT BE POURED FORTH IN EVERY SUPPLICATION. BRING NOTHING INTO YOUR PREACHING TO SUPPLEMENT CHRIST, THE WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD. HOLD FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE, PRESENTING JESUS AS THE HOPE OF THE PENITENT AND THE STRONGHOLD OF EVERY BELIEVER. REVEAL THE WAY OF PEACE TO THE TROUBLED AND THE DESPONDENT, AND SHOW FORTH THE GRACE AND COMPLETENESS OF THE SAVIOUR."--"GOSPEL WORKERS," PP. 159, 160. {CET 247.1} 25

26. "If any man will come after Me," said Jesus, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23. Let us follow the Saviour in His simplicity and self- denial. Let us lift up the Man of Calvary by word and by holy living. The Saviour comes very near to those who consecrate themselves to God. If ever there was a time when we needed the working of the Spirit of God upon our hearts and lives, it is now. Let us lay hold of this divine power for strength to live a life of holiness and self- surrender. {CD 58.4} 26

27. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 4. Effective structures  The organisational structures of the church are dynamic, rather than fixed; they are continually renewed for maximum effectiveness in service  Members are eager for positive change  The polar opposite: a tradition-bound organisation—which destroys motivation, discourages initiative, perpetuates inconvenience, and prevents growth

28. 4. Effective Structures Is this Biblical? Mark 2:27 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” 28

29. 4. Effective Structures Evil does not result because of organization, but because of making organization everything, and vital godliness of little moment. When form and machinery take the pre-eminence, and a laborious task is made of carrying on the work that should be done with simplicity, evil will result, and little will be accomplished in proportion to the effort put forth. The object of organization is just the reverse of this; and should we disorganize, it would be like tearing down that which we have built up. Evil results have been seen, both in the Sabbath school work and in the missionary society, because of making much of machinery while vital experience was lost sight of. FE 253.1 29

30. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 5. Inspiring worship service  Regardless of the style of service (traditional or contemporary, liturgical or free), the worship service is Spirit-filled  People come to the service not out of duty or as a favour for God or the pastor, but because the experience is enjoyable, well-planned and meaningful

31. 5. Inspiring Worship Services Is this Biblical? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” 31

32. Inspiring Worship Services The father, who is the priest of his household, should conduct the morning and evening worship. There is no reason why this should not be the most interesting and enjoyable exercise of the home life, and God is dishonored when it is made dry and irksome. Let the seasons of family worship be short and spirited. CG521.3 32

33. Singing, as a part of religious service, is as much an act of worship as is prayer. The heart must feel the spirit of the song, to give it right expression. {CE 62.4} 33

34. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 6. Whole-life (“holistic”) small group ministry  The congregation builds an effective small- group ministry—with a “holistic,” practical focus on immediate personal concerns and service to others  The small group becomes the natural place for practical discipleship (not for abstract study)  The larger the church, the more important this critical component

35. 6. Holistic Small Group Ministry Is this biblical? Acts 2:46,47 “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” 35

36. 6. Holistic Small Group Ministry Let little companies meet together to study the Scriptures. You will lose nothing by this, but will gain much. Angels of God will be in your gathering, and as you feed upon the Bread of Life, you will receive spiritual sinew and muscle. You will be feeding, as it were, upon the leaves of the tree of life. By this means only can you maintain your integrity.--TDG 11. 36

37. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 7. Need-oriented evangelism  The pastor knows the gifts of service in the congregation, especially evangelism (perhaps 10% of the congregation)  The pastor directs the evangelists into appropriate ministries for non-Christians  Most members actively share Christ in their daily contacts  All evangelism is directed to people’s needs—not manipulation and pressure

38. 7. Need-Oriented Evangelism Is this biblical? 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 “To the Jews I became like a Jew... To those not having the law I became like one without the law... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” 38

39. 7. Need-Oriented Evangelism Let every Seventh-day Adventist ask himself, "What can I do to proclaim the third angel's message?" Christ came to this world to give this message to His servant to give to the churches. It is to be proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. How are we to give it? The distribution of our literature is one means by which the message is to be proclaimed. Let every believer scatter broadcast tracts and leaflets and books containing the message for this time. Colporteurs are needed who will go forth to circulate our publications everywhere.--Southern Watchman, Jan. 5, 1904. 39

40. The time is near when large cities will be swept away, and all should be warned of these coming judgments.-- Evangelism, p. 29. (1910) 40

41. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 8. Loving relationships  The congregation is characterized by lively, positive relationships between members, inside and outside the church  There are frequent acts of practical love, and laughter is easy to spot  While faith is crucial, it is not the highest value for a church—love holds this honour

42. 8. Loving Relationships Is this biblical? John 13:34,35 “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 42

43. 8. Loving Relationships One of the strongest evidences of true conversion is love to God and man. Those who accept Jesus as their Redeemer have a deep, sincere love for others of like precious faith. Thus it was with the believers at Thessalonica. "As touching brotherly love," the apostle wrote, "ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." {AA 262.3} 43

44. Peter continued, "see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." The word of God--the truth--is the channel through which the Lord manifests His Spirit and power. Obedience to the word produces fruit of the required quality-- "unfeigned love of the brethren." This love is heaven-born and leads to high motives and unselfish actions. {AA 519.3} 44

45. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 1. Empowering leadership 2. Gift-oriented ministry 3. Passionate spirituality 4. Effective structures 5. Inspiring worship service 6. Whole-life small group ministry 7. Need-oriented evangelism 8. Loving relationships Note: The secret is in the adjectives…

46. The “Minimum Factor”  Finding: Whenever a church works on one of the eight quality characteristics, the point value improves not only for that area, but for all other areas as well  Question: Which of the eight characteristics do you think are the most elemental, the most critical?

47. A healthy church: 8 characteristics 1. Empowering leadership 2. Gift-based ministry 3. Passionate spirituality 4. Effective structures 5. Inspiring worship service 6. Whole-life small group ministry 7. Need-oriented evangelism 8. Loving relationships Note: The secret is in the adjectives… ✔ ✔

48. Is this applicable for Adventists?  Monte Sahlin, Ministry, Nov. 2004: “What makes churches grow? What recent Adventist research reveals”  “The strongest item in the cluster of church growth indicators is how well the congregation does in helping members deepen their relationship with God. This is strong evidence that spirituality is key to church growth.…  “Congregations that place an emphasis on teaching spiritual disciplines are more likely to be growing churches.… >

49.  “Spirituality cannot be ignored when church leaders seek expanding congregations. Any church growth strategy that is not bathed in prayer and does not emerge with the guidance of the Holy Spirit cannot be expected to attain authentic, lasting growth.” Is this applicable for Adventists?

50. A healthy church: 8 characteristics  Schwarz’s description: “This is a church in which the leadership is committed heart and soul to church growth; in which nearly every Christian is using his or her gifts to edify the church; in which most members are living out the faith with power and contagious enthusiasm; in which church structures are evaluated on whether they serve the growth of the church or not;

51. A healthy church: 8 characteristics  Schwarz’s description continued: “…in which worship services are a high point of the week for the majority of the congregation; in which the loving and healing power of Christian fellowship can be experienced in small groups; in which nearly all Christians, according to their gifts, help to fulfill the Great Commission; in which the love of Christ permeates almost all church activities.”

52. A healthy church: 8 characteristics  Schwarz’s description concluded: “…Is it even conceivable that such a church could stagnate or decline?”

53. 53 The “Quality Index”  Researchers established a “Quality Index” (QI) as an evaluative tool. The median score (“average”) was set at 50.  Congregations scoring a QI of >65 were always healthy and growing.  Congregations that scored low in one or two characteristics, but high in all the others, were generally not healthy or growing.

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55. 55 The “Quality Index”  Realising all 8 characteristics at a high level is not a “quick-fix” method, but “a difficult path” that can, nevertheless, be taken successfully  Remember: “God gives the growth”  The “all by itself” principle is given by Christ—and it really works

56. 56 The “Minimum Factor”  An approach… We cannot do everything at once—but we can choose one thing to do first, and then do it!  Schwarz recommends choosing the “minimum factor”

57. 57 The “Minimum Factor”  The “minimum factor” is that characteristic, identified by valid research, that is lowest on the church’s Quality Index.  This is the aspect that appears to have the greatest need—combined with significant opportunity and potential for impact on the ministries of the congregation as a whole.

58. 58 The “Minimum Factor”  How do we find out how a church is presently doing? How do we discover “the minimum factor,” so we can go forward with the challenge?  A tested and proven questionnaire: for completion by up to 30 active church members and the pastor.

59. 59 The “Minimum Factor”  The questionnaire consists of 91 straightforward statements for your graded response E.g. “I often tell other Christians when I have experienced something from God”  Data from the church is then compared with a database of millions of responses worldwide

60. 60 The “Minimum Factor”  From this data, a “church profile” is created and given to the congregation  The profile shows the Quality Index for each of the 8 characteristics  It also identifies the “minimum factor”—the recommended area for focus initially

61. 61 The “Minimum Factor”  The ideal dynamic is to use current strengths to improve the weaker points  This is not a focus on weakness, but a focus on how a strength can lift up a weakness E.g. A church strong in “gift-oriented ministry” might use people with particular gifts to strengthen an area like small group ministry or evangelism

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63. 63 The “Minimum Factor”  Finding: Whenever a church works on one of the eight quality characteristics, the point value improves not only for that area, but for all other areas as well  Finding: The QI for the eight characteristics can change over time, so follow-up surveys are important

64. 64 Resources…  The ABC’s of Natural Church Development, by Christian A. Schwarz. Key concepts in an easy reading style. A 32-page booklet.  Implementation Guide to Natural Church Development. 235 pages.  Natural Church Development Survey. After processing, the church receives a report with a “Church Profile” and the identity of the “minimum factor”.  CD: Releasing Your Church’s Potential.