The Eight Quality Characteristics of Healthy and Growing Churches: Natural Church Development (NCD)

Empowering Leadership

Effective leadership begins with a close connection and relationship with God, resulting in Christ-like character and a clear sense of God's calling for leaders’ lives. As this base of spiritual maturity increases, effective pastors and leaders multiply, guide, empower and equip disciples to realize their full potential in Christ and work together to accomplish God's vision.

Gift-based Ministry

The Holy Spirit gives to every Christian spiritual gift(s) for the building of God's kingdom. Church leaders have the responsibility to help believers discover, develop and exercise their gifts in appropriate ministries so that the Body of Christ "grows and builds itself up in love."

Passionate Spirituality

Effective ministry flows out of a passionate spirituality. A close spiritual connection leads to a strong conviction that God will act in powerful ways. A godly vision can only be accomplished through an optimistic faith which views obstacles as opportunities and turns defeats into victories.

Effective Structures

The Church is the living Body of Christ. Like all healthy beings, it requires numerous systems which work together to fulfill its intended purpose. Each must be evaluated regularly to determine if it is still the best way to accomplish the intended purpose.

Inspiring Worship Services

Inspiring worship is a personal and group encounter with the living God. Both personal and public worship must be infused with the presence of God resulting in times of joyous exultation and times of quiet reverence. Inspiring worship is not driven by a particular style or ministry group - but rather the shared experience of God's awesome presence.

Holistic Small Groups

Holistic small groups make disciples, and strive to reach the un-churched, to meet individual needs, to develop each person according to their God-given gifts and to raise leaders to sustain the growth of the church. Like healthy body cells, holistic small groups are designed to grow and multiply and spawn new groups.

Need-oriented Evangelism

Need-oriented evangelism intentionally cultivates relationships with people outside the church so they can become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are actively participating within the life of the church and community. Using appropriate ministries and authentic relationships, believers can guide others into the family of God.

Loving Relationships

Loving relationships are the heart of a healthy, growing church. Jesus said people will know we are his disciples by our love. Clear and real examples of love in action build authentic Christian community and brings others into God's kingdom.