Becoming All God Wants Us

To Be

Mark 4:26-29The 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

I planted the seed,Apollos watered it,

but God made it grow.

Growing Healthy ChurchesGod gives the growth• “All by itself”

Our responsibility: • to create the growth

environment

The Growth Environment

What church growth principles aretrue, regardless of:

• culture• theology• setting• liturgical tradition

Research

• 1,000 churches• 32 countries• 18 languages• 5 continents

Findings:

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures Inspiring Worship

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures Inspiring Worship Holistic Small Groups

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures Inspiring Worship Holistic Small Groups Need-oriented Evangelism

8 Quality Characteristics Empowering Leadership Gift-based Ministry Passionate Spirituality Effective Structures Inspiring Worship Holistic Small Groups Need-oriented Evangelism Loving Relationships

Developing the Qualities

ReflectPlanAct

Minimum Factor Principle

Ephesian 4:16From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.